When your dog is talking, Are you paying attention? As a longtime dog owner, trainer and breeder, I've come to understand that most dog owners do not have a good understanding of " the dog language".

If you can not effectively communicate and understand your dogs actions you are missing out on a huge part of what it takes to have a well balanced canine and make your dog training programs easier to accomplish.

In this and future articles, hopefully you can gain enough information on how to listen and understand what and why your dog is trying to communicate with you.

Since dogs have not grasped the skills to communicate effectively via the "human" language, the only way to talk with us, specifically you the pet owner, is for your dog to use simple body language techniques.

A dogs body language is composed of several different, yet interactive sections.

• Nosing (Sniffing)
• Tail Wagging
• Lip Position

In order for a dog to get a "sense" of who or what something is, they have to use their nose. This nosing or (sniffing) is a language designed for identification purposes. It is set in a specific sequence of the tail end first and the face end last. We as humans would find this backwards, not so to your canine.

This type of nosing is completely acceptable in the canine world, do not scold or discipline your dog for this type of behavior. Try not to correct or train what you do not understand. Understanding your companion is the cornerstone to successful dog training.

Tail wagging is considered to be the ultimate in " dog sign language". Depending on breed this will differ to some extent, but for the most part this language is generic.

• The good old standby, easy going tail wag is an indication of "I'm a friend" or "Glad to see you".
• An extended high tail or wild wag is normally a sign of "Let's go play" or a high state of excitement.
• Generally when a dog becomes nervous or is embarrassed, the tail wag will become slower in nature. This particular type of body language is important for you to observe.
• A wagging, tucked tail normally means "I'm sorry!" Do not confuse this type of body language with a tucked tail that is not wagging. If the tail is tucked without any type of reference to discipline, it generally indicates a style of submission or "scared reaction".

Some dogs will actually grin. They have copied this type of body language from their owners and humans in general. An interesting fact is they will only display this type of behavior to humans, not to other canines. If you observe this "grin", feel fortunate, most dog owners will never experience this rare body language.

Another lip position to be aware of is the act of drawing the corners of the lip forward. I am sure most people have seen this type of displayed body language before. This indicates an aggression reaction, especially if teeth are displayed. Beware, this is normally pre eminate of an attack.

Just the opposite to the forward lip draw is the backward lip pull. This distinct act is normally a submissive or "friendly smile".

As a pet owner, you have to understand what your dog is trying to "say to you". This type of getting to know your dog will greatly enhance your future or present dog training techniques.

Think about, if you do not know what your dog is trying to communicate to you, how can you expect him to learn. Remember, "Never set your dog up to fail".

If you are interested in more dog training techniques, articles, tips, videos and much, much more I suggest you visit StayandSit.Com, one of the better online dog training websites.