Top Tips to Understand Your Pet's Behaviour
A recent survey by Wisdom Panel™ highlights the complexities of pet communication, with 55% of pet owners admitting they sometimes struggle to understand their pets’ behaviours. Although 95% of pet owners believe they are fluent in their pets’ “language,” common challenges in interpretation still lead to feelings of frustration and concern. For those who find communication challenging, around 15% have sought advice from animal experts, while 26% look for guidance online.
According to Clinical Animal Behaviourist Karen Wild, better communication with pets requires a comprehensive approach to reading their body language. "Whole body language is key," says Wild, emphasising that pet owners often focus on isolated gestures, such as tail movements, rather than observing the animal’s overall posture, expressions, and signals.
Struggles in Interpretation
Despite the sense of fluency among most pet owners, nuances in animal behaviour continue to create challenges. Approximately 23% report experiencing frustration, while 22% express concern when misinterpreting their pets' signals. This gap in understanding has led a notable percentage of owners to seek help either through professional consultations or online resources, with more than a quarter turning to digital advice.
In her commentary, Wild suggests that understanding animals holistically, particularly the relationship between different body parts and behaviours, can help pet owners improve communication and avoid misinterpretations. For example, Wild explains that a wagging tail on a dog does not always indicate happiness, as a high tail with a tight curl may instead signal agitation.
Common Misinterpretations in Pet Body Language
Wild points out that misreading specific behaviours, like tail wagging, can lead to misunderstandings. While a tail positioned at mid-level with a gentle wag is generally welcoming, a high, tightly curled tail may indicate that a dog is on alert. Additionally, some dogs show happiness by wagging their entire body, a sign reinforced by relaxed eyes and a panting expression.
Similarly, body language in cats can also be misinterpreted, as Wild notes that cats often "freeze" as a sign of stress, which is commonly mistaken for an invitation to be petted. Signs of tension in cats can include a twitching tail tip and whiskers pulled forward or tightly against the face. These small signals are subtle yet significant indicators of how cats may be feeling in the moment.
Conversations and Human Interaction with Pets
Wisdom Panel™’s survey further reveals that a significant number of pet owners frequently talk to their pets, with 72% saying they speak aloud to their animals, averaging around six conversations per day. Common topics include weather, dinner choices, and even sharing details about their day at work. These conversational exchanges reflect the growing connection and companionship that many owners feel with their pets.
Wild recommends that understanding pets’ complete body language, rather than isolated gestures, can aid in fostering better relationships with animals. “Learning what to look for is a fantastic way to interact, as they are communicating with us very well,” she says.
