Decoding Dog Body Language

Dogs communicate in many complex ways, and understanding their body language is key to building a strong relationship and bond with your furry friend. By learning to interpret some of the most common dog behaviors, you can better understand what your dog is trying to tell you. Continue with decoding dog body language.

Relaxed vs Stressed

A dog that is relaxed will likely have a loose, wiggly body posture. Their mouth may be open with their tongue hanging out the side in a doggy grin. Their tail will usually be held loosely down or slightly wagging. A relaxed dog feels comfortable in their environment. They exhibit soft, squinty eyes and smooth head and brow.

On the other hand, a stressed dog will likely have tense muscles and act skittish. They may pace, tremble, or pant excessively. Their tail may be tucked under or held rigidly straight out. Stressed dogs avoid direct eye contact and have dilated pupils. Learning what triggers stress behaviors can help avoid putting your dog in uncomfortable situations. This is one of the basics to keep in mind when learning about dog body language.

Play Bows

The play bow is one of the most common invitations to play that your dog will display. When a dog bows down with their front legs extended and hindquarters in the air, it's a signal that they would like to play with you or another dog. Accompanying body language might include a relaxed, open mouth, loose body posture, and alert, focused facial expression. Pouncing side to side may indicate excitement as well. Play bows build relationships through fun and exercise.

Submissive Behaviors

Submissive body language is how dogs communicate deference or lack of threat to more dominant members of their pack. Common submissive signals include holding the head and tail low, flattening the ears back, averting the eyes, and licking the lips or nose of more dominant dogs. Other signs include slowly approaching with the body lowered, rolling onto the back to expose the belly, or urinating when excited or scared.

If your dog exhibits excessive submission around new people or dogs, it may indicate fear or anxiety issues rather than appropriate social behavior. Be protective by minimizing interactions that bring out those responses.

Aggressive Signals

Unlike humans, dogs rarely engage in conflict solely for social status. Aggression usually arises out of fear, possession guarding, or territorial behavior. Warning signs of impending aggression include erect posture, tense muscles, exposed teeth, lowered brows, forward ears, and direct stare. Lunging, growling, snapping, or biting indicate escalating levels of provocation. When you know about decoding dog body language, you will be able to treat the aggression of your dog effectively.

It’s important not to challenge or approach an aggressive dog who is guarding territory, food, or puppies. Counterintuitively, punishment will often worsen aggressive behavior stemming from fear or anxiety. Consult an animal behavior specialist if your dog exhibits uncontrolled aggression.

Calming Signals

When confronted, most dogs will display “cut-off signals” or calming behaviors to avoid outright aggression. For example, glancing away, sniffing the ground, sitting, or turning their back diffuses tension. Yawning, scratching, or shaking also deflect social strain. Dogs may lick another dog’s lips or nose as an appeasement gesture.

Human counterparts include avoiding direct eye contact, turning sideways, and using a soft, high-pitched voice. Learning to read and respond to canine social cues prevents misunderstandings that lead to reactivity or fights. Pay attention to these subtleties during play sessions or introductions to unfamiliar dogs.

Final Words

While some body language signs are widely agreed upon, it’s important to consider the context of the behavior before reacting. An aggressive display might simply reflect your dog’s enthusiasm rather than any actual hostility. Likewise, behaviors that seem submissive could indicate serious anxiety issues that should be addressed.

Every dog has their own unique personality and ways of communicating. As a dog owner, you should be familiar with the dog body language of your companion. Paying close attention to your best friend’s body language allows you to respond appropriately to their needs and signals, ultimately enhancing your bond and relationship. With time and practice interpreting your dog’s behaviors in different situations, you’ll be fluent in speaking “dog” in no time!