Sometimes it seems like our pets are psychic. They always seem to have an idea of what is going with us even if we are trying to hide something. As much fun as it might be if they really were psychic, what they are actually doing is picking up on the hints we don’t even realize we are giving them.
Animals don’t use speech to communicate like humans. They use body language and read energy. They also pick up on routine. If you do the same things each time prior to doing something else, once you begin the routine your furball is going to react to the end result of that routine. For example, before a walk I always grab my treat pouch, put my shoes on and grab my phone and keys. Ares and Chaos will go stand at the door and wait as soon as they see me even walking toward the hook where the treat pouch hangs. The very last thing I do is put their leashes on but because the routine is always the same they can anticipate the end result.
The fact is, you can’t lie to your furbabies. Maybe you have a really bad day at work. You come home and you are trying to shake it off and not take out your frustrations on anyone else. You smile and talk politely with neighbors, you greet your family and say your day was fine and you say hello to your furballs. But your dog keeps licking your hand and giving you nose nudges and trying to snuggle. He is picking up on your true energy and trying to raise your spirits.
Our body language also gives us away, but sometimes so subtly we don’t even realize we are doing it. If you go to any type of obedience class with your dog you will learn about walking confidently with your dog. We all want to have the dog that walks nicely beside us with a loose leash but for most dogs and humans, that takes practice. You may not even realize that you are walking with slumped shoulders, your head tilted forward or your leashed hand pulled up in front. All of these are indicators to your dog that you are not in charge of the situation and since dogs are pack animals, he or she will likely take the hint to become the leader.
The non-verbal messages we communicate to our pets are just as important as the verbal ones and we should be aware of what exactly we are telling them. Our own feelings can have a big impact on our furry family members whether we want them to or not. If you are anxious and nervous you convey those feelings to your pets and make them anxious and nervous. Sure, it’s difficult to change your own mood sometimes but you don’t want your kitty stressed out and pacing the hallway because you can’t stop mentally freaking out about you hectic schedule or upcoming deadline.
I don’t mean to come across as though I think having our pets in tune with us is a bad thing. It’s an excellent reminder of what we are really feeling whether we’ve admitted it to ourselves or not. And sometimes having your dog feel your pain so to speak is exactly what you need. I can’t count the times I was upset about something or not feeling well and having Piper come curl up with me and purr never failed to make me smile.
If you’re in a great mood, it is certainly nice to have a bouncy Boston Terrier share in that sentiment. But when the frustration of sitting in traffic on your drive home has gotten the best of you, if you bring that dark cloud in the door you could be also hanging that dark cloud over your sensitive Pit Bull’s head. Think of them as little ways to keep yourself in check. You can really fool them so give it up and go for positive instead.
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