Speaking Their Language

You can communicate back in ways your dog understands. Slow blinks tell the dog you are not a threat. A relaxed yawn signals calm. Turning your body sideways reduces pressure. Crouching rather than looming shows non-threatening intent to dogs of all sizes.

Avoid staring directly into your dog's eyes during tense moments — in dog language, a direct stare is a challenge. Your tone matters more than words. Dogs process speech through pitch, rhythm, and emotional tone.