Animal behaviours: How to better understand your pet

Understanding pet’s behaviour and communication style can reveal a lot about their needs, emotions, and overall well-being. It’s no wonder most pet owners (95%) believe they’re fluent in furry language and can understand their pet’s unique quirks.

Despite this, according to Wisdom Panel™’s latest survey, over half (55%) reveal they still sometimes struggle to interpret their pets’ behaviour, often leading to frustration (23%) or concern (22%). The survey also revealed that for those struggling to understand their pet, over 1 in 10 (15%) have visited an animal expert to decipher their pet’s body language while a quarter (26%) have sought answers online. 

Wagging tails and purring aside, I’ve popped below commentary from Clinical Animal Behaviourist, dog trainer, and author, Karen Wild, who reveals the holistic approach we should have to our pet’s communication and additional assets we can share if helpful.

Consumer Insights

• 55% of pet owners reveal they still sometimes struggle to interpret their pets’ behaviour, often leading to frustration (23%) or concern (22%).
• 1 in 10 (15%) have visited an animal expert to decipher their pet’s body language while a quarter (26%) have sought answers online. 
• 58% of pet owners aren’t aware of DNA testing.
• Three quarters of owners (72%) talk out loud to their pet often and have an average of six conversations a day with them.
• Popular topics include the weather (40%), what to have for tea (33%) and owners discussing their day at work (26%).

Karen Wild’s Top Tips for better understanding your pet

• Whole body language is key to understanding our pets – Too often we look at one small part of their body such as their tail. Instead, their whole face, ears, head and body movements combined are all very telling. Cats use slightly different expressions but learning what to look for is a fantastic way to interact as they are communicating with us very well.

• A dog wagging their tail may not always be happy – Sometimes it’s a sign of agitation, especially if the tail is perked up higher or curved tightly over their back. Look also for tension in their body, narrowed or staring eyes, ears sharply forward, which can all be signs that the dog is on high alert. A tail in a mid-range position with a gentle wag is typically more welcoming, and some dogs will even wag their entire bodies when they’re feeling positive. Relaxed, soft eyes and a happy panting expression can be other signs that all is well. 

• Rolling on back isn’t always asking for belly rubs – Some dogs are doing this because they are overwhelmed. The best way to tell is to stop petting them and pause. If the dog stands up, it’s likely they weren’t feeling relaxed at all. Cats may also roll onto their side or back, which we may think is a good time to stroke their tummy. However, it can be a precursor to them defending themselves by grabbing hands and clawing as they bring their feet into action.

• Freezing up – Cats may often be very still, which can invite us to pet them. However, it is common for cats to ‘freeze’ which looks very similar and is not a happy sign. If you spot the tip of their tail twitching, it’s likely the cat is not feeling relaxed at all.

• Read the whiskers! – When relaxed these will point straight out, but when stressed they can spread apart, point forward, or may tightly bunch together and flatten against the cat’s face – all signs the cat is tense and needs some time to themselves.

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