Understanding canine behavior is fundamental to improving human–dog relationships and ensuring animal welfare. In a 2024 review published in the International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, Prottoy Bhadury and Arundita Bhattacharjee synthesized findings on how stress, social dynamics, and breed-specific traits influence canine communication.
The review emphasizes that body language and subtle signals—such as yawning, blinking, tail wagging, pawing, and ear posture—are central to how dogs express emotional states. For instance, shifts in tail movement can signify excitement, stress, or aggression, while ear positioning provides cues about alertness, anxiety, or submission. Similarly, vocalizations like growling or whining offer additional context to these nonverbal signals.
The authors highlight that stress signals are particularly important for interpreting canine wellbeing. Recognizing behaviors such as lip licking, paw lifting, or avoidance can help prevent escalation of fear or aggression. By paying attention to these cues, owners and veterinarians can create more supportive and less stressful environments.
Beyond stress, the study explores how social interactions and evolutionary traits shape communication. Dogs rely on these behaviors to build bonds with humans and conspecifics, signaling affection, submission, or readiness to play. Breed-specific tendencies may also amplify or minimize certain signals, reflecting both genetic predispositions and environmental influences.
Overall, this work underscores that a nuanced understanding of canine communication benefits not only researchers but also pet owners and professionals, fostering better care, training, and emotional support for companion animals.
Source: Bhadury, P., & Bhattacharjee, A. (2024). Unraveling Canine Behavior: Insights into Communication Stress Signals, and Social Interactions. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science. Authors: Prottoy Bhadury, Arundita Bhattacharjee. Publication Year: 2024. Journal: International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science.
