Generally, people say that dogs can’t communicate because they can’t speak. However, if you ask a pet parent, they will tell you otherwise.
Dogs are among the most expressive pets, but only if you are able to understand them. They communicate their emotions and intentions in numerous ways, like barks, growls, and whines.
In simple terms, they use their body language to communicate and express themselves. And so, to better communicate with your (not)-SO-TALKITIVE and expressive furry buddy, it is important that you understand their body language.
In this article, we will share some key body language cues that dogs commonly use to communicate. By recognizing these cues, you can better understand your dog’s emotions and needs.
Basics of Understanding Dog Body Language
When reading your dogs, you need to have some basic dog body language understanding. This includes:
- You need to look at your dog’s entire body to properly interpret their body language.
- Ears, eyes, mouth, tail, and body posture all play a role in conveying your dog’s emotions.
- Responding to your dog’s body language can help them form habits.
- Sometimes the behaviors change according to the surrounding environment.
- Each dog has a different personality, and each of them may choose to express their emotions in a different way.
- Don’t be mad at your pet just because you can’t communicate with them.
- Relax and give yourself and your pet some time. Work together and you will figure it out.
With this basic lesson, let’s now discuss some dog body language and behaviors.
Head to Tail: Lessons for Reading Your Dog’s Body Language
Lesson 1: The Eyes
They say your eyes are the windows to your heart. But for dogs, they are the windows, the doors, and every other entrance to their heart and soul. You can learn a lot about your dog just by taking a quick peek into his or her eyes.
Dogs usually have soft and hard eyes. Soft eyes are when they are relaxed, and their eyelids look like they are squinted. This indicates that the dog is calm and happy. On the other hand, hard eyes are when they are feeling aggressive or anxious. Their eyes look cold, and they might give a hard stare, indicating a threat.
Moreover, when your dog tries to avoid eye contact, that means he or she is trying to calm down and is expressing discomfort.
Lesson 2: The Ears
Dog ears do a lot more than just hear. They indicate their physical and mental state. When the ears are in their natural position, i.e., floppy ears will hang and pointed ears will stand straight, it indicates a relaxed and calm dog. When the ears are erected and pointed forward, it indicates an alert state. Moreover, when the ears are tucked back against the head, it indicates stress and fear.
Lesson 3: The Smile and Facial Expressions
While it is hard to believe, dogs know multiple facial expressions, including smiling. A relaxed and happy dog will have a slightly open mouth with a tongue hanging out, resembling a smile. They may also have soft, relaxed eyes, and their facial muscles will appear loose. Some dogs also show their teeth while smiling, which may be confusing for some parents.
On the other hand, a tense or fearful dog may show signs of aggression or anxiety through bare teeth, a wrinkled nose, and narrowed eyes.
Furthermore, lip-licking is another facial expression that dogs may exhibit when they are feeling anxious or uncomfortable. But they also lip-lick after a meal. Thus, it is important to take account of their whole body language.
Lesson 4: The Posture
Your dog’s posture can help you interpret their body language. If your dog is standing tall with their tail held high and ears forward, they are likely feeling confident and alert. On the other hand, if their body is low to the ground with their tail tucked between their legs and ears flattened, they may be displaying signs of fear or submission. Fearful dogs may also roll onto their backs, exposing their belly.
Additionally, a dog that is leaning forward or lunging may be showing signs of aggression or dominance.
Lesson 5: The Tail
The dog’s tail is the most significant indicator of their emotional state and also their most misunderstood body language. Generally, people believe that a wagging tail means a happy dog; however, there’s more to it.
Dogs usually wag their tails when they are aroused, which can be due to excitement, frustration, or aggression. When the dog wags its tail along with its back, it indicates a happy and greeting dog. Dogs wagging tails slowly with a strong hold on the ground (intense stance) indicate an alert dog.
Moreover, the position of the tail can also indicate the dog’s level of confidence. A high, raised tail often signifies a confident and dominant dog, while a tucked tail suggests fear or submission.
Some Common Dog Emotional States and Respective Body Language
Now that you have learned about the basics of dog’s body language and how to interpret it, let’s discuss some common emotional states in dogs and how they are expressed through body language.
Happy and Relaxed
When dogs are happy and relaxed, their body language is content and at ease. They may have a wagging tail, relaxed ears, and a soft expression on their face. Their body may be loose and wiggly, and they may even roll over to expose their belly as a sign of trust and comfort.
Playful and Excited
Playful and excited dogs look energetic and vibrant. They may have their bottoms raised and their tails wagging. Their eyes and faces may look soft, and their ears may be perked up or forward. They may show playful behaviors such as jumping, bouncing, and play-bowing.
Read More About – Unraveling Feline Mysteries: Decoding Cat Communication through Ear Movements
Stressed and Fearful
When dogs are stressed and fearful, their body language may show signs of tension and discomfort. Their bodies may be stiff and rigid or lowered, with their tails tucked between their legs. Their ears may be tucked back against their heads, and they may avoid eye contact. They may also exhibit behaviors such as panting, pacing, or hiding.
Aggressive and Dominant
Aggressive and dominant dogs often hold their ears tucked back against their heads when in fear. However, confident and aggressive dogs may prick their ears forward or to the side to look big. Their eyes may look fixed with a constant stare and wrinkles across the forehead. They may also raise their lips to show their teeth.
Fearful and aggressive dogs may keep their tail tucked between their legs, while a confident and aggressive dog may hold their tail high and stiff, sometimes even wagging it slowly. Additionally, aggressive dogs may display a stiff body posture, with their hackles raised and their muscles tense. Some also growl or bark loudly as a warning sign to others.
Bottom Note – Know Your Dog
That’s it! With this guide, you can better understand your dog’s body language and behavior. Remember, every dog is unique, and they all have different ways to express themselves. So it’s important to spend time observing and getting to know your dog’s individual cues. Building a strong bond with your furry friend will help create a happy and harmonious relationship based on trust and understanding.