Reading Your Dog’s Body Language
Dogs use their bodies to communicate with each other and with us. It’s important that you pay attention to your dog’s body postures and signaling in order to understand how they are feeling at any given moment. Below are some things to look for that will help you interpret your dog's cues.
If your dog is feeling happy, you might see the following body postures or signals:
A low (below the horizon of the back) wagging tail
A happy face with an open, loose mouth and no tension around the eyes
A wiggly body with loose muscles
Jumping up and down in place
If your dog is feeling playful, you might see the following body postures or signals:
Bouncy movements
A play bow (butt end up, front end down)
A low (below the horizon of the back), usually fast-wagging tail
If your dog is feeling stressed or anxious about something, you might see the following body postures or signals:
Tongue flicking
Lip licking
Yawning
Blinking
Panting
Drooling
Avoiding eye contact (head turned to the side)
Sweaty paw prints
One front leg held up (may switch between them)
If your dog is feeling afraid, you might see the following body postures or signals:
A lowered body
Ears back
Tail tucked
Whale eye (exposing the whites of their eyes)
Trembling
When you see your dog exhibiting signs of stress, anxiety, or fear, remove them from the situation. Do not yell at your anxious or fearful dog, as this will only make them more anxious or fearful.
If it's an environmental stressor upsetting your dog, like a thunderstorm or the sound of a chainsaw next door, comfort your dog or try to get them into a more positive emotional state by bringing out toys or yummy treats.
If the stressor is another dog, move your dog away and let them feel safer while looking at the other dog from a distance.
If the stressor is a person, ask the person to stop approaching your dog and turn sideways to be less threatening. You can have the person toss some yummy treats to your dog if you or they have any.
It’s always important to pay attention to your dog so that you can understand how they are feeling in every situation.
