Dogs are not the only creatures that communicate through gestures or expressions. They live in social groups so they have developed a fascinating system of communication. They use all known means (postures, facial expressions, vocalizations, contacts) with the exception of the spoken language, which only humans use.
Communication is an important factor in the relationship between individuals. It plays an important role in the social life of a group. It influences the intra and interspecific relationships. Good communication (listening, sharing) leads to mutual understanding and respect. These means (voice, gestures, facial expressions) represent behaviors and are intended to convey information to others.
In humans, the cultural context has an important influence on the development of the verbal, nonverbal and para language. Nonverbal communication is very important in humans. It is based on codification (postures, gestures). The same holds true in animals. The essential elements are the physical appearance, the gestures and the facial expressions. One transmits signals through clothing or adornment, for example. One’s physical appearance voluntarily or involuntarily gives indications of themselves. These can be genuine or misleading.
The posture is probably the most important element. It indicates one’s mood and their intention at the time. The position of the hands on the hips or that of the arms may indicate dominance or subordination.
Changes of positions: People crave for appreciation, so they often change their position. For instance, politicians express what they intend to communicate by a handshake, while professors raise their fingers. Gestures help with the expression of doubt, approval, indifference, enthusiasm, desire...
The facial expressions are designed to boost individuals who interact. For example, the raising of the eyebrows is a form of greeting. The nod implies agreement or disagreement. The facial expression indicates the partner’s intention: whether the information is serious, ironic or funny.
The absence of hair on parts of the human face draws attention to the main features. A person may express their feelings and emotions, their feelings of superiority, disapproval, sadness, anger, fear, sexual desire without words.
When a man seduces a woman, a look, a position or a certain way of approaching her can be more than enough to communicate his attraction.
Gestures and facial expressions are used to explain a social situation. They take on meanings that allow interactions with others. They express an emotional state. Nonverbal communication is important. Actually, it represents 85% of communication in humans!
In dogs, the posture denotes a particular attitude and involves many parts of the animal’s body. All areas of the body are essential in communication.
The “call for play” posture is very well known. The dog leans forward with the body lowered to the ground. The rump is up. The whip is loud and lively.
The dominance postures are often observed by teachers. The dominant dog may have very stiff, straight limbs, ears and an erect tail, as well as bristling hair.
The common position of dominance is on top of a congener often of the same gender. Thus, the dog imposes its status.
The submissive posture is associated with abdominal presentation, a lowered tail and ears flattened against the back of the head. A shifty look is enough to identify a submissive posture.
The posture must be combined with other signals like the voice in order to be meaningful. The ritual also included the responses of other congeners.
The movements combine voluntary and involuntary signals that reflect a state of emotional tension or parasites like cat ticks. The movements of the lips, ears and eyelids are a response to the experiences acquired during the socialization period. The wrinkling of the face expresses aggression. The corners of the mouth are raised, the ears are perked up and the dog's hair bristled on its back. This means that the dog feels threatened. The dog pulls back its mouth corners and ears.
There are two rules of tactile communication. First of all, the skin area must be stimulated properly, i.e. the intensity, duration and frequency of the stimulation must be modulated. The head and neck are essential in establishing the dominant/subordinate hierarchy. The dog pulls and compresses the skin of its congener between its teeth until its muscles relax. The thorax is stimulated by the pressure of the head, shoulder or chest of the congener. This pressure is maintained until the outbreak of a game, bid or a manifestation of dominance. This is an ambivalent posture. It also makes sense in combination with other elements. Other regions are stimulated by licking. Thus, the dog stimulates its congener until it receives the desired response.
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