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ANIMAL COMMUNICATION
ANIMAL COMMUNICATION |
Donkey / Human Communication |
Most humans have a lot to learn when it comes to interacting with the other
animals. Too often, we forget that verbal communication is least important
to them and most important to us. We human beings depend upon our vocal
capacities to carry us through almost every interaction we have, whether
it be with other people, with our pets or with strange animals. When we
talk with our voices, we assume that the other party understands and is
listening to our words. And it is due to this mistaken assumption that,
too often, there is mis-communication.
Domesticated equines (donkeys, mules and horses) communicate through their
entire bodies. What they see, what they hear, what they smell, what they
touch, how they are touched : for them, these are the important elements
in a conversation. If you begin to approach one of them, and they can see
you, they are paying very close attention right from your first movement.
They watch your entire body, your hands, the way you hold yourself, the
speed at which you move: all of these signals are a source of communication.
Put yourself in a donkey’s place and consider a human who approaches.
Too often, the movement is very fast, the hands are outstretched and the
words being spoken are just so many unintelligible sounds. How would you
react in that situation? Would you want to have your forehead rubbed by
a stranger, or have hands placed all over your face and sensitive ears without
any warning? Would you feel comfortable? |
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Having a good conversation with an equine (or a canine or a feline, for
that matter) begins with the recognition of that animal’s patterns
of communication.
Here are a few elements to remember: |
1. Think ahead. What are you trying to achieve? Do you want to
touch the animal? Why? Where? You are initiating a relationship here, what
do you want to accomplish?
2. Walk S L O W L Y and keep your talk, talk talking to
a minimum. The animal is not attending to your words; rather, he or she
is concentrating on the signals that your entire body is transmitting. Swift
movements are unsettling.
3. Pause, and see if the animal wants to approach you and,
if so, stand still. Is he or she nervous, trying to move away? If so, remain
standing quietly and let a few moments pass.
4. Begin to approach again and keep your hands lowered
and expect that the donkey will want to smell them. If you raise them high,
the animal might think that it is going to be struck.
5. Be prepared to be smelled all over. Your body odor is
VERY significant to them and, if you are nervous, that is picked up immediately.
6. When you are near the animal, lower your body a bit
if he or she is smaller than you are. Don’t forget that when you loom
over smaller creatures, you threaten them. |
At the same time that the donkey is watching you approach, he or she is
sending out communication signals as well. Look at its entire body and ‘read’
what it is trying to relate: |
EARS |
a. Both ears forward: the donkey is tuned in to something
on you or behind you. The donkey is watching your movement, your speed and
where you are going.
b. One ear forward and one back: the donkey is very curious,
checking out all the environmental sounds.
c. Ears flat out to the side: the donkey is resting.
d. Both ears back and up: something is going on behind
them but it is still watching you with its eyes.
e. Ears back and down: there is something wrong. Do NOT
approach. |
BODY MOVEMENTS |
a. Nudge with the nose: a jennet will often do this to
her foal in order to encourage him or her to move forward.
OR a donkey will nudge a person if the person is in the way of food
b. Nipping movement with the mouth: this can be a cautionary
signal. Basically, the donkey does not want you or another animal too close.
Anu, who is nursing Odin right now, will make this movement if anyone approaches
too close while he is suckling.
Or a donkey will pull at a sleeve if he or she wants something that you
have. This reaction can be painful if the donkey’s teeth bite into
one’s arm and the habit should be discouraged by use of the voice
and a loud, abrupt, “No!” is expressed.
c. Standing with one leg raised: If a donkey is eating,
that is its total focus and a movement from behind can startle the animal.
The raised leg is a warning to move away.
d. Resting the head on a human’s shoulder: the donkey
is very relaxed and comfortable. Indeed, if a donkey is comfortable with
you, it will always approach.
e. Turning around and placing the hind end to the person:
this is always a sign that the animal is nervous around people. Some equines
will allow the rump to be patted but not any other part of the body. At
the same time, turning around is a nervous response and could signal that
the animal is set to kick out in defense.
f. Tail switching: The animal is annoyed about something.
Look around to find the cause for concern and/or reexamine what you are
doing.
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WORDS |
The human voice can have a powerful effect on a donkey. But one must always
remember that it is the level and tone that are equally, if not more, important
than the specific words. It is good to remember that once the voice has
been heard, then the animal uses its sight to ‘read’ what is
meant. A stream of words has little, if any, meaning.
The use of specific, single words can be effective so long as they are used
consistently. Donkeys will come to understand, “No” if it is
used in specific, repeated circumstances. At the same time, overuse of this
word can render it meaningless. In English, it is easy to forget that ‘know’
and ‘no’ sound the same.
Additionally, the level and tone of the voice can be used very positively.
For example, Saucy is a little mule who suffered severe mistreatment before
coming to the DSC. She has been with us for 9 years and has continued the
entire time to be exceptionally nervous around people. Recently, however,
one of our volunteers has discovered that Saucy will calm down noticeably
if she is alone with the little mule and sings quietly to her.
The use of soothing sounds is an area that needs considerable research when
it comes to interspecies communication. At the same time, one should remember
that the use of a soothing tone can go only so far. If the animal is upset
about something, it is inclined to follow its instincts. Always remember
that the sound of your voice is but one of countless cues (sight, smell,
motion) that the animal is receiving.
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The Sanctuary