Interpreting Your Dog’s Body Language
Given the fact that dogs can’t talk with us, it is only by using their movement and their noises that we gather what they mean to say. Dogs tell us through actions like wagging tails or exposing their tummies.
Dogs communicate with a complex body signal language which reflects what they think and feel. They consciously and instinctively use signals to communicate. While there are some generalities we can make about a dogs body language, you know your dog best and with careful observations and interactions, you will be able to interpret the nuances of your dogs’ behaviors. As a responsible owner, it’s your job to learn how your dog communicates. Pay attention to body posture and position, facial expressions, and movements.
Understanding Dogs’ Body Language - from nose to tail!
It’s pretty easy to understand the vocalizations of your dogs. Barks, whines and growls are pretty straightforward.
Your dogs’ face can tell you a lot. Did you know that lip-licking can indicate anxiety in your dog? Yawning can be a sign of stress and the act of yawning can soothe your dog and since yawns are contagious, it can also induce a calming effect on you! Pay attention to how your dog shows teeth - there is a big difference in your dogs emotions, between smiling and snarling but they look similar. If you aren’t sure, look at your dogs stance tail to see if they are on alert or just a happy dog. Eye contact is an excellent indicator of your dogs mood. If you are getting the death stare from your dog, he is on high alert and likely in a very protective mode. If his eyelids are soft and/or he’s squinting, he’s likely relaxed and calm. If your dog is looking away from you or showing you the whites of his eyes, he’s likely uncomfortable or feeling anxious in some way.
But what about the other end of the dog? The tail tells the tale!
A tail held high shows that you dog is feeling confident and self-assured. In certain instances, this could also be a precursor to taking an aggressive stance. A down tail or tucked tail indicates submission, fear or anxiety. The faster a tail wags, the more excited your dog is. This may not always be good thing - too much excitement can cause anxiety and fear. Did you know that a left wag vs. a right wag may have meaning? Pay attention to which way your dogs wag their tails and note which direction it wags when they are happy and excited vs. stressed or anxious. It is likely that you will see a pattern. If the tail is going in circles, that is almost always an indication of happiness. Taking into account the natural tail shape and position of your dog, these generalities may not be applicable to your dogs, but they definitely give you a place to start interpreting your dog’s body language.
Providing a safe, secure spot for your dog can alleviate stress and prevent anxiety.
Other indicators
Some other signs of stress, insecurity and anxiety include:
Closed Mouth
Ears forward and twitching
Smooth forehead and nose
Leaned slightly forward
Excessive drooling in closed mouth
Dry panting
Raised paw
Common signs of aggression and fear include:
Ears back
Rapid panting
Tail down
Lowered body
Dilated pupils
Head lowered
Head-turning
Lip licking
Raised hackles (hair on neck and back)
Self-soothing behaviors
When a dog perceives a threat, feels discomfort or anxiety, or is an unfamiliar location or situation, he can sooth himself with these behaviors:
Nose licking
Chattering teeth
Sniffing
Spinning
Shaking
Pacing
Sneezing
Yawning
Seeking out a den-like space
Posture and Position
We all know that head down, butt up means your dog wants to play. You may think that when your dog offers his belly for a rub that he’s all happy and relaxed. That may not always be the case! If your dog pees a little bit when offering you his belly, he’s likely stressed. A raised paw can indicate insecurity. When your dog cowers, he’s telling you he’s fearful, stress and/or anxious. If your dog has a high tail and is leaning forward, he is likely trying to make himself appear larger and project size as a slightly intimidating factor.
We are Kennel and Crate and we are aware of the dog breeds and will recommend you the best designer dog kennels for your dog. For helping the dog relieving stress and fear, the right training is required and a place for your dog to feel safe. Providing a safe, secure resting spot for your dog can alleviate stress and anxiety. If you are going to have a crate, why not have a great one?
Order standard single and double kennels online. Call/text 405-624-0062, email office@kennelandcrate.com, use the Connect tab or follow us on any social media @kennelandcrate to learn more! We’d love to build the perfect kennel for you. Read our other blog posts to learn about choosing the perfect kennel.