5 Ways to Communicate with Animals

Have you ever wondered what your pet is thinking or feeling? Have you ever tried to figure out what he is trying to tell you? Do you sometimes wish that your pet could talk to you with words? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be looking for ways to not only understand your pet’s communication, but also communicate your intentions and instructions to him. 

  Animals (including humans) use their bodies and vocal chords in many different ways to express their thoughts and feelings. Learning how to communicate with your pet will strengthen your bond and relationship with him.

I believe that animal communicators are no more gifted than the next person. We’re all born into this world equipped to connect with other animals and all life, whether that is the trees, the ocean or our best four-legged friend.

When we spend time with our animal (or a human we love) we are already sensing what the animal is feeling and most of the time we understand why too. Communicating with an animal takes this natural connection a step further into a two-way exchange.

Observe how your pet uses his eyes, ears, and face. Animals will use many parts of their bodies to convey various feelings. Being observant to how your pet uses his body can let you know if he’s feeling playful, sick, or maybe even angry. For example, your horse’s eyes can indicate that he is alert (fully open), drowsy (half open), or having problems with one eye (problem eye stays shut).

Your dog may narrow his eyes and stare at you to indicate that is feeling aggressive.[2] He may also avoid eye contact with you to show that he is submissive or showing deference to you.

Your cat’s ears may go back if he is feeling particularly anxious about something.

Dogs and horses will prick their ears up and slightly forward to indicate concentration.

Your dog may hold his mouth slightly open, without showing his teeth, to indicate that he is relaxing, cooling off by panting, yet alert. 

Most pets and other animals do not show their teeth to display pleasure, joy or fun. Of course, human beings do. Pets/animals, instead, show their teeth to prepare to fight -- as if to say, "look out, I bite," in fear, threat, anger or fun when serious or playing and wrestling!

Just like the eyes, ears, and face, your pet’s legs and tail can provide helpful insight about how he’s feeling. For example, your horse may slowly flick his tail to swish away flies, but may flick it more quickly to convey anger or annoyance. Similar to horses, cats will flick their tails quickly to indicate anger.

When your dog is holding his tail at a position that is either level to, or slightly lower than, his body, he is showing that he is feeling friendly.

Your horse can use his legs to buck and show that he is feeling playful. However, bucking could also convey uncertainty.

You'll want to practice on a family pet before leaping into anything else. A cat or dog that you are familiar with is the best choice to begin. Cats are a tad more difficult as they tend to pick and choose who they wish to talk to (or listen to). A family dog can be easier as they are pack animals and will be more apt to tune into the leader of their pack—you.

Finally, Animals are always open to communicating. While some of them are more shy than others, after a short time they are always willing to chat. Often times, the animal’s owner has to open the door by asking a question, which signals the animal that it’s o.k. to talk. Animals will never tell a communicator family secrets, or things the owner would rather keep private.