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This is a very good exercise for a new dog owner like myself. Have been reading about body language but it all makes more sense when you can see it.
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does jasper like to be in control of the situation?
Yes, and I suspect it's a lot more common than people realise. Jasper likes shows of affection to be low key - either a good ol' bum scratch, or an ear rub while he has his nose stuck in my groin. And if he's feeling really loving, he'll just rest his head against my leg and sigh.
He will come and sit on me - but I'm not sure if that is a good sign or a bad one? He sits with me much as he can and puts a paw on me, giving a blink with both eyes - no idea what that means either!![]()
Wow! Is that your saluki? Lucky, lucky you. What a handsome chap. However if I’ve clicked and opened the wrong image I take it all back.Errrm? Breakfast perhaps?
Yes, given a chance Jasper would sprawl all over me. Sadly, he can't, because one of his quirks is he doesn't then like it if I move, or so much as breathe deeply. Blinking is a calming signal - maybe Robin is saying, 'I come in peace - settle down and let's chill together.'
JudyN! That is amazing! Of COURSE!!!!! I am VERY high energy most of the time, working on getting his attention to keep him safe! I need to RELAX - thank you!!!!!!![]()
Couple of vids of Jasper interacting with a dog we met in the park - I'd be interested to read what people make of the body language!
Seriously - I think a sighthound does much better with calm, Zen-like owners. Otherwise there's too much 'Erk, what's going on? What's happening? Is the world about to end?' going on in their heads. It helps that OH and I are pretty low-energy people, and rarely argue - but even letting off steam about the political situation can upset Jasper, and if OH is in another room, I avoid shouting at him (he's getting a bit deaf). And if I realise I should have got tea out the oven ten minutes ago, I don't go 'OH NO!!!' and leap up (in which case Jasper would assume that there is DANGER and it might be best if he stops me even getting off the sofa) but casually get up slooooooowly.... [Disclaimer: Jasper does tend to overreact!]
Not to say that this is a problem for you and Robin course - but it's important to be aware of how 'on alert' he is feeling and how your own body language is influencing that. It's not always easy to spot in a puppy who is naturally wired a lot of the time, so you need to be aware of subtle clues in his body language. And if he teaches you to be more laid back and relaxed, that's good too!
Of course when the lab would be moving away, Jasper would revert to boundary pushing youngster.
That's my boy![]()
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