25/05/2025
What your dog is really listening to
When Words and Body Disagree: What Dogs Really Listen To
In dog training—and in life—our body language always speaks louder than our words. You can say all the right things, but if your body is saying something different, your dog will believe your body every time.
Why? Because dogs are masters of reading subtle physical cues. It’s how they communicate with each other, and it’s how they read us. They notice everything: the tension in your shoulders, the speed of your breath, the way your weight shifts, where your hands are, and the direction of your gaze.
Say vs. Show
You might be saying “Stay,” but if you’re leaning forward and your energy is pulling ahead, your dog will take that as a cue to move.
You might call “Come,” but if your tone is anxious and your posture is closed off, your dog may hesitate—or not come at all.
You might say “Good dog,” but if your jaw is clenched and your movements are tight, your dog knows you’re frustrated.
In every one of these moments, your body and voice are in conflict—and your dog will believe your body.
Dogs Don’t Speak English—They Speak You
When we train, we often focus heavily on cues—teaching the dog what a word means. But dogs don’t naturally understand language the way humans do.
They’re not decoding vocabulary—they’re reading you.
This means your intention, posture, and emotional state are part of every interaction. If those aren’t aligned with what you’re asking, your dog won’t be confused because they’re stubborn or defiant—they’ll be confused because your body is giving them mixed signals.
Alignment Creates Clarity
Good training isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about congruence. When your verbal cues, body language, and emotional energy all match, your dog gets a crystal-clear message. That’s when communication clicks. That’s when trust deepens.
Try this:
• Before you give a cue, take a breath. Check your posture. Feel where your energy is going.
• Ask yourself: “Am I showing what I’m saying?”
• Watch how your dog responds when you lead with calm, grounded clarity.
Because to a dog, training isn’t just about learning commands—it’s about reading the world through your presence.
Words matter, yes. But in your dog’s world, your body will always be the loudest voice in the room.
