Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas is a noted expert on canine body language, notably “calming signals” which are signals dogs give other dogs and humans that denote stress. These are dogs’ attempt to defuse situations that otherwise might result in fights or aggression.

Turid Rugaas has training thousands of dogs, and helped many of them to enjoy a better life. It was Vesla - a little Elkhound stray who had major behavioural problems - who showed Turid that it is possible for dogs to re-learn their communication skills.

Turid lives on a mountain-top farm in Norway. She has travelled to many countries helping dogs and people understand each other.

How well do you communicate with your dog? By understanding their language - especially the Calming Signals - you will know how your dog is feeling. Dogs communicate through signals using their body, face, ears, tail, sounds, movement and expression. Of great importance are the Calming Signals which are used to avoid conflict. These powerful signals can soothe stressful situations, and help dogs to make friends with other dogs and people.

It is easy to leave to recognise the Calming Signals, and they will help you to :

• truly understand your dog
• strengthen the bond between you and your dog
• develop two-way communication with your dog

Dogs all over the world use the same signals; it is a universal language. Welcome to the world of dogs and to dog language!