Understanding Your Dog's Body Language: What They're Really Saying

As canine professionals, one of the most vital skills we possess is the ability to understand dog body language. Dogs are not able to communicate verbally in the way humans do, but they constantly send us messages through their body language, posture, and facial expressions. Interpreting these signals correctly is essential for ensuring their well-being and maintaining positive relationships between dogs and their guardians.

There are some key areas below for you to consider, however please bear in mind that humans have bred dogs to suit specific purposes and roles and therefore their body language can vary expansively. Just look at a Beagle's tail position compared to that of a sighthound for example.

1. The Tail

The tail is one of the most expressive parts of a dog’s body. However note that a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy. Pay attention to the position and speed of the wag:

High and stiff: This suggests the dog is alert, assertive or possibly feeling threatened.
Low and slow: This could indicate insecurity or fear, especially if combined with other signs like backing away.
Wagging rapidly: A fast wag at mid-height often signals excitement or happiness, but a stiff, slow wag can indicate the dog is unsure or cautious.
Tucked under: This is potentially a sign of fear and the dog may be trying to avoid confrontation.

2. The Ears

Ears are another key indicator to observe in order to gauge a dog’s emotional state. Dogs move their ears depending on what they are feeling:

Erect and forward: A dog who’s curious or focused on something will often have its ears forward.
Back and flat against the head: This can indicate fear, anxiety or even aggression. It’s potentially a sign that the dog feels threatened or wants to avoid interaction.
Relaxed and neutral: When a dog’s ears are in a natural, neutral position, it’s likely calm and comfortable.

3. The Eyes

Dogs’ eyes can tell us a lot about their current emotional state. Note: try to observe them without staring hard at them and making them feel uncomfortable:

Soft, relaxed eyes: A calm dog will have soft eyes that appear relaxed, often with slow blinks. These are signs of a content dog.
Wide, tense eyes: If a dog’s eyes are wide open and the whites of the eyes are visible, it’s often a sign of stress or fear. The dog may feel threatened, and this can be followed by defensive or aggressive behaviour.
Avoiding eye contact: Dogs who don’t want to engage or who are feeling threatened may deliberately avoid eye contact. It’s their way of showing submission or discomfort. They should never be forced to interact against their will.

4. Posture

A dog’s body posture can be one of the clearest indicators of its mood:

Relaxed posture: A dog that feels safe and at ease will display a relaxed stance, with its body loose and comfortable. It may roll over for belly rubs or flop down on the floor.
Stiff or rigid body: A tense body signals that the dog is on alert. This can be a sign of uncertainty, aggression or fear.
Cowering or lowering the body: A submissive dog will lower its body to the ground, potentially rolling onto its back. This is a sign of submission or fear.

5. The Mouth

A dog’s mouth can convey multiple emotions:

Relaxed open mouth: Often a sign of comfort, relaxation and happiness.
Lips curled or showing teeth: This can indicate aggression or fear, but it’s important to look for other signs in combination with this.
Panting: While panting can simply mean the dog is hot, excessive panting when combined with other body language cues can indicate stress or anxiety.

Understanding a dog’s body language is fundamental to getting to know them as an individual, building trust and ensuring their welfare. By reading their signals, we can make informed decisions to improve behaviour, enhance training, and ultimately build a better connection between dogs and their human companions. Remember, every dog is unique and it’s crucial to consider the context of their body language to fully understand what they are trying to tell us.