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Understanding Dog Body Language

Do you really know what your dog is telling you?

As pet owners, we often think we know what our dog is telling us better than anyone, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Misinterpreting a dog’s body language can lead to escalating behaviour and has even been linked to an increase in dog bites*. 

Our Dog Body Language course will help you better understand what your dog is trying to say.

This course is for humans only, please don’t bring your dog (as much as we’d love to meet them!).

Dog Body Language

All profits from this course go towards our mission to protect loving homes, find loving homes, and run a loving Home for the dogs and cats who need us.

3.5 hours | £50 | 26 Seafield Road East, EH15 1EH

Book your spot!
Collie dog running along country path towards camera holding a tennis ball in his mouth.

Dog Body Language

There are many common misconceptions about a dog’s body language and behaviour, and misunderstanding these can lead to difficult or even dangerous situations.

This course is for anyone with an interest in dog welfare but especially useful for dog owners or those who work with dogs.

Topics covered include:

  • Dog senses
  • Vocalisation
  • Body Parts and what they communicate
  • Breed Variations
  • Emotions including fear, stress, aggression, happiness and contentment
  • Behaviours including displacement, dominance, resource guarding, play, pain, ageing and compulsive disorders
  • Common misconceptions such as the Alpha dog myth, tail wagging and more

3.5 hours | £50 | 26 Seafield Road E, EH15 1EH

Book your spot here.

Buy a gift voucher here.

Meet the Trainers

Carla Tait Dog First Aid Trainer wearing Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home uniform and smiling beside a banner advertising Dog First Aid Training
Carla Harris-Tait
Carla has worked with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home since 2019 when she first joined the team as a Kennel Assistant. She is now a full-time Education Officer, leading our Dog First Aid and Dog Body Language Courses. Carla has more than a decade’s experience working with dogs including in kennels, veterinary practices, pet shops, dog sitting and dog walking. She has an HNC in Animal Care, a Train the Trainer Qualification.
Nicole Wallace
Nicole only started at the home in March 2025, but has over 20 years of experience working with animals. As well as an ITC First Trainer qualification, she has a Degree in Animal Biology and has worked in wide variety of sectors including veterinary, rescue homes, stables, polo yards, summer camp ranches, as an RSPCA rescue officer (also on the rope rescue team) and running her own pet care and dog training businesses. She delivers our courses alongside Angel, whilst covering Carla's maternity leave.
Angel Laponder
Angel has worked at the home since September 2024 and has a degree in Applied Animal Science. Before working at the home, Angel worked at horse riding stables and have taught riding at a Canadian summer camp. She also previously worked in wildlife rehabilitation in South America where she worked with monkeys, birds, big cats and more!
What Attendees Tell Us What Attendees Tell Us What Attendees Tell Us What Attendees Tell Us
Sophie
“Thanks for session, it was super interesting and your delivery is engaging, I learned quite a bit. Especially liked the studies, how dogs communicate through body parts and specific info on emotions and hormones.”
Anonymous
“Thank you so much, it was really interesting and really well delivered”.
Meryl
"Wonderful and informative course thank you, learned so much!"

Could your business benefit from Dog Body Language training?

We offer commissioned talks for groups or businesses that can be delivered in person or online. Please contact education@edch.org.uk for more information.

Dog Body Language

Book now
*Edge Hill University Study on Perceptions of Dog Behaviour 
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