Alright, I admit it – this post is partly just an excuse to talk about my new puppy, Paddy, and share a cute picture! 🐾 But three weeks into dog ownership (a whole new world for me), I’ve noticed something that’s impossible to ignore: when it comes to connecting with our four-legged friends, non-verbal communication skills such as body language are everything.

From facial expressions and body posture to eye contact and tone of voice, our dogs learn to understand us not through words, but through signals. Paddy might only “understand” two words right now – “Paddy” and “sit” (and even that feels generous!), but he reads my mood and intent like a pro, all from my body language.

And guess what? The same is true for human communication.

Research indicates that nonverbal cues play a substantial role in how messages are perceived:​

• 55% of communication is conveyed through body language, such as facial expressions and posture.
• 38% is conveyed through tone of voice, including pitch and inflection.
• Only 7% of communication is through the actual words spoken.​

Dog psychology, it turns out, can teach us a lot about workplace communication too, especially for leaders, managers, and customer-facing teams. Here are a few insights inspired by Cesar Millan, the world-renowned dog behaviourist:

Calm and assertive leadership builds trust

Dogs respond best to calm, confident energy, and so too do people. If you’re a manager, remember that how you show up emotionally influences your team. Workplace communication for leaders isn’t just about words; it’s about presence.

Eye contact matters (but don’t overdo it)

Regular, gentle eye contact builds connection but too much can feel like a challenge, for dogs and humans alike. It’s a subtle art, and key to building rapport with customers, colleagues, and teams.

Boredom creates mischief

A bored dog may get destructive. Humans? We disengage. Whether it’s in the office or on the sofa, we all need stimulation, purpose, and clear goals. If your team seems restless, a fresh challenge might be just the solution.

Praise is powerful

Dogs thrive on immediate, positive reinforcement, and so do we. Quick recognition for a job well done is one of the simplest ways to boost morale. It’s a cornerstone of giving constructive feedback that motivates.

Live in the moment

“Dogs do not hold grudges or brood about the past,” says Millan. They live fully in the now. That’s a healthy mindset for anyone navigating change or handling difficult conversations at work. Let go, reset, and focus on what you can influence.

There’s more to come, both from my adventures with Paddy and the world of active listening and workplace communication. But for now, I’m just grateful for the reminder that sometimes, the simplest lessons come with four paws and a wagging tail.

Have your own canine-inspired insights? We’d love to hear them 🐶

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