Animal Language

Language is the primary means by which humans communicate with each other. Humans do this through verbalization – the vocal expression of words and sounds, to express thoughts and feelings to other human beings. However, there is reason to believe that language does not only exist among human beings; animals, too, have a means of communication with each other and with us human beings.
A good example of animal language would be pack animals such as dogs. Dogs are animals that require a high level of socialization and interaction, and thus, would necessitate a high level of communication within themselves and with human beings.
Dogs instinctively, instantaneously and directly express what they feel and what they want, as opposed to the indirect manner by which humans do it. Aside from this, dogs express their messages through a combination of vocalization, body signals and touch signals.
Wolves, and even dogs, in cases of aggression, use growling sounds to either warn a potential rival. A rival would be a dog, another animal or a human being who would appear to threaten the dog’s pack dominance or his food source. The vocalization sound was already accompanied with body signals, to further signify that the dog is an aggressive or protective state. In other cases, it would be evident through the dog’s body signals that it is in a submissive state.
These signs can also be seen in a friendly dog, who appreciates the touching and caressing that another dog or a human being offers. Since dogs are highly sociable animals, it is normal for their expression to involve touch. A dog massages her newborn puppies’ bellies with her tongue, to stimulate the gastroinstestinal system of her puppies. Further, the mother uses her tongue to lick her puppies and to keep them clean. The high level of touch that was established by the dogs’ mothers during their infancy maybe the reason why adult dogs very much appreciate petting and touching gestures that humans offer.
Humans usually show appreciation to their dogs through petting and touching gestures. Dogs usually respond to these signs of appreciation, through their dog language. They show appreciation and affection towards their human masters, through touching, pawing and light yelping.
In summary, dogs often readily and instinctively express themselves, whenever they feel the need to. They use a certain language, which is a combination of vocalization, body and touch signals, to communicate with each other and with human beings. Each signal that the dog uses has a unique significance and meaning. Furthermore, the dog uses these signals in conjunction with one another, to convey a unique message to the person or dog that he is communicating with. Therefore, we, as the recipients of the dogs’ messages, should be more sensitive in trying to decipher what our dogs are trying to say.
In conclusion, there is a need for humans to better understand the language which dogs use to communicate with us and with other dogs. An adequate understanding of the dog language can lead to proper communication and enhanced relationships with dogs. This will later on enable us to have an improved sense of enjoyment and appreciation of the company that our dogs would offer.