OK, admit it – you are just as addicted to dog watching as I am! If that’s true, then I’m sure that - like me - you will be particularly fascinated by observing how dogs interact together – because although they can’t tell us exactly what’s going on, there are times when it’s obvious what may happen between them – and other times when it can take you completely by surprise.


dog playing


Whether it’s dogs meeting and greeting, playing with each other, or behaving in a way which is less than sociable, the fact is that we owe it to our dogs to study how they communicate with each other – in order to prevent problems from occurring, help those dogs that already have issues around other dogs, and keep them safe when out and about. If you are an exceptional owner, a trainer or instructor, a member of veterinary staff, behaviour specialist, welfare professional or volunteer – or just have a fascination with dogs - you will benefit from this comprehensive course – bringing to life the hidden language of dogs.  


This course is structured in three easy-to-follow Modules. I take you step-by-step through canine meeting and greetings, canine play, sex and conflict, and predicting dog-to-dog aggression.

Each module includes tons of video material (really – over 90 clips!) as well as written content, which you can study completely at your own pace. On this course you will discover:

  • My new thoughts and theories on many aspects of dog-to-dog interactions – even the controversial ones! I don’t hold back!

  • The subtle secrets of dog-to-dog body language that I explain only in Advanced Masterclasses

  • Up-skill and update your behavioural knowledge with brand new theories and information

  • Understand what can lead to dog-to-dog aggression problems so you can advise and prevent it

  • Understand the predictors of aggression, so you can intervene before they happen

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Learn To Talk Dog, Programme Two. Understanding Dog-Dog Communications

    • Dog-to-Dog Body Language & Communication – Course Introduction
  • 2

    Dog-to-Dog Module 1 - Meetings and Greetings

    • Dog-to-Dog Communications, Module 1: Introduction

    • 1. Canine communication at a distance

    • 2. The rolling question

    • 3. Vocal communication between dogs at a distance

    • 4. Approaches – first impressions count!

    • 5. Speed of approach

    • 6. Angle of Approach

    • 7. Signs of sociability & signs of arousal – in context

    • 8. Signs of appeasement – or are they?

    • 9. Stalking other dogs

    • 10. Splitting

    • Dog-to-Dog Module 1 Quiz - test your skill and judgement (or at the very least, what you have learned from Module 1!)
  • 3

    Dog-to-Dog Module 2 - Canine play, sex and conflict

    • Introduction

    • 1. Theories of play

    • 2. Play gestures

    • 3. What’s good (usually), part one

    • 4. What’s good (usually), part two

    • 5. What’s good (usually), part three

    • 6. What’s good (usually), part four

    • 7. What’s good (usually), part five

    • 8. Chasing – the many faces of chasing

    • 9. What’s not so good, part one

    • 10. What’s not so good, part two: Controlling space

    • 11. What’s not so good, part three: Frontal alignment

    • 12. What’s not so good, part four: non-consensual body contact

    • 13. What’s not so good, part five: Freezing /hard eye contact or staring

    • 14. What’s not so good, part six: T-shape

    • 15. What’s not so good, part seven: Targeted bites

    • 16. What's not so good, part eight: Bullying

    • 17. Sex (Good or not? You tell me!!)

    • Dog-to-Dog Module 2 Quiz - Beware! These questions and answers have been created by a devious mind (mine!), so engage brain before trigger finger!
  • 4

    Dog-to-Dog Module 3 - predicting canine aggression

    • Dog-to-Dog Module 3 : Introduction

    • 1. Social skills as a set of motor patterns

    • 2. What Mum and Dad gave you – genetics of the individual

    • 3. What was the dog bred to do? Genetics of the breed or type

    • 4. Early experiences

    • Research-article-The-Effects-of-early-Experience-and-Maternal-influence-on-Puppies-Battaglia

    • 5. The weaning process

    • 6. The quality and quantity of socialisation and habituation…

    • 7. Inappropriate interactions with an older dog in the household (AKA ‘beating up grandpa’)

    • 8. Learning from a doggie friend – monkey see, monkey do

    • 9. Practising with a littermate

    • 10. Bad experiences in puppyhood and adolescence

    • 11. Hormones (and sexual advances)

    • 12. Resource guarding

    • 13. Barrier frustration

    • 14. Lack of owner awareness – hot spots, flash points – and ‘he’s only playing’

    • Learn To Talk Dog Dog-to-Dog Communication Course, Summary

    • Learn To talk Dog, Dog-to-Dog Communication, Module 3, Quiz

    • Huge congratulations!