Hi all, firstly another thank you for the continued good advice from the board members.

This time it's a question about body language when interacting with the puppy. Now, I've had cats before and I know they don't like to be stared at and that closing your eyes or taking long blinks when looking at one helps them relax (since if you're not watching them intently you're unlikely to pounce )

I was wondering if there's any similar wisdom when looking at/talking to dogs. Is there any particular expressions they find comforting or reassuring?

Ta

Tom

Eye contact with dogs is translated as confrontational.

If you engage in eye contact with a dog and you look away first you show submission to them in a very basic form. (I am sure that will get jumped all over about domination not existsing).

Just being calm in yourself, a soothing tone of voice and most importantly giving physical contact is enough for a dog to be relaxed and calm.

The best way to relax your dog is first get them to lie on there side as though giving a belly rub, no need to force them down, then strioke their body with one hand and massage them from nose to tail with the other. If they don't start dribbling by the time you get to the shoudlers then they're just not feeling it

P.S - try squinting ans smiling (no teeth) with cats - works like a charm.

Pitch of voice i think is more important with dogs and as hutch6 says dogs donnot like being stared at and alot dont like you right in there face.