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Learn dog body language tips and find out what your dog is trying to tell you.
Dogs often communicate through subtle body language. Their gestures can range from a single movement to a series of continuous actions. Similar to humans, dogs use body language to convey emotions, indicate the need for space, and demonstrate their intentions and excitement levels. If your dog is enrolled in the boarding and training program at #CareyTrainsMe, it is essential to read this blog thoroughly in order to recognize your dog's communication when you collect them after their training sessions.
Dogs innately have calming skills, which they practice with each other to maintain healthy
relationships, diffuse conflict and avoid aggression. They send signals that help both dogs deal with interactions, such as one dog charging another. Many dogs use calming signals to show goodwill or even ask another dog for information. They are saying, “I am calm and respectful, show me that you are, too.”
A calming signal can be subtle or overt, as small as a slight turn of the head, or
sniffing/scratching the ground. Or more overt, such as a big loud yawn.
Dogs without the ability to use and understand calming signals can struggle in socialization.
(Docking tails or ears and wearing clothing can hinder the ability to communicate through
calming signals.) Once you know how to understand your dog’s body language, you’ll be better able to respond to its needs.
The best dog body language tip is understanding dogs’ calming signals
Here are some common calming signals your dog may show you so you can learn how to
understand dog body language more deeply:
• Looks away from another dog or person.
• Yawning.
• Large sigh.
• Sniffing “nothing”.
• Raises front paw as a question: “Are you cool? Tell me more.”
• Shakes off, as if wet, head only or entire body.
• Scratching (many think their new puppy has dry skin).
• Blinking slowly.
• Lip or nose licking.
• Tongue flicks.
• When approaching a dog, human or item, they move in an arc pattern and make a wide
semi-circle area.
• Moving in an arc pattern, leaving a wide semi-circle berth).
• Sitting or lying down with back to another dog or person.
• Stretching, with front paws down and rear high. Similar to a play bow, but with a
different meaning.
• Making a soft face, with ears back and soft-looking eyes.
Understanding dog calming signals is useful in training your puppy or dog, especially when it becomes overexcited and stops responding to cues, turning away from you and scratching its body.
When that happens, turn your head, give a loud sigh or yawn and take a break. Your puppy will be happy you understood that they needed a break.
How to Recognize and Understand Canine Stress Signals in Dog Body Language
Early stress signals, known as displacement behaviours, are the same as calming signals. Your dog is telling you it’s uncomfortable. If the stress escalates or does not resolve itself, the
language can turn more aggressive, with lowered body posture, ears flat back, eyes
averted or darting, or wide open “whale eyes” with the whites showing, all indicating your dog
is in a state of hyper-vigilance.
Progressively, other signals emerge Stress signals in dogs.
• hackles up
• leaning back on haunches
• backing away
• hiding from you
• shaking or shivering
• whining or growling
• air-snapping for no visible reason
• lunging with growling
• lunging with snapping (no contact)
• biting the backs of legs or pants as humans turn away
• defensive tooth display (with most front and back teeth showing)
• offensive tooth display (only front incisors showing, including canines), or submissive
grin coupled with submissive body postures.
Examine the two puppies below. Are both of these puppies enjoying the playtime?
Distance-increasing signals are a request for space - the dog is asking you to stop doing what you are doing and to stop approaching.
Distance seeking behaviours
Agonistic pucker, (nose wrinkled, teeth bared)
Ears flattened (pinned back).
Intense stare
Bark & lunge
Head turned away
Lip licking or tongue flicking
Tail lowered
Splitting (dog goes between two other dogs to head off conflict).
Crouch (head lower than its body, tail down & legs bent).
Height seeking posture
Tail raised
Mouth closed
Low growl
Punctuated barking
Paw lift
Trainers often refer to a ladder of aggression. Aggressive behaviour increases (climbs the ladder) if the dog is not given space.
Yawning, blinking, nose licking
Dogs might also lift a paw to try and calm the situation.
Turning body away, sitting, pawing
Creeping, ears back
Growl
Barking and Lunging
Snap (snapping at the air)
Biting
Never approach or use force on a dog displaying this aggressive body language or it will escalate to a bite. You will need to contact a professional for assistance, call animal control 311 in an emergency.
How do you know if your dog wants to engage? They will have softer body language that is more wiggly and gentle.
Distance decreasing signals.
Play bow
Easy wagging tail, circle wagging like a windmill. Just because a dog wags its tail doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a happy dog. Sometimes dogs wag their tails when they are aroused.
Submissive grinning
Submissively licking other dogs
Soliciting care signals
Relaxed posture
Soft eyes
Dog Body Language signs indicate arousal.
Observing dog language and how they communicate with us and their own species is very
valuable in training, handling, and trust building. Once you have learned dog body language
your dog can communicate if and when they are stressed and to what degree they are stressed, as well as if they are enjoying their surroundings and activities. Your dog can also offer us signs that let us know they are in distress.
Dog show signs of being over-aroused/hyperactive that are often very obvious and seem out of control. Over-aroused dogs are typically not aggressive but their hyperactivity can be
dangerous and overwhelming especially with larger-sized dogs jumping and knocking down
children and the elderly. Having a hyper/over-aroused dog can be very frustrating. These dogs are at the highest risk of being physically punished and rehomed. Many people believe that an over-aroused/hyper dog ‘just lacks respect and boundaries’ and that the owner is not ‘Alpha’ enough or hasn’t put the dog in its place or shown the dog that they are the ‘leader of the pack’. Hyper and over-aroused dogs’ owners are far too often told to ‘correct the unwanted behaviour’. Punishment and physical force will never work to solve the underlying hyperactive issues. The dog may stop jumping for the moment it is punished it but the next time they are in an exciting environment they will go back to jumping and the handler will have to physically punish the dog with even more force. Never use physical force to punish.
Overarousal and hyperactivity is often the response to anxiety, insecurity/lack of confidence, and overstimulation. Hyper-activity has been linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and punishment and physical force will only add to more future behaviour problems.
A highly aroused dog will be outwardly very excited. Some dogs may show just a facial grimace (open mouth pulled back looking like a grin with tongue hanging out), and might be unable to settle. Other dogs may be panting, jumping up, or vocalizing. They may also become grabby, or mouthy, may chatter their teeth, or you may notice full-body shaking.
Signs that your dog is over-aroused:
Signs of over-arousal.
• Excessive friendliness, jumping, licking, and mouthing.
• Excessive panting.
• Hackles up for a long period of time.
• Hyper activity – inability to settle.
• Destructive – grabbing and stealing items to shred.
• Biting/mouthing arms, pant legs, and leash.
• Panting and sometimes drooling excessively.
• Eyes wide, large and pupils dilated.
• Excitement Shaking.
• Facial Grimace, grin with mouth pulled back, tongue out and dilated eyes.
• Unable to focus.
• Excessive barking, whining, and unable to settle.
• Teeth chattering.
• Mounting and humping other dogs, people, and items.
• Forcefully snatching treats and items from your hand.
• Obsessive over items and unable to leave the item and settle.
If you have a hyperactive and over-aroused dog you will need to work on calmness protocols
and may need to change your daily routine like limiting or eliminating high-intensity chase
games like ball and frisbee and add enrichment, confidence-building and impulse control
games into your dog’s daily life.
Understanding Dog Tail Language: What Your Dog’s Tail is Really Saying
A dog’s tail is a powerful communication tool, but it’s often misunderstood. Many people think a wagging tail always means a happy dog, but this is a myth. Tail position, speed of movement, and the way the tail is held can convey various emotions.
1. Tail Wagging Doesn’t Always Mean Happiness
While a wagging tail can indicate happiness, it can also signal other emotions like anxiety or even aggression. The key is to look at the context. For example, a high, stiff wag might show excitement or dominance, while a low, slow wag can indicate nervousness or submission.
2. Tail Height Matters
The height of a dog’s tail can tell you a lot about their emotional state. A high tail typically signifies confidence or arousal, whereas a tail held low or tucked between the legs suggests fear, anxiety, or submission. Dogs with naturally curled tails can be harder to read, so you’ll need to rely on other body language cues as well.
3. Fast vs. Slow Wagging
The speed of tail wagging is another important indicator. Fast, wide wags with a relaxed body generally indicate excitement or friendliness. On the other hand, fast, rigid wagging, especially with a tense body, can be a sign of agitation or readiness for conflict.
4. Misconceptions About Certain Breeds
Some breeds, like the Greyhound or Whippet, naturally carry their tails low. This doesn’t mean they are scared or submissive, but their tail language should still be considered in context. Similarly, dogs with docked tails or very short tails, like Bulldogs, might rely more on their body posture and facial expressions to communicate.
5. When to Look for Other Signs
Since tail language is just one part of a dog’s overall body language, it’s crucial to observe other signals like ear position, facial expressions, and posture. For example, if a dog is wagging its tail but showing teeth or stiffening its body, it could indicate they are uncomfortable or warning others to back off.
10 Things Your Dog’s Tail is Communicating
Neutral or relaxed tail: Your dog is calm and content.
High, wagging tail: This could mean excitement or dominance.
Low, slow wag: Your dog may be feeling insecure or anxious.
Tucked tail: Fear or submission is likely.
Fast wag, stiff tail: Watch out—this can indicate agitation or aggression.
Circular wagging: Often a sign of a happy, friendly dog.
Low, still tail: Indicates submission or fear.
Tail held to one side: A relaxed dog at ease.
Tail between legs: Extreme fear or nervousness.
Tail wagging to the right: A generally positive emotion, like joy or excitement.
By understanding the nuances of your dog’s tail language, you can better communicate with them and recognize what they’re truly feeling. The key is to look at the entire context and avoid common myths, such as assuming a wagging tail always means happiness. Knowing these subtleties will help deepen your connection with your dog and improve your ability to meet their emotional needs.
Is your dog all ears?! How Dogs Communicate With Their Ears
Dogs use their ears to express a wide range of emotions and intentions. Just like tail language, ear position and movement can reveal a lot about a dog's mood. Here’s what to look for:
1. Ears Up and Forward
When a dog’s ears are up and facing forward, they’re usually alert and focused on something. This posture often indicates interest, curiosity, or even excitement. You’ll often see this when a dog is engaging with a new environment or when they hear an unfamiliar sound.
2. Ears Back and Flattened
When a dog’s ears are pinned back against their head, it can indicate fear, anxiety, or submission. In a stressful situation, such as during a vet visit or when meeting new people, a dog may flatten its ears to show that it feels threatened or nervous. This position is often accompanied by other signs of stress, like a tucked tail or avoiding eye contact.
3. Relaxed, Natural Ear Position
When a dog’s ears are in their natural, relaxed position (which varies depending on the breed), it signals that the dog is calm and at ease. In this state, your dog feels safe and comfortable in its environment. For floppy-eared dogs, this might look like a gentle droop, while for pointy-eared breeds, the ears may rest upright but without stiffness.
4. One Ear Up, One Ear Down
This asymmetrical ear position can be a sign that your dog is both curious and cautious. It may happen when a dog is trying to figure out a situation, unsure of whether to feel relaxed or alert. It’s like a “half-attentive” state, where they are processing information while staying somewhat relaxed.
5. Ears Perked but Slightly Back
When your dog’s ears are up but angled slightly back, it may indicate a combination of alertness and uncertainty. This can happen during interactions with other dogs or unfamiliar people when the dog is assessing the situation. They might be on the fence about whether to engage or retreat.
By paying close attention to your dog’s ear movements and positions, you can better understand how they are feeling in various situations. Keep in mind that ear language works best when observed alongside other signals like tail posture, body movement, and facial expressions. Each dog is unique, but with careful observation, you’ll become attuned to what your dog’s ears are communicating!
How Dogs Communicate with Their Eyes
Dogs use their eyes to convey a range of emotions and signals, making them a key part of their body language. Here’s what different eye behaviors can indicate:
1. Soft Eyes
When your dog’s eyes are relaxed and blinking slowly, it means they are calm, comfortable, and content. This is often seen when dogs are around their owners in a peaceful environment.
2. Hard Stare
A hard, direct stare with wide, intense eyes often signals aggression or a warning. It’s a way for dogs to assert dominance or protect their space. If a dog is staring intensely at another dog or person, it’s best to intervene before things escalate.
3. Squinting or Narrowing Eyes
Squinting or narrowing the eyes typically shows submission, fear, or discomfort. It can also indicate pain if the squinting is frequent or isolated to one eye. If your dog squints a lot, a vet check may be needed to rule out any physical issues.
4. Whale Eye (Showing the Whites)
When dogs display the whites of their eyes (known as “whale eye”), it often means they’re feeling anxious, uncomfortable, or stressed. This happens when a dog turns its head but keeps its eyes on something it’s wary of, revealing more of the white part. It’s a sign they’re unsure and may feel threatened.
5. Avoiding Eye Contact
Dogs that deliberately avoid eye contact are typically showing submission or nervousness. It’s a way of saying they don’t want confrontation or are not feeling confident. However, some dogs naturally avoid eye contact as part of their personality, and it doesn’t always indicate stress.
Understanding these eye signals can help you better interpret your dog’s emotions and intentions. By reading their eyes, along with other body language, you can ensure more effective communication and a stronger bond with your furry friend!
How Your Dog Communicates with Their Mouth and Tongue
Dogs use their mouths and tongues to communicate a wide range of emotions, needs, and social cues. Here’s how to interpret this important form of communication:
Panting
Panting is often a normal way for dogs to cool down, but excessive panting can signal stress, anxiety, or even pain. If you notice your dog panting outside of physical exertion or heat, it may be worth checking if they are feeling overwhelmed or unwell.
Yawning
While yawning is typically associated with tiredness, dogs also yawn to calm themselves in stressful or unfamiliar situations. This is often referred to as a "calming signal" and can help them soothe themselves or defuse tension when interacting with others.
Lip Licking
Dogs will lick their lips as a sign of submission, nervousness, or when trying to pacify a situation. If your dog licks their lips repeatedly in the absence of food, they may be feeling uneasy. Lip licking is another "calming signal" that shows your dog is trying to communicate their discomfort or anxiety.
Baring Teeth
When a dog bares its teeth in a snarl or growl, it’s a clear warning sign. This behaviour signals aggression or fear, and it’s meant to warn off a perceived threat. Understanding when and why your dog bares its teeth can help you avoid situations that may provoke defensive or aggressive responses.
Relaxed Mouth
A dog with a slightly open, relaxed mouth and a lolling tongue is content and calm. This is the classic "happy dog" look, often seen when they’re enjoying playtime, a good walk, or time with their favourite humans. It’s a sign that your dog feels safe and at ease.
A submissive grin is a unique expression where the dog lifts its lips to show its front teeth, often accompanied by soft eyes, a relaxed posture, and a wagging tail. Unlike an aggressive snarl, the submissive grin isn’t tense or threatening. It’s usually a sign of friendliness, appeasement, or acknowledgment of a more dominant figure. Dogs may use this grin in social situations to show submission or when they want to defuse tension, communicating that they are non-threatening and seeking positive interaction.
Understanding these mouth and tongue signals can give you a deeper insight into how your dog is feeling. By paying attention to these subtle cues, you can better communicate with your dog and address any emotional or physical needs they might have.
Body tension - Recognizing body tension in dogs is crucial for understanding their emotional state.
Signs include:
Stiffness: A dog with body tension will often hold its body rigidly. This may include legs, neck, and back being stiff and upright.
Frozen posture: Dogs may pause movement entirely when they're feeling tense, standing very still as if bracing for something.
Tight muscles: You can notice tightness, especially around the face, with ears pinned back or forward and eyes wide or squinted.
Tail and hackles: A tightly curled tail or raised hackles are also signs of tension.
These behaviours can signal anxiety, fear, or readiness to react, so it’s important to pay attention and address the root cause of their discomfort.
If your dog reads body language how does your dog respond to your body movements?
Take some time to examine the images below and see what calming, stress signs or over-arousal signs you can identify.