Read the following text and answer the quiz below.
[1] Dogs experience many of the same emotions that we do. But have you ever wanted to know exactly what they are feeling? Although dogs do have facial expressions, it can be hard to tell what they are trying to communicate all the time.
[2] The American Kennel Club has the following tips on how to interpret your dog’s facial expressions.
[3] A head tilt could be related to vision or hearing. It indicates a dog is gathering information and is curious. A lowered head shows they are feeling unsure and that they are trying to appease you.
[4] If your dog’s ears appear pinned to the side of their head, this means they are scared, anxious or stressed. In a happy or fearful dog, this could be a signal that they are trying to soothe you. When a dog’s ears come closer together across the top of their head, it is safe to assume they are thinking something positive. If your dog’s ears are held upright and more forward than usual, the dog is likely excited and alert. This could be due to frustration or aggression.
[5] When a dog shows the whites of their eyes, it means they feel stressed or anxious. This is known as whale eye. It is important to know when you are pushing your dog out of their comfort zone, as this can be a sign they are about to snap, bark or bite someone or something.
[6] When a dog squints, it can mean they are so relaxed that their eyelids are closing almost all the way. If a dog’s eyes seem cold as they stare hard at you, this is a signal that they could turn aggressive quickly.
[7] If a dog’s eyes are soft, it is a direct sign of love. But if their eyes are cold, back off, as they could become aggressive. A slow blink is a sign of them being comfortable and happy, while rapid blinking can be a sign of stress or frustration. The adorable, well-known puppy-dog eyes can indicate that they are sad or that they want something from you.
[8] Dogs have many facial expressions, and they can have multiple meanings. The only way to accurately read what they are feeling is to assess their entire body language. If you can learn to read your whole dog, you’ll be more successful at understanding these animals.
Source: Tribune News Service, February 27
Content provided by British Council
