Canine Behavior: Body Language

** Update on March 28th, 2020- Because of Large amounts of schedule requests I can't get back to every schedule request personally. Just know that I am looking at them and doing my best to schedule my class so I can accommodate as many students as possible. If you have any specific questions send me a message outside the schedule request section so your inquiry does not get lost in the mix. I love this class so much! and I have given this class for almost a year now and plan on teaching it well into the future. Take care and hope to see your kiddos in class very soon!!**

Because dogs don't speak our language, the only way to truly comprehend and communicate with them is for us to understand their body language. Often gestures or actions that we assume mean one thing is actually the dog telling us the exact opposite. Dogs communicate using a complex language of body signals that reflect what they are thinking and feeling. 

Throughout this class, we will cover many topics.  Why it is important to understand canine body language for safety to both humans and dogs. The sympathetic nervous system for the fight or flight response and how it plays into the body language of fear. What signs to look out for in the ears, eyes, mouth, tail, and body when a dog is both relaxed and fearful. Some common body language can be confused to mean one thing when it is really something else. 

We will watch some video clips and pictures of dogs showing these behaviors to learn and understand the specific body language signals to add to our discussion. I have this class set to an hour and 15 minutes so we can both go over the information and have a discussion. 

No prior knowledge is required for this class. I want the student to take away an understanding of the signals dogs show us when they have had enough and when to let a dog rest and relax.  It is also important to know that dealing with aggressive and fearful dogs needs to be left to a professional and not to approach or interact with the dog in this situation.

As an animal advocate both by profession and heart, I feel very strongly on educating the importance of the canine-human relationship and preventing injury to humans and other dogs so we can help save lives.

Students are encouraged to engage and ask questions but, are welcome to passively absorb if they prefer.