Not only do they have short tails, like Boston dogs, but also pets that have no tails because of species genes, accidents or cosmetic surgery. Is it difficult to communicate with humans or other animals? On this question, dog expert Monique Udell gave the answer.
This will definitely affect their communication skills, "said Judel, founder of the canine cognition and behavior laboratory at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Houdre said that dogs with short tails or naturally short curly tails, such as pugs, don't have as rich expressions as long-tailed dogs. Fortunately, dogs can make up for their emotional expression through other parts of their bodies.
Generally speaking, dogs roll their tails under their bodies to show obedience, which is an important signal to other dogs.
"The tail can also cover the whole reproductive part, so it has a wider communication function," she said. If a dog doesn't trust the other completely, it will cover its reproductive parts with its tail. This is because dogs learn information by smelling other odor glands near the anus-so exposing this area is a sign of mutual trust. "It's like saying,' I'm a little nervous ... when other dogs smell the scent glands, I really don't want to have anything to do with you-similar to humans crossing their arms on their chests and turning away. "
Let's see wagging our tails.
"wagging your tail means more than one thing," Judel said, and not all of them are friendly. Repeatedly wagging one's tail enthusiastically and the tail is relaxed and not stiff, indicating friendliness or playfulness; Slow and restrained swinging and nervous body show unfriendly, which is a signal to humans or other dogs to "go away".
Fortunately, the dog with the broken tail has a backup plan, from the neck to the bristles behind the tail.
Udell thinks these hairs are very useful. She said that the hair on the back of the neck is usually considered offensive, but it can actually convey a variety of emotions, including aggression, fear or excitement. "When my dog was young, every time we brought him a new toy, he would stand behind his neck because he was so excited," Judel said.
However, the generation-selective inheritance of appearance characteristics has seriously hindered this function of some dog neck hairs.
Poodles and Afghan hounds enhance their gorgeous hair during breeding. Although the nape hair can still stand up, it is likely to be covered by heavy hair. This change is very common in the process of dog domestication and reproductive improvement. "Sometimes the signals they send don't match the behaviors they show." Even people who get along with them feel confused.
Facial expressions are also communication signals between dogs, and different dogs have different expressions. Take exposed teeth as an example, which usually means aggression. However, some dogs convey a more vague message-bulldogs are famous anti-jaw dogs, which means that their teeth are almost always exposed.
"Such dogs always look angry, mainly because their lips can't wrap their teeth," which may affect other dogs' views on them, Udell said. But there is another way to express real anger-cocked ears, she added.
Because there are so many kinds of dogs, you have to be familiar with the kinds of dogs you have and their communication methods to really know what you are doing. Dogs pay attention to their owners all day, and these observation experiences enable them to communicate with us more effectively. Dale said, "If we can treat dogs like this, we can understand more interesting things."