Dog Body Language

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm sure by now all or most of you have seen this video as it seems to be showing up everywhere right now.  I won't go into my opinion of the person in it but rather would like to discuss what the dog is experiencing. I'm always trying to improve my dog-body-language skills and would like your help interpreting what this dog is feeling.

I only noticed three things all in the face/head- the ears lying back fairly flat, some lip licking and some avoidance of eye contact.  All which I believe are signs of nervousness?  What I don't understand is the talking/howling unless it is a breed thing or quirk of this dog's personality.  And the body and tail seem fairly relaxed. 

I felt bad for the dog and like it was just being browbeaten. The people seemed to think it was amusing but did the dog? What do you see here?

For all of you who are comng in late to this discussion, I decided, after seeing how upset other members became after viewing the video, to delete it and close the discussion. My apologies, as it was not my intent to ruin your day. :(

[Gail and Bailey]

I see a horrible human verbally abusing his dog!!  There is no earthly reason to yell at a dog like that!  

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Gail that is why I didn't comment on the jerk human in the video as it was just not going to be a fruitful discussion if it went that direction. LOL But I TOTALLY agree with you. And what really annoys me is that this video is going viral as a "funny" argument between the man and the dog.  People are so clueless.  Which is why I came to this group to help me discern and understand what the dog was REALLY experiencing.

[Gail and Bailey]

Sorry.....I couldn't help myself.  It upset me!

I would think the dog was confused and nervous.  The dog may not understand the human's word but he certainly understood the emotions behind them.  Perhaps he was taught to "talk back" or perhaps it was just part of the nervousness at being yelled at.  There is no telling what some people will do with/to their pets to get on the internet in this day and age!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Please don't apologize Gail! I think I partly posted it because I was so upset and needed to know that I wasn't the only one that thought this was horrible. :(

[Carol and Banjo]

I couldn't watch more than half of this.    I'm no expert on "reading" dog, but this poor dog did seem upset.   I can't imagine any dog or human having to live with that man.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I had to mute it Carol.  I hope he doesn't treat the children that way too.

[jeanne & Lilly]

watching more than a few seconds was too much. I see a bully!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm sorry Jeanne.  I added a warning and suggestion to mute before playing the video.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Do you guys think I should end this discussion? Is it too horrible?

[Gail and Bailey]

My feeling is that you are going to get comments about the man.  It is hard to get past it to analyze the dogs body language.

[Susan and Bentley]

I can't believe they thought that was funny. I've seen videos of huskies "talking".  But this was brow beating and NOT at all funny.  All I could think of was poor dog, and that man doesn't deserve you!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree Susan. I'm going to try to delete the video and close the discussion so no one else has to see it.