Dog Communication: Klee has a big volcabulary

Most dogs have a full library of body gestures that they use to let other dogs and humans know that they are feeling a bit unsure about a situation. Unfortunately most humans don't know much beyond if a tail is up or down.

When a dog is using this type of body language around you they are communicating. Respect that! Listen to what they are telling you and give them some space and time to feel more comfortable. If there is a dog, person, or environment that is stressful to them, give them a break for awhile.

Looking away purposefully, and shifting body weight away from what is making her nervous, in this case, a sniff from Salinas in a rather boxed in location

Lip and nose licking, tail tucked, and hips tucked a bit

Here are some great examples of some of Klee's body language when she first arrived. Everything was new and a little nerve-wracking for her so she got lots of breaks in a crate that the other dogs didn't have access to either physically or visually. As she felt more confident she didn't need as many breaks from regular house life with our motley crew.

Paw raised: an appeasement gesture

Ears flat against head, weight shifted back and tail tightly tucked

Furrowed brow - worry lines