Puppy psychology

Probably the most important thing you can do for your puppy is to learn something of his psychology. An understanding of dog psychology can help you to live happily and harmoniously with your dog. We're not expecting you to become a dog psychology expert, neither is it necessary. But a little understanding will go a long way, and if you need help and advice before a small problem becomes a large one, your first port of call should be your vet.

Reading your puppy's body language

Dogs have always communicated with each other by using body language. This involves facial expressions, body postures, noises and scents. Dogs will use their mouth, eyes, ears and tail to express emotions. And one of the reasons why they make such good pets is the way they're able to communicate with humans. Your puppy will see you as an extension of his own canine family, and will be extremely quick to interpret your moods and intentions. So by learning how to interpret his body language, you can, in turn, interpret your puppy's intentions.

Big dog: If your puppy is feeling brave or aggressive, he'll try to make himself larger by standing tall, with his ears and tail sticking upright. He'll also push out his chest and raise the hair on his neck and back (his hackles). He might also growl and wave his tail slowly.

Small dog: On the other hand, a submissive dog will try to make himself appear small and act like a puppy; that's because an adult dog will 'tell off' a puppy but not attack him. So submission will take the form of a sideways crouch near to the ground, his tail held low but wagging away. He may also try to lick the face of the dominant dog or human. He may even roll on his back.

Your puppy's tail: now there's a tale. Most of us recognise that tail wagging is a sign of friendliness and pleasure. However, exaggerated tail wagging, as we've mentioned, can be seen in submissive dogs, as well as those with very short tails. But the tail can indicate other moods, too. If it's waved slowly and stiffly, that's an expression of anger; clamped low over his hindquarters means your pet is afraid. An anxious or nervous dog may droop his tail but wag it stiffly.