Dogs Read Us

Our dogs read sign language.  Have you ever thought about that?  Just like we humans do, even if we're not classically trained in actual sign language, dogs pick up on our bodily cues.  We read body language, hand and arm motions, facial expressions etc. all the time, all day.  Dogs too look to us for important signals.  A glance from you toward their leash hook immediately tells them it's time for a walk.  Moving toward the back door signals to them they're headed out to the yard.  Sure, you might purposefully tag a word for your dog to associate with when you head to the door (such as "outside"), which then simply teaches a new signal, the word, but the motion alone is being read even without the word attachment.  It's actually far easier to train and teach a dog with cues than language. 

Possible Cues Your Dog Already Picks Up On

Your eye movement toward the door, leashes food etc

Using finger to point in a direction to go

Crying vs laughing or smiling

Energetic vs tired body language

Head nods for direction

Pain body language

Stress body language

Breathing (For some odd reason Murray is VERY in tune to breathing.  Deep sudden breaths stress him.)

They're favorite cue is my "walk" cue :)