‘Dogs Talk...if we learn how to listen‘
Understanding the Silent Language of Dogs
Dogs have been in my family since before the day I was born. Growing up, I thought I knew a thing or two about dogs and how they communicate. However, looking back, I wish I had known then what I know now about these beautiful four-legged friends we choose to share our lives with.
I’ve since learned that dogs communicate through a complex combination of signals—not just to us, but to one another. Their behaviour is also deeply contextual, meaning a single movement can change its meaning depending on what is happening around them.
For example, subtle stress signals – like a yawn, a lip-lick, or a head turn – often appear long before a situation escalates into a growl or a bite. The secret to a happy, safe relationship lies in learning to “read” this silent language and seeing the world through your dog’s eyes.
“Dogs talk…if we learn how to listen” — Helen Jones-Florio, Canine Body Language Coach
From the beaches of West Africa to your local park.
My Story: The “Gambia Edge”
My journey into the world of dog behaviour didn’t start in a classroom; it started on a beach in The Gambia, West Africa.
This is where I met ‘Dexter’ dog. He spent the first three years of his life fending for himself, navigating the high-stakes reality of survival. Dexter, along with a pack of other sweet strays, eventually found his way to the house we lived in – with thanks to an extraordinary woman, Heather Armstrong (MBE), founder of The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust charity organisation, who owned the house. The charity really ought to be renamed to The Gambia Horse, Donkey, Dogs, Cats, Camels, Hyenas, Monkeys…you get the picture.
Dexter Dog Travels: Banjul-Paris-London. Planes, trains, and automobiles
For almost ten years, we had the privilege of living with and caring for these free-roaming dogs. Observing them in their natural state gave me a perspective most behaviour consultants never have the opportunity to see. I watched newcomers like Dexter navigate the pack with wariness, often needing time and space to adjust. I saw the “bravado” of the bold, the desperation of those hungry enough to venture into an established pack, and the literal scars of those who had to fight to find their “family.”
Why We Need to “Listen” with Our Eyes
When I returned to the UK in 2022, I began my formal studies in canine behaviour to back my years of field experience with professional qualifications. But my core philosophy remains the same: to understand behaviour, we have to “listen” to what dogs are saying before they ever make a sound.
The lip lick is a self-calming mechanism. A subtle, non-verbal signal often used to communicate anxiety, stress, or discomfort when a dog feels unsure of their environment. It can also be ‘displacement’ or ‘appeasement’ behaviour. Often accompanied by, for example, yawning (when not tired), averting gaze (looking away), or pacing
Most people see a wagging tail and assume happiness, or a cowering dog and assume past abuse or “guilt”. But the truth is more nuanced. Dogs are often “shouting” in silence long before they resort to a bark or a growl.
My mission is to teach you the language of dogs so you can:
- See the Unseen: Spot subtle signs of stress or joy before they escalate.
- Advocate with Confidence: Know exactly when your dog needs space or guidance.
- Build True Trust: Replace guesswork with mutual respect and a deeper bond.
How We Can Work Together
I offer specialised sessions designed to help you and your family become fluent in “speaking dog”. By bridging the communication gap, we move away from guesswork and toward a relationship built on genuine, two-way trust.
“Walk & Learn” Sessions: There is no better classroom than the real world. During these sessions, we’ll walk with your dog(s) in a *real-world environment. I’ll help you narrate what your dog is “saying” in real-time, helping you understand their personality, their triggers, and their joys.
For the Young Explorers (Ages 6–11)
Interactive Flashcard Sessions: Using my custom-designed “Dexter” flashcards, I teach children how to read a dog’s emotions. With an image on the front and a description on the back, these sessions make learning dog safety and body language fun, engaging, and memorable.
For the Grown-Ups & Families
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The Golden Rule: Read the Whole Dog
In every session and on every flashcard, I emphasise one vital principle: Never look at a single signal in isolation.
“Always look at the whole dog + environment (what’s happening around them?)”
To truly understand a dog, we must look at the “Whole Picture”:
- The Context: Where are you? Who or what is nearby?
- The Individual: Age, health, breed, and past experiences (like Dexter’s) all matter.
- The Body: From the flick of an ear to the tension in the tail—it all tells a story.
- The Health: Sometimes, “bad” behaviour is actually a cry for help regarding pain.
Yawning out of context: self-calming mechanism. A subtle, non-verbal signal often used to communicate anxiety, stress, or discomfort when a dog feels unsure of their environment. It can also be ‘displacement’ or ‘appeasement’ behaviour. Often accompanied by, for example, lip licking, shaking off (when not wet), or averting gaze (looking away)
Whether you have a rescue with a complex history or a new puppy, let’s work together to see the world through their eyes. All breeds, mixes, ages, and sizes are welcome.
Please note:
A quick note on our session: The “Walk & Learn” is designed as a language lesson rather than a traditional dog training class. Our focus is entirely on understanding your dog’s emotional state through their body language. While we won’t be focusing on strict obedience cues, like ‘sit’ or ‘heel’, communication and behaviour are closely linked. Therefore, there will naturally be some crossover advice and practical, force-free tips during the session on how to handle situations in real-time.
I look forward to walking, talking and, most importantly, “listening” with you and your dog.
Helen Jones-Florio
Canine Body Language Coach
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*Safety is key. I can suggest secure field locations, or quiet areas to walk, for those with dogs who may be, for example, nervous or reactive
[Insert Dexter Illustrated Images Here]
My Qualifications & Training
I believe in lifelong learning to ensure I am providing the most up-to-date, science-based support for you and your dog. My approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and a deep respect for canine welfare.
Compass Education: Diploma Level 3 Diploma in ‘Foundation of Canine Behaviour’ (Distinction)
IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers): Level 3 Certificate in ‘Learning, Motivation, and Reinforcement’
– Certificate in ‘Learning Theory Explained’
– Certificate in ‘Breed and Predatory Motor Patterns’
Canine Principles: CPD Certificates in ‘Dogs and Children’- and ‘Loose Lead Walking’
Dog First Aid Surrey: Certificated in Canine First Aid
📚Current studies (2025-2026): Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Canine) – Level 5. Focusing on positive reinforcement to improve behavioural, social, communication, and learning skills. Using behavioural principles to set goals, reinforce behaviours, and measure outcomes.
Fully insured – Public Liability (link to Session Fees & FAQs
To find out more about my other work, as a photographer/filmmaker, hop over to our ‘About’ and ‘The Art in Dog Photography’ pages.
Social Media #DexterDogTravels
(USE DEXTER HEAD AS ICON) Read the Whole Dog
Rolling in something smelly! Dogs often roll in other animals’ poop because it’s an instinct inherited from their wild ancestors, possibly to disguise their own scent or to carry interesting smells back to their group.
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