Beau.
By way of spending lots of time with Beau, reading a pile of dog books and training him during puppy workshops and a dog school his humans obtained experience in reading the signals Beau is sending us. In a never ending process of learning his humans are always extending, correcting and fine tuning the information he is giving.

Barking Rare, only when he does not have access to his humans or when he is aroused by the presence of another animal at the other side of a transparant door.

Belly grumbling Spinning loudly because I am so pleased you are back home.

Ears upright (together with neck hair). I am big and fierce, do you notice!

Ears upright (questioning eyes) What is happening here? What do you want?

Front paws clawing in the sky I am going to fight you, right now!

Grumbling with teeth and mouth I warn you, beware!

Hair bristling in neck Step aside, I demand respect.

Lying on back, paws up in the sky. Lots of petting please.

Moaning Oh I am so tired and want to go to sleep.

Mouth snapping Give me that cookie now, I performed well.

Play bow (front paws low and stretched to the front, bottom and tail up). I greet you and am ready for action.

Pointing with body This way please!

Pushing I want attention.

Pushing head under or between legs I greet you I feel very happy, or I am wet and use your clothes to dry myself.

Putting head on your feet You belong to me, I am at ease.

Putting paw on lap Come with me, I want something can't you see that?

Standing on hind legs, jumping I am very happy (with his humans) or I am pushing you away (occasionally with strangers).

Sitting I am good and deserve something tasty, or I haven't had enough yet I want another bowl of food.

Stretched legs, making big I am really huge and fierce, do you see that!

Sitting and leaning Pet me, I want to feel comfortable and safe.

Sitting during stroll I don´t want to go along, I want to take another direction or go home.

Sighing Pfff, rest at last.

Sleeping movements (quivering paws and nose) I am dreaming.

Sleeping noises (short breathes). I am dreaming heavily.

Snoaring (loudly) I am in a deep sleep.

Squeaking, whining I am in pain, I need you to help me.

Tail low between legs This is scary, I don´t feel safe.

Tail moving from left to right Hi! Or pay attention please!

Yawning I am not interested.

Yawning loudly (mouth opened, play bow and curly toes) I am totally relaxed, stretching myself getting ready to go out with you.

Humans.
The learning of Beau is based on ignoring unwanted and rewarding good behaviour. Because Beau is fond of yummies, this way of training Beau proved very effective. Beau learns by linking words to actions, step by step and with adequate timing. A lot of repeating, patience, consistent use of body language and voice while trying to pick up his own signals (does he understand, does he like it, is he tired et cetera) proved to be essential in our proces of interaction. Beau has learned the basics of a good pet, although sometimes we have to refresh his manners and memory. Gradually he acquired a set of human vocabulary he can act or - also important - not to act upon.

Calmly For instance do not tug or don´t rush the stairs. In which case we also move quietly. 

Come over Move your bottom and join us humans. Our equivalent in body language is to squat and call him with a high pitched voice, invitingly enthousiast.

Come and you will get your yummy.

Do not eat Do not crunch away edible things found in the streets.

Down Lying down, our equivalent body language is to fold our arms behind our back.

Fetch To take something in the mouth.

Follow To walk closely at the left side of his humans. This is a hard thing to do for Beau, still after eight years he just rather goes sniffing, looking back eyes saying "Hey are you still holding my leash?"

Foot To sit down at the left side of his humans.

Give Come and let go in my hand.

Go and drink some water

Go and look To find a yummy, an object or one of his humans during hide and seek.

Go outside To the balcony in our appartment, or the garden at our allotment spot.

Go inside somewhere

Good boy You are ever so sweet.

Keep on standing

Keep on sitting

Let go To drop something out of his mouth.

Names Peter, Antoinette (big humans), Yu (little human), Hans en Wil (occasional sitters).

Don´t  pee against house fronts, stare at other male dog, hypnotise human during diner et cetera.

Pay attention and wait! When crossing the road (though downtown Beau is always leashed).

Penis To roll around on his back for a wash. 

Sit In body language we show our closed hand downwards before his nose.

Stay Do not move.

Well done Praise for Beau.