20th Aug, 2009

Dogs and Height

Dogs are very attuned to the size of animals and people. We are taller than dogs, so we may inadvertently intimidate them. Even among dogs, the bigger ones tend to be the dominant ones. If a dog wants to appear larger than he is (I’ve seen this in tough little Chihuahuas) he will stiffen the legs, raise the fur on the back of the neck and hold up his tail and ears.

Conversely, if a dog is trying not to be picked on, he will crouch down, put his tail between his legs or roll over. He’s saying “Don’t hurt me, I’m no threat.”

Whenever possible, interact with your dog at his level. When you crouch down, you seem friendlier and they feel a greater reality with you and are more willing to play!

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