Dr. Dolittle, a character created by author Hugh Lofting, could hear animals speak in English. While Lofting's children's stories were purely fiction, the premise is true — animals really do communicate with people. It is up to humans to learn their language.

Dog trainer Turid Rugaas of Norway is an internationally recognized authority on "dog speak," a universal language used by dogs to avoid and solve conflicts, and live together peacefully.

Rugaas has identified about 30 messages that dogs share with each other. The most common might be when a dog licks his nose or yawns and looks away. This is your cue to think about what you've just done. Perhaps you raised your voice or yanked the leash. Using canine language, the dog is telling you to calm down. You can show that you understand by licking your lips and yawning too.

Dogs usually greet each other using what's called "calming signals." Watch for your dog to sniff the ground or lay with his belly on the ground. They will walk slowly in curves around each other, yawning but never making eye contact. Humans can make dogs feel more comfortable by mimicking their slow movements and looking away. When talking to a dog, use a soft voice in a higher pitch. It's considered soothing and calming to canines.

Certain human actions may be interpreted as threats by dogs. Moving quickly or walking straight toward a dog can be considered aggression. Looking directly into the dog's eyes or reaching down and touching a dog's head may also anger him.

When approaching someone else's dog, it's always best to ask permission from the owner, then allow the dog to sniff your low hand so that it can see and smell you. Just as something touching the top of your head might frighten you, a pat to the head by a hand that a dog can't see can easily alarm him.

Most of us understand that a repetitive meow means our frisky feline wants something. There are other cues that can be harder to read, but the tail is often the best indicator of their mood. While the rhythmic wagging of a dog's tail signals happiness, the agitated whipping of a cat's tail means that she is angry or upset. A slow and swaying tail indicates happiness and jerky movements signal stalking. Ever wondered what it means when your cat snuggles against you? Rubbing her head or cheek on someone or something is marking "ownership" with her scent. The cat that rests in a curled-up position is usually contented, while a cat that is feeling ill may sprawl in a position requiring the least energy.

Rabbits also rub their chins on people and things to mark territory. A head shake from a bunny indicates a dislike of tastes or smells. Stomping and grunts indicate anger, fear or fright. Grinding of teeth, similar to a cat's purr, means the rabbit is content. And a playful hop means happiness.

Even guinea pigs want to let their owners know how they feel. A hunched or huddled posture means he could be sick or injured. While whistling, purring and squealing generally indicate joy or interest, a rigid or "frozen" posture indicates fear.

While birds hide symptoms of illness to ward off predators, they do try to communicate other feelings. When a bird flaps its wings, it means she's showing off or excited. Dilated eyes indicate excitement or interest. And dilated eyes with a flared tail means she's aggressive.

Understanding our pet's attempts to communicate brings us closer to them and offers us an opportunity to have a richer, and more meaningful bond with our feathered and furry companions.

Learn more: Calming Signals Community: www.canis.no/rugaas/index.php