Even though dogs can’t communicate the way humans do, they know how to convey what they want using body language. Certain gestures, positions, and barks all signal how they’re feeling. The more you learn how your dog communicates, the more you can understand what they’re trying to tell you and act accordingly. You don’t have to be fluent in dog body language to take care of them, but it would help to know what they want.
To the untrained eye, acquainting yourself with dog behavior can seem complicated. However, with our guide and enough practice, you’ll become a pro at deciphering your dog’s expressions and gestures. Here’s what you need to know:
Aggressive Body Language
When dogs are aggressive, they tend to clench their mouths, indicating that something else has caught their attention. Raised, stiff hair on the back of their necks shows that they’re angry as well.
Dogs that shift their weight backward indicate that they’re about to lunge and pounce at something, which can quickly escalate into a violent situation. If they’re glaring at you or another dog, they’re likely feeling aggressive and may act by pouncing or barking.
Submissive Body Language
Dogs show their submissiveness by looking away, especially around people and animals, as it displays their trust. If they roll over on their back and expose their belly, it also shows that they’re comfortable with you and submit to you. Sometimes, dogs do this when playing with other dogs as well.
Another sign of submission is licking their nose or lips, but they sometimes do this when nervous. If they lick other dogs, it means they’re showing respect to what they believe to be the more dominant dog.
Timid Body Language
Like humans, dogs shiver when they feel many different ways: incredible excitement, physical illness, or shyness. If they tremble around specific people or objects, it may indicate past trauma. Some timid dogs yawn to release internal tension. It can also suggest that they feel uncomfortable. A tense body with eyes wide open, ears pinned back, and a tail tucked between the legs are clear signs that the dog is scared.
Excited Body Language
Dogs display their excitement in many different ways. When they actively move while having their eyes wide open, they’re overly excited about something. A panting dog can mean an overheated dog, but it can also demonstrate their eagerness. Barking when they see another dog or a specific object is also how they communicate their enthusiasm. Running in circles, chasing their tails is another way to show that they’re very happy, although it may also signal a behavioral issue.
Interpreting Dog Tail Movement
How a dog moves their tail also communicates what they’re feeling. If your dog puts their tail in the air, it shows their excitement; however, if their body is tense, it means they’re focusing on an object that has caught their attention. However, if their tail is high while walking or playing, it means they’re enjoying. A relaxed tail means they’re passive or relaxed, and a full-body tail wag indicates overwhelming excitement.
On the other hand, if they have a pointed, tense tail, it means they’re feeling uncomfortable or restless. If their tail is between the legs, it means they’re afraid, feeling ashamed, or uncomfortable as they’re trying to make themselves as small as possible.
Sounds
Dogs make a lot of sounds that indicate how they’re feeling. They often want to warn or intimidate another human or dog when they growl, exposing their teeth. However, if the teeth are hidden, then it is a show of aggressive playfulness. If they bark once, it means they’re trying to alert you to something. However, if they bark multiple times, it often means they’re trying to tell you something, like conveying hunger or wanting attention from you.
Whining or yipping often indicates loneliness or discomfort. Groaning or yawning typically happens when they’re in the middle of relaxing themselves. If you catch your dog howling, it usually means they’re trying to communicate with other dogs.
Conclusion
Knowing how to interpret your dog’s gestures, barks, and body language will help you understand them better and deepen your relationship with them. By using our guide, you’ll become an expert in finding out what your dog is thinking.
Dog Obedience Training is committed to providing useful information in dog obedience training, helping pet owners everywhere teach their furry friends to be more behaved and well-mannered. Check out our other dog training blogs for more guides!