Do you know how to read dog body language?
Our pups have quirky and unique ways of communicating with us that go beyond barking, growling, or wagging their tails.
It is very important that you, the person responsible for your pup, know how to interpret these forms of communication. This will help you to better understand what is going on with your dog at different times.
Often, your dog’s body language may not make much sense to you. Or their body language may not match what you think it means, such as yawning or not maintaining eye contact. To help you out, we have explained some tips below to help you decipher your dog’s body language:
How to Read Dog Body Language:
A Wagging Tail
One of the most talked about and misinterpreted dog body language signs is the wagging tail. Did you know that it doesn’t necessarily mean that your pup is happy? A wagging tail simply means that your pup is emotionally aroused.
For example, when your dog comes to greet you, you’ve probably noticed a relaxed tail wagging. And swaying from side to side, maybe even causing their entire body to wave. However, when the tail wag feels more like a contraction, it may indicate something more negative. Such as being on alert or on guard.
The direction the tail goes can also give you some clues about your pup’s mood. For example, if the fan leans more to the right, it may mean that he is happy. This often happens when interacting with you or playing. Yet, if the fan leans more to the left, it could mean something more negative.
Another important point to observe in the tail is the height at which it is in relation to the ground. If the tail is in a high position, it can indicate an assertive stance, such as confidence or even aggression. However, when the tail is closer to the ground or between the paws, it can signify that your pup is scared or stressed. Relaxed dogs usually keep their tail in a neutral position.
Read more: Why Does My Dog Bark at Me?
Raised Hackles (Piloerection)
The group of hairs that follow a line from the neck to the back of the dog are called hackles. And when they are ruffled, it is a dog body language sign that signals that your pup is alert. But not necessarily in a bad way. Yes, it can mean that your dog is sad, stressed, or afraid, but it can also mean that he is interested in something.
It’s usually an involuntary reaction, much like the goosebumps that we humans experience.
Posture
Your pup’s posture can also tell you a lot of information about your dog.
Bent Posture
When you see your dog in a stooped posture, close to the ground, it can mean that he is scared or stressed. Your pup may be scared and running away from something or someone. And this posture makes them look smaller, as if they’re saying, “I’m not a threat.”
Rolling on the Floor and Exposing the Belly
Often, when our pups roll over and show their tummy, they want to show that they are happy, relaxed, or want you to cuddle. But it can also be a sign of considerable stress or anxiety, such as separation anxiety. In some cases, the pup may not even be able to contain their urine.
Weight Shifted Forward
When you see your pup stretched out with their weight forward, it could mean that he is trying to get closer to something. Or also that he is interested in something or someone.
However, note that if he has his tail sticking up like a flag and waving more like twitches, he’s probably going on the offensive, as this posture makes him look bigger and more menacing.
The Play Bow
When the dog rests his chest on the floor and lifts his hips as if bowing, it means that he wants to play with another dog or even with other people. You may have seen this posture when he brings a ball or a toy to play with you. The name of this posture is “play bow”.
Read more: Why Does My Dog Bark at his Food?
Facial Expressions
Just like us humans, dogs also have facial expressions. But it’s very important to note that they don’t use the expressions the same way in which we do.
Every facial expression on your dog can mean something totally different than what it means for us. We have listed some of the most important ones below:
Yawning
For us, yawning means we are tired, sleepy, or bored. However, in the dog, it may mean that he is stressed. Dogs use yawning to calm themselves, to calm other dogs, or even to calm their owners when they find themselves in tense situations.
Licking the Lips
One of the dog body language signs that is most often misunderstood by owners is when your pup licks his lips. We shouldn’t confuse this behavior with our own human behavior. We often lick our lips to get our mouths watering for a good meal.
On the other hand, our pup licks his lips when he’s anxious. Sometimes he even moves his tongue so fast we barely notice. This is a sign that he is not comfortable with a certain situation.
Smiling
A dog’s smile has a few different meanings. If he is in a rigid posture, showing all his teeth and starts to growl, it means he is ready for aggression. It’s his way of saying “I have powerful teeth and I’m not afraid to use them”.
However, if he smiles showing only his front teeth, it means the opposite of aggression. Usually combined with a relaxed body and tail wagging in a neutral position, it’s called “the smile of submission”. The smile of submission is usually found on relaxed, happy dogs, as if he says “Hello, I’m happy and at peace.”
The Eyes
Just like in humans, your pup’s eyes can tell you a lot about his behavior. A soft look with relaxed eyelids indicates that he is calm and happy.
On the other hand, when his eyes become steady and cold, it may mean a more negative behavior. As if he was guarding a toy or getting ready for aggression.
When feeling stressed, your pup may avoid maintaining eye contact, moving his gaze to the other side. To us, it may seem like he’s ignoring us. But in fact he’s uncomfortable and wants to try to defuse a stressful situation.
Read more: How to Socialize an Aggressive Dog
Did you find these Tips on How to Read Dog Body Language Helpful?
Did you know that your dog could express so much through his body language? Your pup talks to you all the time. And it’s up to you to know how to read your dog’s body language. Better deciphering what your pup is trying to tell you will definitely improve your relationship with your best friend.
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram.
