Dog Body Language
Dogs are always trying to tell you something. It is important for dog owners to understand body language as this allows dogs to communicate their emotional state and intentions. Understanding what your dog is saying can give you a lot of information, such as when your dog is happy, nervous, scared, or even sick! You must pay attention to your dog’s entire body to help you come to a consensus of feeling. There are seven important messages that your dog will try to send you. We will go into detail about what to look for.
- Relaxed – The dog is unconcerned and unthreatened by any activities going on in the environment. The dog’s head is held high, mouth open and tongue exposed, loose stance, ears are up and not forward, and the tail can be relaxed or wagging.
- Alert – Something of interest has been detected by the dog. This means that they are paying attention and assessing the current situation. The dog’s eyes are wide open, ears are forward, tail is horizontal (may move from side to side), and the mouth is closed.
- Dominant Aggressive – The dog is telling you that he will act aggressively if they are challenged. The dog’s tail is stiff, hackles (skin) is raised, forehead may show wrinkles, nose wrinkled, and the mouth is open showing curled lips.
- Fearful Aggressive – The dog is frightened but is not submissive. The dog may attack in any given moment. The dog’s body is lowered, tail is tucked, hackles (skin) is raised, pupils dilated, and the ears are pulled back.
- Stressed and Distressed – The dog is under either social or environment stress. The dog’s tail is down, body is lowered, they are sweating through their pads, and may experience rapid panting.
- Fearful and Worried – The dog is somewhat fearful and is offering signs of submission. One of the dog’s paws is normally raised, eye contact is brief and indirect, body is lowered, ears are back, and the dog licks at face or in the air.
- Playfulness – This is a basic invitation to play. The dog’s front end is lowered by bent forepaws, their ears are up, tail may be up and wagging back and forth, mouth is open and tongue may be exposed.
