The right communication for a healthy human-dog relationship

Trust as the basis

Relationship comes before training - this is one of the most important principles when dealing with dogs. Only if your dog trusts you will he follow your lead and be open to your guidance. This trust develops when you treat him fairly, give him security and don't overtax him. If the relationship with your furry friend is right, communication will also be easier - with or without words.

Your mood counts

Dogs are true masters at reading our emotions. Your mood is often transmitted to your four-legged friend faster than you realize. If you are tense or hectic, your dog will often mirror this behavior. So stay calm, take a deep breath, avoid hectic movements and speak in a clear, relaxed voice. This will give your dog a sense of security, especially in stressful situations.

Use clear and simple words

If you want to communicate with your dog, you should use short and precise commands. Say them clearly and only once. Instead of "Come, come, come", a clear "Come" supported by an inviting gesture is sufficient. Dogs pay very close attention to our body language. The better words and movements match, the easier it is for your dog to understand you. Dogs also communicate with each other almost exclusively via body language - and this is exactly what we should take as a model.

Communication is not a one-way street

An often underestimated part of communication is attentive observation. If you want to understand dog communication, you have to learn to perceive your dog's subtle signals. Body tension, direction of gaze, ear position and tail position tell you a lot about how your dog is feeling. With a little practice, you will soon be able to intuitively interpret his body language.

Recognizing reassurance signals and respecting boundaries

Not every dog seeks closeness or contact - and that's perfectly fine. Especially when dealing with strangers and other dogs, it becomes clear how important it is to interpret your dog's signals correctly. Averting their eyes, yawning or licking their lips are typical appeasement signals that dogs use to de-escalate. Respectful human-dog communication means taking these signs seriously and giving the dog space when it needs it.

The tone makes the music

How you speak is often more important than what you say. A friendly, bright voice has a motivating and positive effect, while a calm, low tone tends to create distance and convey a prohibition. When communicating with your dog, you should use your voice in a targeted manner. Voice and body language in harmony are the key to understandable dog communication.

Conclusion: Understanding and living dog communication

Good communication is essential for a balanced human-dog relationship. Understanding your dog and communicating clearly with him lays the foundation for a harmonious relationship. Communication between dog and human depends on attention, patience and mutual understanding. Even small signs of appreciation - such as a treat every now and then - can have a big impact and strengthen your bond.