Reading minds of furry friends

Ever wished you could talk to the animals? Having a conversation may be difficult, but there are other ways you can communicate with your furry friends. Zhang Wei reports.

Have you ever wished you could read your pets' mind? Understanding their feelings and needs will enable a pleasant and safe relationship with them. Though pets are non-verbal, they are still very expressive and send messages through their body language.

Man's best friend: Dogs barking can mean different things. Photos provided to Shanghai Star

Dog

Barking is one of many forms of communication. Each type of bark serves a distinct function for a dog.

Territorial barking indicates the sense of tension and threats. Attention-seeking barking signals boredom or loneliness, and the need for a companion.

Socially facilitated barking is in response to other dogs' barking, sometimes even at a distance.

Greeting barking is a common scenario, which is a manifestation of their happiness and playfulness.

Sniffing is their way to interpret the world because dogs have a much better sense of smell than human beings.

They sniff to identify danger and threats.