Developed to keep peace and harmony within the pack, calming signals may very well make up the largest part of a dogs communication system. These signals are used in most dog/dog interactions to avoid or cut-off conflict. They are often used with people too. When two dogs first see each other they usually begin to use these signals, they continue to use them during the initial meeting and play sessions. It unfolds something like a subtle dance that often goes completely unnoticed by people. Since our dogs do use these signals with us and believe that we understand them, I think it’s only fair that we try to understand them and respond accordingly as communication is a two-way street and our dogs are doing their best understand our verbal and body language. By acknowledging and using these signals we can also develop a deeper bond with our dogs. If you happen to notice that your dog is using these signals with you, you can let your dog know the signal has been received by reducing your intensity, taking a break or changing your approach. I should also point out that there are times when these actions are not being used as calming signals. Sometimes a dog just scratches because he has an itch or yawns because he is tired. To discover the true meaning behind the action try to determine if the action seems in or out of context, i.e. if your training or playing with your dog and he yawns there’s a good chance he’s not really tired. He is probably asking for a little less intensity.