Words to understand your dog
A word helps make sense of a situation; it cannot explain an individual on its own. These general definitions accompany the guides and are neither a diagnosis nor a clinical assessment.
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Observation and communication
Body language
bodily communication · body signals
Observable information in the dog's postures, movements and expressions during a situation.
Understanding it
Observations combine and are interpreted with context; one posture cannot reliably reveal an emotion.
Example
Note a move away, a posture change and a visitor's approach together.
Distinguish from
Tail wagging alone guarantees neither a friendly welcome nor safety.
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Observation and communication
Context
situation
The circumstances surrounding an observed behaviour.
Understanding it
Place, events, people present and what comes before or after help describe the situation.
Example
Write “moves away when I approach the bed” instead of “is stubborn”.
Distinguish from
Describing context helps formulate a hypothesis; it establishes neither intent nor a diagnosis.
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Needs and environment
Enrichment
environmental enrichment
Arrangements and activities offering suitable opportunities for exploration, searching or interaction.
Understanding it
Value comes from what the dog can actually do, not an object's novelty or price.
Example
Allow exploration of smells along a safe route at the dog's pace.
Distinguish from
More stimulation does not automatically improve welfare; rest remains necessary.
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Needs and environment
Opportunity for choice
choice
The opportunity to begin, continue or leave an activity within a safe framework.
Understanding it
Observing a preference helps adapt an offer. Safety constraints remain people's responsibility.
Example
Offer a pause and allow the dog to move away from play.
Distinguish from
An offered choice is neither unlimited permission nor proof of consent to every interaction.
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Learning
Positive reinforcement
reinforcement by addition
Adding a consequence after a behaviour that subsequently increases the likelihood of that behaviour under comparable conditions.
Understanding it
Positive means addition; the effect is judged by how the behaviour changes.
Example
After rewarding a return towards you, observe whether that return becomes more frequent.
Distinguish from
A planned reward is not necessarily a reinforcer for this dog.
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Needs and environment
Rest
recovery · calm
Time without imposed activity, allowing the dog to settle or sleep.
Understanding it
A quiet environment and opportunities to withdraw make rest more accessible.
Example
After a visit, leave a quiet space instead of immediately offering play.
Distinguish from
Observed stillness alone does not prove that the dog is relaxed.
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Learning
Reward
valued consequence
Something offered to acknowledge or encourage a behaviour: play, food or access to an activity, depending on context.
Understanding it
Its value varies across dogs and situations. Observing the effect matters more than assuming what the dog likes.
Example
A dog may prefer to resume exploring rather than be stroked.
Distinguish from
Reward describes an intention here; reinforcement describes an effect on behaviour.
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Needs and environment
Safe retreat
refuge · quiet corner
A place where the dog can withdraw without anyone seeking interaction.
Understanding it
Its usefulness also depends on human behaviour: everyone respects the dog resting there.
Example
A bed away from busy routes that visitors leave undisturbed.
Distinguish from
A retreat is neither a punishment area nor compulsory isolation.