Calming signal “dog language” posture inviting play (bowing posture)

The calming signal this time is a posture that invites play (a posture of bowing).

This signal has a different meaning from what we think dogs are emitting when we look only at their posture.

It's difficult to understand if you don't know about it, so I'd like to introduce it in an easy-to-understand way.

What kind of behavior is a posture that invites play (bowing posture)?

When a dog meets another dog, you've probably seen them excitedly lower their front legs and upper body, raise their butt high, and assume a bowing position.

Many people think that this position is inviting the other dog to play.

When your dog playfully moves his legs and body from side to side, you can think of it as an invitation to play.

However, if it stays still in a bowed position, it may be a calming signal.

Reasons for taking a posture that invites you to play (bowing posture)

This is a signal that if your dog is a bit nervous or suspicious, he may adopt this posture when approaching other dogs.

Also, if your dog feels a little anxious when encountering other animals (horses, cows, etc.) that are larger than you (the dog), you may adopt this position.

These signals are used to calm down the other person, so as not to arouse their own anxiety or arouse the other person.

For example, when a dog encounters another dog, it slowly approaches the other dog while shaking its head from side to side in order to reassure the other dog, and then stops a short distance away, in a posture that invites the other dog to play (a calming signal).

The other dog will also get the signal, and when it feels safe, it will bow as well to convey its relief.

Other times, when your dog feels scared, you may continue to bow for several minutes until the other dog calms down.

How to deal with the calming signal of posture inviting play (bowing posture)

I think that this calming signal is mainly used in communication between dogs, rather than in communication between us humans and dogs.

Therefore, it may be difficult for us to use our dog's calming signals, but if you come into contact with another dog during a walk, you may notice that your dog or the other dog is in this bowing position. If you do, pay close attention to see if it's inviting you to play or giving a calming signal.

If it's a calming signal, it's because you want the other dog to calm down and feel safe, so it's best to quietly wait until your dog and the other dog have finished communicating.

If you are able to communicate using calming signals without any problems, it may be a good idea to praise your dog afterwards.

summary

I think that the meaning of this calming signal that invites play (bowing) is different from what we thought it meant until now and what dogs used it for.

The meaning we thought of as wanting to play or inviting people to play may be correct in some cases, but I would like you to know that it is also used to make you feel safe, like this calming signal. think.

By learning about calming signals, you may be able to gradually understand what your dog is thinking and behaving.

Be aware of your dog's true feelings so you can live a happy life with your dog!

Click here for other calming signals