Is Everyone a dog to a dog? Prodogk9 At-Home Training explains & John Wasilishen, Master trainer can help 100%

Canine Communication: Dogs Speak the Same Language — With Each Other and With Us

By John Wasilishen, Master Trainer — 30 Years of Experience

ProDogK9 | www.ProDogK9.com | At-Home Dog Training

If you’ve ever wondered how dogs seem to understand each other instantly — yet struggle to understand us — the answer is simple: dogs communicate clearly, consistently, and honestly. Humans often don’t.

But the truth is, the language dogs use with each other is the same language they use with us. Once we learn their way of communicating, the relationship changes forever.

For over three decades, I’ve helped families open the lines of communication with their dogs. And the transformation always begins with one realization:

Dogs don’t need more English.

Dogs need humans to learn dog.

Body Language: The First Language Every Dog Knows

Before a puppy ever learns a word, it learns movement, posture, and timing.

Dogs communicate using:

• Eye contact or avoidance

• Ear position

• Tail height and motion

• Body stiffness or looseness

• Head position and weight shift

• Distance — moving toward or away

A loose body invites interaction.

A stiff body creates space.

A slow wag means caution.

A fast whole-body wag means excitement and friendliness.

Dogs read these cues instantly — long before sound ever enters the conversation.

Dogs and Dogs: Fluent From Birth

When dogs communicate with each other, their signals are:

• Direct

• Immediate

• Consistent

• Emotionally honest

There’s no guessing game.

A dog that needs space gives one clear signal.

A dog that wants to play gives another clear signal.

The conversation is fluid, reliable, and respectful.

Dogs don’t hide their emotions or hesitate to express needs — and that keeps communication clean.

Humans and Dogs: The Same Language… With Translation Needed

Dogs use the exact same signals with us that they use with each other —

but humans often miss them or override them with words.

For example:

• A dog turns its head away → it’s saying “I need space.”

• A human says “Don’t be shy!” and pushes closer → communication breaks.

Or:

• A dog slowly licks its lips when approached → calming signal

• A human thinks “He must be hungry.”

Or:

• A dog lowers its body and wiggles → inviting play

• A human says “Sit still!” without understanding the intent

When we ignore body language, dogs feel unheard.

When we respond to it, dogs feel understood.

The Dog’s Dictionary: Timing, Space, Pressure, and Release

Dogs learn through:

• Timing — right reaction, right moment

• Spatial pressure — moving closer or farther to communicate boundaries

• Energy level — calm, neutral, excited, anxious

• Consistency — the same message every time

These are the verbs and punctuation marks of dog language.

The clearer we become with these tools,

the faster trust, respect, and cooperation develop.

Why Communication Fixes Behavior

Most “behavior problems” aren’t really behavior problems —

they’re communication breakdowns.

When we start speaking dog:

• Pulling becomes polite walking

• Barking becomes confidence and calm

• Jumping turns into respectful greetings

• Ignoring becomes responsiveness

• Anxiety becomes security and understanding

Dogs don’t test us —

they respond to the clarity of our communication.

30 Years of Training — One Lesson Stands Above the Rest

After thousands of dogs and families, the lesson is always the same:

The more you learn to communicate like a dog,

the less you’ll ever need to “correct” one.

Training isn’t about control —

it’s about connection.

And connection begins with learning their language, not forcing ours.

Ready to Open the Lines of Communication With Your Dog?

Whether your dog is 8 weeks old or 8 years old, communication is the key to:

• A calmer home

• A confident dog

• A stronger bond

• A lifetime of understanding

I’ve spent three decades teaching families how to speak dog —

and I’d be honored to guide yours.

📞 Contact ProDogK9

Trainer: John Wasilishen, Master Trainer

Website: www.ProDogK9.com

Call/Text: 732-620-9266

Training: At-Home Programs for Puppies & Adult Dogs

Mission: Opening communication between dogs and the people who love them.