If you want to create a strong bond with your pet, it’s important to understand their body language. It can help you discern their requirements, stave off unwanted behavior, and deliver them with the attention, affection, and care they need.
Dogs communicate on a scale from soft to firm, and there are many signals they use to convey their emotions. Learn about each of these body cues and how they can help you interpret your dog’s mood at the moment.
Eyes
Your dog’s eyes are a specialized part of their body that can tell you a lot about how they feel. You can use their eye expressions to understand a variety of emotions, including sadness, fear, excitement, or joy.
They can also tell you about any problems or illnesses that your dog may have. Knowing how your dog’s eyes function can help you detect and treat any eye conditions that they might be experiencing.
Whether you’re talking to your dog or simply giving them belly rubs, eye contact is a key way to communicate. It’s also a great way to show them you’re paying attention and that they’re not alone in the world.
If a dog is displaying a hard stare, it might be a sign that they’re expecting some sort of challenge. Avoid direct eye contact if your dog is feeling anxious or stressed, and look for other signals that they may be threatened or scared (see below).
The whites of the eye are another important indicator. They are called “whale eyes” and when they appear, it can be a sign that your dog is feeling worried or stressed in a situation.
A happy or content dog will have soft eyes that are relaxed and sometimes seem to be squinting. A dog who’s not feeling well will have hard eyes that look cold or droopy.
It’s also worth noting that when a dog is showing fearful or aggressive body language, their hair will often stand up on top of its head. This is their body’s way of holding a stop sign that they don’t feel comfortable with you or anything else approaching.
Tail
Dogs can communicate their wants, needs, happiness, and fear through body language. Learning to read their body language is a crucial part of understanding your pets and can help you build a deeper bond with them.
Tails are an important part of dogs’ body language and are often a good indicator of how they feel. A wagging tail is typically an indication that your dog is excited or happy, while a lax or droopy tail may be a sign of stress, anxiety, or distress.
Many animals use their tails for various purposes, including balance, defense, navigation, communication, mating displays, fat storage, propulsion in water or air, and course correction. Some of these reasons are obvious and some are less clear.
For example, some animals such as deer flash the white underside of their tails as a warning signal to nearby allies when they detect danger. Similarly, beavers slap their tails against the water to indicate potential predators.
Other tails have a very specific function in the animal’s life, such as for balance and combat. A tail that has evolved for balance can make a huge difference in whether the prey is caught or escapes a predator.
A wagging tail or an alert, the erect tail is a common signal for hunting dogs and can indicate that their prey is close by. Alternatively, a tail that is tucked in between their legs is usually a sign of fear or nervousness.
A tail that is limp or cold, such as in this picture, can be a sign of a condition called limber tail. This is a painful muscle condition that most commonly affects large-breed working dogs. Limber tails need to be treated with rest and anti-inflammatory pain medications.
Mouth
A dog’s mouth is a complex tool that functions to obtain food, chew, protect, and self-soothe. It also contains an impressive array of oculars, muscles, and nerves that allow the canine to see and understand its surroundings.
A good oral exam is a must for a healthy mouth and canine body. Many dogs are prone to dental disease, which can lead to tooth loss and even death. A thorough oral examination is part of a complete physical exam, so your vet can keep an eye out for any issues you might not be aware of.
The best way to get started is to look at your pets and ask yourself: do they have some sort of mouth language? You can also download an app like the Dog Decoder to learn more about your pet and its habits.
As we all know, dogs have a lot of personality and they like to tell you. This can be an entertaining way to bond with your pooch and learn about their unique quirks and strengths.
In the realm of dog body language, the mouth is a tricky area to study. The tongue is a cinch to read, but the lips can be much trickier. Some of the most common lip-licking behavior includes pursed lips and sucked-in lip, both of which are likely to indicate a stressed-out canine. It is also important to note that a yawning ear or a lick of your dog’s nose may be an early indicator of stress.
Paws
Dogs can communicate their wants, needs, happiness, and fear through body language. This is a great way to interpret their behavior and understand their emotions, reports Vetstreet.
The eyes are the first thing you’ll want to pay attention to when reading your pet’s body language. If your pet’s eyes are wide open and staring at you, it’s a sign of interest.
If your pet’s ears are tilted back, erect, and focused on you, it’s a sign they’re trying to listen to what you’re saying. They may also be nervous and are trying to understand what you’re saying so they can feel safe with you, reports Vetstreet.
Another indicator of stress is a wrinkled face. A tense, tight face is often accompanied by dilated pupils, which are a common warning signal for fear or anxiety.
A dog with a wrinkled face is often anxious or agitated. They might be licking their lips, panting, or drooling frequently.
The paws are another key part of your pets’ communication. They can help you interpret their emotions by telling you where they stand and what they’re doing, report experts at VCA Ark Animal Hospitals.
If your dog’s paws are folded in a way that shows they are uncomfortable, it’s a sign they need some space. This is a good time to give them a belly rub or a scratch on the head.
Another classic indication of fear is a tucked tail, indicating they aren’t in the mood to fight anything. This is called appeasement behavior and is a great way for dogs to tell you they’re afraid.
Body Position
Unlike humans, dogs don’t often verbalize their emotions; instead, they communicate through body language. Understanding how your dog is feeling can help you communicate better with them and help your relationship grow stronger.
One key to learning to interpret a dog’s body language is understanding its body position. It can be confusing at first to figure out how to tell what their stance is telling you but this is very simple. Just imagine a picture like this from an anatomy textbook you have in college and remember how your body is positioned. Your arms are in front of you, your head is tilted slightly forward, and your feet are parallel to the floor.
This stance is called anatomical position and it is a universal standard. Your dog should be in this stance when they are lying down, and they should also be in it when they are standing up. Another body language cue to watch for is the lifting of the hair on the back of your dog’s neck or head. This can indicate they are nervous or afraid. It is important to understand that this cue doesn’t necessarily mean your dog will bite, but it does suggest they are not comfortable with you. If you have a dog who displays this body language, be sure to give them plenty of positive attention and treats.
