Stretching - What does it mean?

Callie actually had trouble doing the stretch when she first came to live with us. She would see Happy do it with no trouble but she would slip on the floors until I learned about trimming the bottom of the little sheltie feet. Now she's a pro too. I always thought it was a request for attention :wink2:
Please pet me now :wink2::yes:
 
davemize said:
That's interesting, Anita. So, the same mind that lets us modify our environment (one of the signs of intelligence) also lets us overcome some instincts.

I still circle three times before laying down, though.
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I can picture it now! hehehe - do you circle the bed or in one spot? Don't forget to paw at the sheets to get them just right! :lol::wink2:
 
Its called play bow. I learnt about it training at the RPSCA. It's a really common action for dogs to do and it just means they want to play or interact. Last weekend we went to a pet shop Tully did a cute little play bow and a yap to signal to the bunny she wanted to play - of course the bunny didnt get the hint.

If you can add a name to it its useful to use as a warm up stretch for training. Dogs will also do it as a 'stretch' for their front legs but it is usually followed by them stretching out their back legs.

If you look up 'play bow' on the internet you will find heaps.
 
*Caro said:
Its called play bow. I learnt about it training at the RPSCA. It's a really common action for dogs to do and it just means they want to play or interact. Last weekend we went to a pet shop Tully did a cute little play bow and a yap to signal to the bunny she wanted to play - of course the bunny didnt get the hint.

If you can add a name to it its useful to use as a warm up stretch for training. Dogs will also do it as a 'stretch' for their front legs but it is usually followed by them stretching out their back legs.

If you look up 'play bow' on the internet you will find heaps.
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I'm not talking about a play bow. Sadie does a play bow also, but this isn't it as she's not excited or asking to play.

I found this site that explains the difference:

http://www.urbandogtraining.com.au/...nication/dog-body-language--communication.pdf
 
Lexi does the same thing.. she does it EVERY single time I ask her to come (usually when I want her to do something). I'll say "Lexi come" and if she's lying down she get up and while walking to me do the stretch, or if she's already up and about she'll still stretch while approaching me. These are usually times when it is just her and I alone hanging out, so I'm sure that's her TOTAL relaxation time.
 
OntarioSheltie said:
Whenever my husband or I talk sweetly to Sadie, she answers by wagging her tail and stretching. It can be predicted most times, she does it so often, she does a little bow with her bum in the air, then stretches out her back legs behind her.

It's very cute but I've always wondered, what does it mean? I've never seen a dog do this before. Is it a sign of submission?

QUOTE]

I learned that this is a "dog 'Yes'" -- a posture signaling agreement.
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Meggie does this too and I think it's the cutest thing. First she stretches out the front paws with her bum in the air, then one rear leg at a time, off the floor. It's the daintiest little stretch! I didn't realize all Shelties do it, and especially not all dogs. Funny little creatures!
 
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