Understanding Your Canine Companion's Silent Communication

The Importance of Understanding Dog Body Language

I'm sure you've noticed that your dog doesn't SAY what's on their mind. Dogs communicate primarily through body language. They rely on various physical cues to express their emotions and needs. This can be so hard for us, as such a talkative species, to truly understand. It is our job as good pet owners to interpret these signals and respond to them accordingly. 84% of dog owners felt more connected to their dogs after learning about body language cues. Understanding and living synergistically with our domesticated housemates means learning an entirely different language, one of visual body language cues.

Something to keep in mind before continuing is that all these signals should be taken in context. Signals should also be interpreted together. Just because a dog "wags" its tail does not mean its happy. A dog could "wag" their tail, but be staring at a cat in a predatory manner if accompanied by stiffness and wide eyes.

Common Body Language Signals

Tail Positioning

The tail is one of the most expressive parts of a dog's body. Tail movements and positions can indicate a range of emotions.

• High, Loose and Wagging: Contrary to popular belief, not all wagging tails mean happy. Only loose ones that the butt seems to move with do.

  
  

• High, Methodical Wagging: A dog might wag their tail high and in a methodical fashion if they are prey-oriented or overstimulated. We usually want to be wary and careful if we see this sign. For example, a dog staring at a cat.

  
  

• Low or Tucked: A low or tucked tail often signifies fear, submission, or anxiety. If your dog hides its tail between its legs when meeting new people, it may feel unsure.

  
  

• Still or Slow Wagging: A slow wagging tail can suggest caution or uncertainty. For instance, if your dog approaches a stranger while wagging slowly, they may be unsure about the person's intentions.

  
  

Ears and Eyes

The position of your dog’s ears and the look in their eyes greatly contribute to their communication.

• Ears Up: Ears held upright usually indicate alertness and curiosity. When your dog perks their ears while you mention going for a walk, they are showing interest in what you are saying.

  
  

• Ears Back: When ears are pulled back, it can denote submission or fear. If a dog encounters a loud noise and backs away with their ears down, it may feel threatened.

  
  

• Soft, Relaxed Eyes: Relaxed eyes usually suggest that your dog is calm and comfortable.

  
  

• Whites of Eyes can Be Seen: Wide eyes, where the whites of the eyes can be seen can indicate fear.

  
  

Body Posture

Your dog's overall posture can provide clues about their emotional state.

• Relaxed Body: A relaxed stance with loose limbs and a soft expression typically signifies that your dog is comfortable and happy, such as when they lie down peacefully next to you.

  
  

• Standing Tall and Stiff: A stiff, upright posture often indicates confidence or a threat. This could happen if a stranger approaches your home and your dog stands stiff at the gate.

  
  

• Cowering or Hunched: A dog that cowers or hunches over is likely expressing fear or submission. If a loud noise makes your dog huddle in a corner, it's a sign that they are feeling scared.

  
  

• Piloerection: Piloerection is often seen on a dog's withers, or near their front shoulders. This means the hair on their back is standing upright. This is a definite sign of arosoul.

  
  

Specific Dog to Dog greetings

Greeting Behavior

When dogs meet each other or people, their body language is key in indicating their friendliness or hostility.

• Friendly Greeting: A dog that approaches with a low body posture, wagging tail, loose body, and a soft open-mouthed expression is likely to be friendly.

  
  

• Aggressive Greeting: In contrast, a dog that approaches with a stiff body, raised fur along their back, and direct eye contact could be displaying aggression or dominance. Dogs who are trying to establish dominance will often try to "posture over" the other. Often this is seen with one dog's head trying to go over the other's shoulders. It's important to redirect your dog into appropriate behavior if you see these signals.

  
  

Playtime Signals

During playtime, dogs exhibit specific cues that convey their intentions.

• Play Bow: A classic play bow, where a dog lowers their front legs while keeping their back legs straight, clearly indicates a desire to play. This gesture is a universal sign of friendship among dogs.

  
  

• Chasing and Extracting: If one dog chases another, watch for loose, bouncy movements. If the chased dog suddenly stops and turns to face the pursuer with their tail up and a playful stance, they might be inviting the game to continue.

  
  

• Equal play: Dogs that are enjoying a playmate most often are engaging in equal play that is accompanied by loose body language. If vocalization occurs, it should be high-pitched, a sign of friendly play for the most part.

  
  

Alleviating tension

Dogs use specific behaviors to calm themselves or appease others. Recognizing these signals can help one understand how their dog relates to other dogs.

• Yawning: As previously mentioned, yawning can indicate stress, but it also functions as a calming signal

  
  

• Turning Away: When a dog turns their head or body away from a perceived threat, it conveys discomfort without aggression.

  
  

• Shaking Off: Shaking off can occur after a stressful event to help your dog regulate their emotions back to normal.

Seeking Comfort

When dogs feel anxious or insecure, they may seek comfort from you or other dogs.

• Staying Close: If your dog follows you around or stays close, they may be looking for reassurance.

  
  

• Climbing up on the owner: Dogs that lean against you or try to "climb" up you are often very insecure in their current situation.

  
  

Stress and Anxiety Signals

Recognizing when your dog is stressed or anxious is crucial, as these emotions can lead to unwanted behaviors.

• Whining or Barking: Vocalizations can indicate that your dog is uncomfortable or seeking your attention. Try not to feed into your dog vocalizing for attention, it can be a slippery slope. If you determine your dog is panicking, you might be pushing them to do something too far, too soon.

  
  

• Excessive Licking or Chewing: If your dog frequently licks their lips or chews on their paws, they might be expressing anxiety or trying to soothe themselves. This can also be a sign of pain.

  
  

• Yawning or Stretching: While yawning can indicate sleepiness, it can also signify stress. If your dog yawns repeatedly at the vet, they may be uneasy. Stretching can indicate a shift to a more relaxed state, such as after a nice walk.

  
  
  
  

How tO Enhance Communication with Your Dog

Regular Training

Training boosts obedience and deepens your bond. It creates awareness of ourselves, and in return, our dog's responses to us. Training teaches you to watch your dog's body language and react to it as their partner.

Observing Behavior

Spend time observing your dog in different situations. Noting their reactions to various stimuli allows you to meet their needs effectively.

Engage in Core Activities and watch your dog's reactions

Enrichment walks, playtime, and training exercises help your dog express themselves. These activities satisfy their physical and emotional needs, nurturing a stronger bond.

Citations and additional resources

VISUALS

Loyola Marymount University. (n.d.). Dog body language. https://academics.lmu.edu/media/lmuacademics/cures/urbanecolab/module09/Dog%20Body%20Language.pdf

Additional citations

American Kennel Club. (n.d.). How to read dog body language. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/how-to-read-dog-body-language/