July 2002

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CALMING SIGNALS: THE LANGUAGE OF THE DOG PARK

part two of a three part series, excerpted/adapted from the work of Turid Rugaas

Last month, in the first part of this exploration of canine calming signals, we began the discussion by outlining the following signals: moving slowly, moving in an arc, and sitting/lying down. Here are the other major signals that dogs use to calm others and themselves.

BLINKING, AVERTING EYES, TURNING AWAY: When a dog approaches another, it's a very interesting moment in time for those individuals. Why then, do we see dogs looking away, exaggerating an eye blink or turning their heads away from approaching dogs? Is it disinterest, distraction or a calming signal? People can gain the confidence of a worried dog more quickly by avoiding direct eye contact, or even better, by turning away with their backs or sides to the dog.

SNIFFING THE GROUND: Dogs use their noses to explore their environment, but at times sniffing can be a calming signal. It can often be seen when dogs are meeting. Owners have attributed out of context sniffing as a stalling tactic. If one looks at it strictly in terms of dog behavior it is more likely being used as a calming signal in response to stress. For example: in trying to recall a dog the owner thunders, "Dog, COME". The dog approaches slowly, in a curve, then pauses to sniff. Is she being spiteful or could it be conflict resolution? Has her past experience taught her that "Come" is often followed by an unpleasant state of affairs - time to go home, time to come away from something more interesting, time to receive a punishment? What tone of voice, body posture and facial expressions is being used when calling the dog? Is the dog untrained, bad, distracted or is she trying to explain something to the owner?

YAWNING: Perhaps the most intriguing of all signals is yawning. While it’s true that a dog may just be sleepy, observation will often show that the dog is using it as a calming signal. People can also use this signal to help calm a dog.

LIP LICKING: This quick little flick of the tongue is language which often goes unnoticed because it is shadowed by more overt signals.

SPLITTING: Dogs going physically between dog or people is a signal. Sometimes you’ll see it when dogs are in a tight bunch and another dog will walk through. This same move can be easily done by people too. Other times you’ll see it during rough play, when we may think a dog is “jealous” of the other dogs playing and is trying to get their attention, they are more likely trying to calm things down and take the pressure off.

Next month: how you can use these signals to communicate with dogs.

Sources:

On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals
by Turid Rugaas
Booklet and Video both available

Classifieds

Looking for a training partner in Encinitas for novice tracking. Just starting out, using the SIAB technique. Contact Margarat & Vida.

NEWS

Things are moving along with the city at a steady pace. At their June meeting, the Parks & Rec Commission was given a basic report from city staff on the list of locations supplied by PADZ and the commission’s dogpark subcommittee. Staff has been asked to report back to the commission at their next meeting with a preliminary budget for minimal amenities needed to open the McPherson property on Orpheus Rd. in Leucadia as a dogpark. Take a look at the site, it’s just north of the Texaco, next to the freeway off-ramp.

A Message from the Chair
We had a very successful month in June, a lot of progress on several fronts. We have 157 new members!!! Lots of them were acquired at the Del Mar Fair, but we also had some members out their signing up neighbors, new people at the dog park, or fellow workers. The fair was a big success. Along with the new members, we made some good contacts with other organizations, such as PAWS and various breed rescue groups. I want to thank all of the people who helped out at our booth. Special thanks to Doris Kobelt who arranged for the booth and had everything well organized. Personally, I found working the fair loads of fun. We have more activities coming up: the Rob Machado Surf Contest; Oktoberfest, put on by the Chamber of Commerce; our fundraising event; and various membership drive events. Soooo, call (760) 436-3571 or email us at padz@adelphia.net, and join us in the zone!!! Hope to see you at our next meeting, July 12th at 7 p.m. Lu Meyer

Photos from the Del Mar Fair

Volunteer Opportunities
Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteers to help staff booths at upcoming community events, to sign up new members and give basic information about PADZ. We are also planning to start a Park Design Committee, so if you’re interested in issues of park design, or have knowledge of landscaping, engineering, construction, architecture, art, etc. get in touch! Also, our Fundraising/Events Committee would love to have help in planning our first PADZ event.

You can help!

Get involved with PADZ!

Write to local newspapers and politicians.

Attend municiple meetings when dog parks are being discussed.

Help educate fellow park users on dog park etiquette.

SUMMER HEAT!
Excessive running around on a hot day can be sufficient to induce heat stress, the precursor to heat stroke. All too often dogs will over-exercise because we ask them to, so it is up to us humans to be aware of the dangers. Be alert for the signs of heat stress: excessive panting, heavy labored breathing, a staring or anxious expression, a deep red or purple tongue, a rapid pulse, failure to respond to commands, unsteadiness, and even vomiting. If severe the dog may collapse and experience muscle spasm. If your dog becomes overheated you must lower her body temperature immediately. Move your dog into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her temperature. Apply ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes (too much water can also cause illness). Normally it takes 10-15 minutes to cool a dog down. If your dog is not back to normal quickly you should take her to the vet immediately, heat stress can cause internal damage and death. Watch your dog carefully at the park, and rather than throwing that ball one more time, take a break in the shade and let your dog cool down and have a drink of water.

PADZ greatly appreciates the following donations:

Special thanks to Hi Tech Copy for printing our brochures at a reduced rate.

Paul Van Slyke for the McPherson Park plan used in our presentation to the city counsel.

Wayne Hunt for his work, and quick response to get our banners done for the fair.

The generous financial donations from Elaine and Bob Tiglio, Linda Milner, Kathy Norvell, Julie Timm, Dawn Tarrud, Janice Cornforth and Craig Davidson, John Hogenesch and Teresa Reyes.

Patty Amshey, Laurie Michaels, Deb Polich and Lu Meyer for paying for our initial printing of the brochure. Patty Amshey for printing and donating the t-shirts for the fair volunteers. Toby Slover and Lu Meyer for paying for the digital printing of our logo banners. Patty Amshey and Heather Callaghan for printing and making the PADZ scarves. Margarat Nee for our website. We may have missed someone, our apologies.

Anyone that worked at the fair and didn't get their t-shirt, contact Lu Meyer at 436-3571, press star 2.