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Canine Communication Calming Signals.


dog yawning while alert, showing a common calming signal used in moments of mild stress or uncertainty.

Calming Signals in Dogs: Why the Growl Is Not the Problem


Dogs are communicating with us all the time — quietly, subtly, and usually very politely.

Long before a growl appears, most dogs have already tried multiple ways to say:

  • “I’m uncomfortable.”

  • “This is too much for me.”

  • “Please give me space.”

Understanding calming signals — and why a growl should never be punished — is a crucial part of keeping dogs and people safe. This isn’t about stopping behaviour; it’s about listening earlier, so escalation isn’t needed later.


What are calming signals?


Calming signals are small changes in body language that dogs use to reduce tension — either in themselves or within a situation. They help dogs cope, communicate, and attempt to avoid conflict.

They are not signs of stubbornness, disobedience, or dominance. They are signs of communication and self-regulation.

Dogs use these signals with:

  • Other dogs

  • People

  • New or unfamiliar environments

  • Situations they find confusing, intense, or overwhelming

At their core, calming signals are attempts to keep things safe and manageable — not to create trouble.


Common calming signals people often miss


Many calming signals are subtle and fleeting, which makes them easy to overlook:

  • Lip licking or quick tongue flicks

  • Yawning when not tired

  • Turning the head or body away

  • Sudden sniffing of the ground

  • Brief freezing or stillness

  • Slowing down movement

  • Shifting weight away

  • Whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes)

  • Avoiding direct eye contact

Dog licking it's lips with a closed mouth, a subtle calming signal often seen when a dog feels uneasy or under pressure.
lip licking


Dog turning it's head while showing the whites of it's eyes, known as "whale eye", a sign of discomfort or emotional tension.
whale eye

Seen in isolation, these behaviours can appear insignificant or even “normal” .Seen together, or repeatedly in similar situations, they tell a much bigger story.

Context and patterns matter far more than single moments.


The Ladder of Communication (Before the Growl)


Dog communication is best understood as a Ladder of Communication, not a switch.

A growl is rarely the first signal. It usually appears only after earlier, quieter messages have gone unnoticed or been ignored.

A typical progression looks like this:

  1. Subtle calming signals

  2. Increased avoidance or distance-seeking

  3. Body tension or freezing

  4. Hard eye contact or stiff posture

  5. Growling

  6. Snapping or biting (a last resort)


The growl sits high on the ladder.


By the time a dog growls, they have usually already tried to communicate in more subtle, socially acceptable ways. The growl is not sudden — it’s often the final clear warning.


Why punishing the growl backfires


Punishing a growl does not remove discomfort.

It removes the warning.


The dog still feels unsafe, overwhelmed, or threatened — but now learns that communicating those feelings is risky. Over time, this can lead to:

  • Suppressed early warning signals

  • Faster escalation next time

  • Apparent “no warning” bites

From the dog’s perspective, the lesson becomes:

“When I warned, I got into trouble. Next time, I won’t warn.”

This is why the growl itself is not the problem. It is valuable information.


Growling is feedback, not failure


A growl is a boundary. It is a clear, honest message.


Much like a human raising their voice after being ignored, a growl often means: “I’ve tried quieter ways. This still isn’t working.”


When we punish the growl, we silence communication rather than improving understanding. When we listen to it, we gain insight into what the dog is struggling with — and where support is needed.


A mindful way forward


A mindful approach to dogs asks us to slow down and observe rather than react.

Instead of asking:“ How do I stop this?”


We ask:

  • What is my dog communicating?

  • What changed just before this?

  • What does my dog need right now?


Mindfulness in dog training is not passive. It is attentive, responsive, and thoughtful. When early signals are noticed and respected, dogs rarely need to escalate.


Listening earlier


Without jumping straight into “fixing”, owners can begin by:

  • Watching the whole dog, not just the obvious behaviour

  • Noticing patterns rather than isolated moments

  • Giving space when calming signals appear

  • Valuing communication instead of suppressing it


When dogs feel heard, they don’t need to shout.


Final thought


A growl is not bad behaviour. It is a dog communicating clearly after quieter messages went unnoticed.

Listening earlier keeps everyone safer.


Paul Shepherd


CleverK9


 
 
 

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