Dog Behavior - Warning Signs

First, we need some basic understanding of canine behavior.
Dogs are "pack" oriented; they have their own social structure and hierarchy from the leader (alpha male and alpha female) to lowest underlings. In socializing with other dogs they go through various rituals consisting of muzzle, genital, and butt sniffing, a general "feeling out" or introduction, before they establish a relationship and status.
Second, we need to look at communication.

Dog communication, besides vocalization (barks, growls, howls, etc.), consists of body language, positioning of ears, eyes, tail, and stance. For example, Dominant dog (head, ears, tail erect and direct eye contact) and a Submissive dog (ears and head down, tail low between the legs and no eye contact). These two are probably the most commonly recognized body languages and isn’t much different than our own body language (except for the tail and ears). Other body "signals" that most dogs give before reacting are the raising of hackles, stare downs, fearful threats, defiant stance, and the T-bone.

Raised Hackles-
Hackles are the hair on the neck and back that are raised involuntarily in anger or flight.

Stare Downs-
Staring is always associated with dominance, usually followed by aggression.

Fearful Threats-
A slinky low posture with the tail between the legs and the ears rotated back to one side.

Defiant Stance-
Head, tail, and ears held high with a stiff body posture accompanied by a slow forward movement.

T-Bone-
Dominate gesture of placing the head over the shoulders of another dog.

Recognizing these types of body language will help you take action and avert any injury to your canine companion or yourself.

So what should you do when you observe these warning signs?

--Always watch your dog and stay close. When other dogs approach, observe how your dog reacts and how the other dog approaches your dog.

--Never let your dog play or stray too far away from you in case you need to intervene.

--Break the eye contact. Remember, staring is an act of dominance and is followed by acts of aggression. Divert or distract your dog by calling him to you, turning him away from the other dog, offering him a toy or a food treat.

--Lastly, react immediately. Don’t wait to see the outcome, once you recognize the warning signals intervene and take action.

Following the warning signs and taking the appropriate course of action will make your life and yours dogs a lot safer and happier.