Yep, as a pet sitter I know you can learn to read your pet's body language: am hard-wired for cats. On a new pet sit, and had not met the pet, the kitty bumped her auto toy as a signal she wanted it turned on. And I know when to avoid unwanted attention by reading signals from wide eyes, hunched backs, lashing tails, and set-back ears. Dogs also have their own communication methods. Did you know a Pit Bull is easiest to read because of fur lack? And when a pooch raises its paw, it is a calming gesture. Hope to use some of this knowledge when I join a pet rescue operation later this year. You can read more about animal behavior on the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) web site. Took an online course there recently.