Watch Calming Signals: What your Dog Tells You

Calming Signals: What Your Dog Tells You is a feature length documentary film that delves into the fascinating world of canine communication. The film, which is directed by Turid Rugaas, considers how dogs use body language to express themselves, and how humans can learn to better interpret these signals in order to improve the relationship between ourselves and our furry friends.

The film opens with an introduction to Rugaas, a renowned canine expert and author of the book Calming Signals: On Talking Terms with Dogs. We learn about her background and how she developed an interest in dog behavior and training. Rugaas shares her belief that every dog has a unique personality, and that understanding their individual needs and behavior is essential for developing strong bonds with them.

From here, the film moves into a discussion of calming signals. These are non-verbal cues that dogs use to communicate with each other and humans. Examples of calming signals include yawning, licking, turning away, and freezing. Rugaas explains that dogs use these signals to signal to others that they are not a threat, to diffuse tense situations, and to indicate that they are uncomfortable or stressed.

The film also features interviews with other experts in the field of canine behavior, including veterinarians, trainers, and researchers. These experts provide additional context and information about calming signals, as well as insights into other aspects of canine behavior. For example, the film considers how dogs use scent to communicate, and how humans can use this knowledge to better understand and bond with their pets.

Throughout the film, we see numerous examples of dogs exhibiting different calming signals in different situations. These examples are used to illustrate the importance of interpreting a dog's behavior in context. For example, a dog may yawn for many reasons--it could be nervous, tired, or simply bored. Understanding the context in which the behavior occurs is essential for interpreting what the dog is trying to communicate.

One of the key takeaways from the film is the importance of empathy and patience when working with dogs. Many of the experts interviewed in the film stress that dogs are creatures with their own unique personalities, and that they deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. The film also touches on the importance of training and socialization, and provides tips for how to work with dogs in a positive, non-judgmental way.

The film also includes a number of heartwarming stories of dogs and their human companions, including one about a therapy dog who works with children who have experienced trauma. These stories help to highlight the incredible bond that can develop between dogs and humans, and the many benefits that come with that relationship.

Overall, Calming Signals: What Your Dog Tells You is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the fascinating world of canine communication. The film provides a wealth of information about calming signals and other non-verbal cues that dogs use to communicate, as well as tips and strategies for building strong, healthy relationships with our furry friends.