Secondary Cut-Off Signals

Lucia chilling out after a hard days work.

 Previously I discussed primary cut off signals, and here is the other side to that - secondary cut off signals. Remember that primary and secondary are fairly arbitrary designations I made based on how "big" the movement is as far as the message it sends the other dog as well as the ambiguity of the signal. It is not a reflection on the value or power of each signal, as that depends on the dog and the context in which the signal is displayed.

That disclaimer aside, lets get into some more cut-off signals! 

Paw Lift:

Armstrong (left) isn't sure about Abby.
(Janell Brown/Rescued Ratties) 

This is another signal that has multiple meaings based on the context. Sometimes dogs do it because they are excited, something because they are intently interested. Of course, pointing breeds lift one front paw and freeze when they point!

In some contexts though it is a cut-off signal. In the above picture Armstrong is leaning his weight back and away from Abby, has a tight face, closed mouth, and has put himself in a defensible area. This doesn't mean that he doesn't want to play with her or that Abby is bullying him. Dogs transition from cut-off signals to play and back smoothly and frequently, but we need to be aware of what these signals mean in case the dog needs us to step in and help diffuse an uncomfortable situation.

Whale-Eye:

(Janell Brown/Rescued Ratties)

Whale eye goes along with the head and body turns. Whale eye is when a dog turns their head away but keeps their eyes on the stimulus, avoiding eye contact but watching. It is a major signal that the dog is nervous and either needs to be removed from the situation or redirected to a behavior that already has a positive association for the dog. 

Tongue Flick:

Remy pawing Piper, who gives him a tongue flick.
(Amber Williamson)

Tongue-flicks are both cut-off signals as well as a sign of stress. If a dog is doing tongue-flicks then that is a cue to remove the dog from the situation or reduce the stimulus level. Tongue flicks tend to be moderately fast to rapid, and involve licking the front of the nose. This is different from a dog licking its chops after eating something, which involves longer, slower licks on the sides of the mouth as well as the front.

Shifting the Body Weight: 

The eager Peanut (top) and the not-so-eager Tilly (bottom.)
(Janell Brown/Rescued Ratties) 

A dogs position of their body can indicate emotional state, especially when combined with other body language. In the picture above Tilly has her front paws slight ahead of her and is leaning back into her sit. Her ears are also back and flared slightly to the side indicating she is unsure about this silly puppy in her face.

No Peanut, Tilly does not wish to play.
(Janell Brown/Rescued Ratties) 

This picture illustrates it more dramatically. Look how far back Tilly is leaning her body from Peanut. Her eyes are wide and dilated, she is crouched down into her shoulders, tail is tucked, and her ears are back and slightly flared to the side. She is sending Peanut a very clear message that she does not want to play with him!

Frodo disapproving of the two puppies playing.
(Janell Brown/Rescued Ratties) 

 Sometimes whether a dog has their body shifted forward or back can tell us their emotional state even when faced with seemingly contradictory signals. Frodo is close to the puppies and barking at them, which by itself could be taken as an aggressive action. The fact that he is leaning back onto his hips, ready to turn tail and retreat, indicates that the puppies arousal level is making him anxious.

Blinking:

 Slow blinking is a calming signal both in dogs and cats (this fact sums up my knowledge of cat behavior.) In dogs you often see this accompanied by yawns or head turns. Slow blinks are accompanied by relaxed body and face, as you can see in the picture above.

Slow blinks require the dog to be confident that they aren't in any danger, so in many reactive dogs you won't see slow blinks. You are more likely to see this during normal canine play when one dog is getting overly aroused and the other dog will slow blink as a method of reducing the tension.

Are there any other signals you see and wonder about what they mean? Post below and share!