Scent

Dogs have around 220 million olfactory receptor (O.R.) cells, and could smell a sausage sandwich that dropped on the floor last week (which is around 45 times that of a human at around 5 million O.R.’s.).

Body language/stance

Body language/stance, (they will act to enlarge themselves against a possible threat.

Almost like a dance, the hair on the dogs back, it’s “hackles” will rise, the body may arc slightly, and the chest beomes pumped up. They then may start a “dance” around each other - This happens before a fight or aggressive situation in an attempt to express their dominance, and to get the other to submit.

Vocalising

(Growling or barking) it is possible to be able to determine how your dog is feeling, about that precise moment in time and location, by listening in what tone/pitch and manor which the sound is being projected; excitedly, nervously, aggressively, for example.

Energy

It's important to consider the energy that surrounds them, either animal or human - is it tension or tranquillity?

For example; you are walking your dog down the street, and on the other side of the pavement is another dog that has just come into view, (note: your dog may have recognised the scent from a few minutes or days ago) although you may not react in anyway, tense or otherwise, your dog will still pick up the energy from the other dog and handler, as well as the slightest bit of energy you project, reacting responsively.

Although you are not expected to control every dog handler/owner you come across as such a notion would be ridiculous, it is always beneficial to be aware of the oncoming dogs, correct or distract any unwanted behaviour, and use your common sense and calmly continue on your way, simple isn't it?

You will have to put some effort in, (or just be really lucky), to have a well trained dog, which case you would keep going with ease, however, in the above suggested scenario, if there is any sign of your dog moving forward in an aggressive or dominant manner then you should probably use timed correction, which is wait a couple of seconds for calm behaviour, then move off.

At the other end of the scale, super submissive/subservient will also need to be addressed in a slightly different but still calm, manner, without serving to their fear, usually in either circumstance your intention should be to keep on moving forward - that way the dogs eyes are forward, and that is where the focus will be.

Every human is different from the next, so is each dog, so the absolute best thing would be to either contact us at Dog Whisperer World directly to arrange an assessment-development program, or have a professional like Bruce to provide tailored training to suit your individual needs, as well as your pooch.)