Understand Your Dog's Body Language
A dog's body tells you a lot about what is going on on the outside world. Just look at them, the next time you have something happen. You'll find a lot about how to decipher these signs/language, after reading this article.
Contents
Steps
- Pay more attention to your dog. We humans are well-tuned to each others body language on a subconscious level (you can usually know that someone is frustrated or upset at you without them even saying anything) but we do not have the same instinct for dog body language. To "listen" to your dog you'll need to be more conscientious.
- Start by paying special attention to one aspect of your dog's body language. For example, among the signs below, for two or three weeks pay attention only to your dog's tail.
- Move onto other aspects. As you become familiar with your dog's nuances with his tail, spend another few weeks paying attention specifically to his posture.
- Remember that each dog is different. Your dog is unique and while the signs below are a good place to start, if your dog's body language does not match up with its actions according to the guide below, then accept that your dog may have a different "body language vocabulary".
Tail
- Learn what your dog means when their tail is tentatively wagging at a minimal speed. It mean the dog is relaxed, but alert. He's waiting in anticipation of something happening. He or she expects something to happen (for example, a walk).
- Learn what your dog means when their tail is wagging slowly and lowered. It means the dog is telling you that he doesn't understand your command, and is asking you what he wants himself to do.
- Learn what your dog means when their tail tremors slightly, and held vertically erect. It means that he's issuing a quiet challenge to your authority, since he feels that he is the dominant dog.
- Learn what your dog means when their tail is wagging rapidly and is being held very low. It means the dog is acknowledging to you that you are in charge. He is prepared to listen to you.
- Learn what your dog means when their tail is slightly below vertical and still. It means that he's projecting a high degree of alertness.
- Learn what your dog means when their tail is parallel to the ground and rigid. It means the dog has accepted your challenge.
- Learn what your dog means when their tail is vertical or almost vertical. It means he's letting others know that he is the leader of the pack. It's only a "gesture of a very confident canine."
- Learn what your dog means when their tail is loose but is held a bit lower than parallel to the ground. It means he's relaxed who's content with the way things go.
- Learn what your dog means when their tail is low and swaying. It means the dog is uncertain or just has the "blahs". Play with the dog, or do something out of the ordinary, for a little while.
- Learn what your dog means when their tail is tucked between their legs. It means the dog is critically in fear of something painful happening.
Stance
- Learn what your dog means when their stance is Leaning forward on rigid legs. It means the dog is responding to a challenge or threat, and is letting his adversary know there's no way that he's not backing down. War will ensue, if two dogs adopt this stance.
- Learn what your dog means when their stance is rolled over. It means the dog is telling you that he accepts your dominance.
- Learn what your dog means when they have one paw raised. It means something in the situation is making him unsure of himself or of what will happen next. The paw will return to the floor, when he knows the clear understanding of what's going on.
- Learn what your dog means when their head/paw on back of the neck of another dog. It means two rivals have resolved the issues between them and the dog it's being placed on, is the submissive dog.
- Learn what your dog means when the dog has it's head or paw on a human's knee. This is an attention grabbing device. Do not interpret this as a challenge to your authority.
Eyes
- Learn what your dog means when their eyes are wide open but alert. This means he's eager for you to pay attention to him. He's challenging you and expects you to respond firmly.
- Learn what your dog means when their eyes are staring into space. This means he thinks he's in charge and that if you don't accept, misbehavior ensues.
- Learn what your dog means when their eyes are blinking at an object. This action means that he's letting you know that he's ready to play.
- Learn what your dog means, when their eyes are looking anywhere but at you. This means he's giving you a submissive message ( such as under a possible ensuing punishment).
- Learn what your dog means when their eyes are narrow and menacing. This action means he's expressing nasty aggression. but don't run away from the dog-back away from the dog super-slowly.
Ears
- Learn what your dog means when their ears are standing straight up or inclined forward. This action means that he's expressing curiosity and that he's paying attention to any new event in his environment. Make sure the tone of your voice and your gestures express the same mood.
- Learn what your dog means when their ears are pulled back flat against the head. This action means the dog is expressing fear. He's reflexively trying to get his ears out of the way of whatever he perceives to be threatening to him.
- Learn what your dog means when their ears are pulled back slightly, but not tight enough that they are against the head. This action is a mild signal of discontent and it will usually pass by without intervention.
Mouth
- Learn what your dog means when their lips are curled, their teeth are barred and their muzzle is wrinkled. This action means he's very mad and won't take it.
- Learn what your dog means when they yawn. Yawning means he's miffed and is the canine reflex reaction to stress.
- Learn what your dog means when their mouth is pulled back without barred teeth or wrinkled muzzle. This action means his wanting to let the challenger know that a fight is not in the cards. If the aggressor continues to menace, look for obvious display of mission (rolling over).
- Learn what your dog means when their mouth is open, and their teeth are barred, but there is no snarling. This action means that he's protecting his turf (such as while he's eating)
- Learn what your dog means when their mouth is pulled back, but their lips are tightly closed. This action is a low key sign to tone down the intensity of whatever is happening between your pet and you.
- Learn what your dog means when they show signs of smiling by mouth. This action means they're relaxed and happy. Take advantage of it, by indulging in a little gentle playtime.
Things You'll Need
- a dog
Related Articles
- Communicate With Your Dog
- Say Dog in Different Languages
- Make Healthy Dog Treats
- Understand What Your Dog Wants
- Understand Dogs and Their Environments
- Understand Small Dog Syndrome
- Love Your Dog
- Understand Your Dog's Vocal Language
Sources and Citations
- Taylor, Robert. Dog Talk. Boca Raton, Fl:American Media Mini Mags, 2001, Print.
