How animals communicate.

[demicav]

My daughter asked me earlier if dogs talk to each other. I replied no but they do communicate through other means such as posture and tail wagging. Not only that, they seem to know this lanuage from birth. This got me thinking about all animals and the way in which they communicate to one another. It's a subject that I find really interesting. What are other peoples thoughts on this ? Sorry if this has been covered before.

[agrumpycow]

I find this really interesting as well. I can only speak for my own two dogs, they seem to communicate, as you said, through posture, eye contact and tail wagging which seen in-built.
They also learn techniques to get their point across. It makes my hubby laugh that I can listen to my dog grunting/whinging/whining (whatever you want to call it) in a different room and just from the sound I can tell what they want, food, water, to pee, etc.

[willing to learn]

I suppose just as we do verbally and sign language. Driven by basic instincts to survive and reproduce. We have all heard the Blackbirds alarm call seen a rabbit thump its hind legs at the sign of danger. Mating rituals and visual displays perfomed by many animals and birds when the time of year comes and their hormones kick in.
Regards
Colin

[snowdrop]

This has puzzled me too. I've been watching Big Cat Diary and when mum senses danger whilst on her feet and her back to the cubs. without, it seems to me the tiniest growl, a secret signal passes between them.
I've watched closely, mums mane hair remains flat yet the cubs get the signal...lie down...hide....run, run now..all these signals passing from her still frame. Amazing.

[Marshall Stax]

I think that most if not all animals communicate to some level through sound, touch, scent, body language and facial expressions and it certainly appears like some have greater communication skills than others.

David

[Amylou]

I think humpbacks have the most complex language other than man. I remember reading that if you speed it up it sounds like bird song which is just as complex. But thats just sound and not including all the other senses.

[demicav]

Thanks for all your replies. I found them very interesting. I suppose some animals do communicate better than others and instinct must play a big part.

[Bruce Williams]

It's interesting/puzzling how dogs (and maybe other animals) can read human body language too. Even as young pups they know if we are pleased or angry with them.

Older animals can get surprisingly skilled at "reading" their human family and know instantly when we are ready for bed or even just realised the thought "Hmmm I think I'll take (in my case) Maggy for a walk". Obviously in that last instance there must have been some small, associated body clues that the dog picks up on.

Makes one wonder how developed other inter-species communication is - dog-cat for example?

Bruce

[demicav]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

It's interesting/puzzling how dogs (and maybe other animals) can read human body language too. Even as young pups they know if we are pleased or angry with them.

Older animals can get surprisingly skilled at "reading" their human family and know instantly when we are ready for bed or even just realised the thought "Hmmm I think I'll take (in my case) Maggy for a walk". Obviously in that last instance there must have been some small, associated body clues that the dog picks up on.

Makes one wonder how developed other inter-species communication is - dog-cat for example?

Bruce

Interesting, never thought about that one but some animals, ie Dogs, do pick up signs from their owners. It's interesting to see the interaction that takes place between species, like a Buzzard being mobbed by other birds. Every animal seems to know its place.