reading your dog’s body language

The Tail Tells the Story

First, check out the tail. The way it wags is the most recognizable kind of body language and easiest to interpret. Here are some motions and meanings:

• Gentle waving motion = relaxed and friendly. Your dog’s saying, “Hey, what’s up, good to see you!”
• Up at attention, vibrating or fast wagging = excitement, tension; this is usually seen around other animals. “Are we gonna play now or fight or what?”
• Tucked under = submissive, fearful. “I’m cool.  Please don’t hurt me.”
• Wagging in a big circle, helicopter tail = greeting. “Good to see you, pal. How’s tricks?”

Listen Up!

Ear position is also a good indicator of mood.

• Relaxed = at rest, everything’s cool.  “Just hanging.”
• Pinned back = scared, submissive. “I’m not thrilled about this.”
• Pricked forward = on alert, might signal aggression or a reaction to aggression. Or, “Is that a squirrel I just heard in that tree over there?”

Dude, is that a squirrel over there?

The Eyes Have It

You’ve heard that the eyes are the windows to the souls? Well, that definitely holds true for dogs. You’ve probably seen them stare each other down. They’re each trying to assert their dominance. Usually, the bigger dog wins and the smaller dog will acknowledge this by glancing away or never even giving full eye contact in the first place.

By the way, you should always look straight at your dog when you are correcting a bad behavior. This reinforces the fact that you, indeed, are the alpha. And don’t you forget it, dog.

Show Me That Smile

Now for the oral part of the lesson. If your dog’s mouth is slightly open and relaxed–that’s the smile we all like to see.

Yawning can mean “yeah, it’s way past my nap time,” but it could also be a sign of uneasiness and stress. For humans, too, by the way.

Yeah, time for a nice nap

The one you really have to watch for, though, is when a dog pulls their lips back to show their teeth. This means, “You threatening me? Are you threatening me?! See these teeth? I know how to use ‘em.” When you see your dog do this, immediately scold them, which redirects their attention, and remove them from the situation. Time for a time out.

It’s Getting Hairy

If the scruff on a dog’s neck or back is raised, it’s a sign of nervousness or feeling threatened. “Okay, there’s something going on here, not sure if it’s good or bad yet.” There’s even a fancy term for this—piloerection. If he’s in the presence of other dogs, watch out, there may be a fight a’comin… Again, re-direct your dog to diffuse the situation.

Down Dog

Finally, the dog’s actual body position will tell you a lot. Most of us are familiar with the down dog–tush up, front down. May be accompanied by a short bark, which means “Let’s play! Want to, huh, want to?”

The opposite position, front high, butt low and tail tucked under could mean he’s scared or excited.  This may be accompanied by a nervous pee.

Standing erect and at attention says “I’m a confident dog who’s got it all going on.”

Laying on the back, showing the stomach, is the ultimate submissive position. “Do what you will to me, but please, be gentle.”

Do with me what you will!

Once you learn how to gauge your dog’s reactions, you’ll be much better able to stop any aggression before it starts. And when you’re ready to play, try a “down dog.” It’s like you’re speakin’ their language!

Wag Warnings

If your dog is reacting unusually and showing different body language than he has before, get him checked by a vet. He may in pain, or not be able to hear or see or react to other dogs as he used to.

Never leave your dog alone with a strange dog without human supervision.

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