Calming signals

[SuzanneE]

When Daisy appears anxious or stressed I yawn and lick my lips (as I have read that these are calming signals) and this seems to help her calm down. Are there any other calming signals that people use - I would like to know what else I could try.

[Karma]

A sigh can also help.

Turning your head slightly.

Sniffing the ground is also a calming signal and a calming activity, so if a dog is a little stressed scattering a few (fairly low value) treats on the ground (especially in grass) can help calm them - the key is that they are close together and easy to sniff out, as racing around trying to "find" a treat is stimulating...

And, while it's not a calming signal, I find asking for (having trained it) a hand-touch is also very calming for Honey - it refocusses her on me rather than whatever is causing her anxiety.

[SuzanneE]

Thanks Karma, thats great. When you say turning your head sightly do you mean tilting (you know that tilt that dogs do when they are interested in something like a new high pitched noise) or should I be turning away from her sort of to avoid looking at her?
Thanks for your advice.

[Bluebell]

You have probably already read this, but just in case...

http://www.canis.no/rugaas/onearticle.php?artid=1

[Karma]

Turning away slightly - face on looking is pretty confrontational for a dog, so a turn to the side just clarifies that you're not staring them down... 

[Pisky]

Thanks Bluebell - have just read that link now and its really interesting!

[SuzanneE]

Thanks Karma and bluebell - I find it all very interesting

[maddy74]

I rub the tips of willows ears and this seems to chill her out. Have you ever looked into T touch, the circular movements on a dog? thats worth looking into. We had a dog trainer come to our house that did this, its great.

http://www.ttouch.com/