Because your dog can’t actually speak to you, you are going to need to rely on body language to understand what your dog has to say. Every dog uses the same general language to convey how they are feeling and what they are planning to do. While dogs will also use vocal signals (like barking and whining), the most common signs are going to be body language. Understanding what your dog is trying to tell you can provide you with lots of good information about your dog, especially when it comes to knowing whether your dog is on edge or whether they are relaxed. Here’s what you should know from your local Parrish dog trainers:
1. Relaxed
When your dog is relaxed, he looks relaxed. His ears are up, but they are not forward, he is holding his head high, his mouth is open a little bit and his tongue might be hanging out. His stance is very loose, his weight even on all of his feet and, most of all, his tail is relaxed and down. This means that he is not feeling threatened, nor is he feeling excited. This is probably the language that you most often want to see on your dog, especially when they are approaching new dogs or people.
2. Alert
Alertness is another state that you can probably spot easily. When your dog is alert, his eyes are wide, his ears are forward (usually scoping around for sounds), and his nose is smooth. He’ll close his mouth and lean forward on his front legs, getting ready to act if action is required. He may put his tail into a horizontal position, but it will not be stiff, nor will it bristle. Though it may move from side to side a little bit, this is not the wag of happiness or excitement that you are usually going to be familiar with.
3. Aggression
Even if your dog is not an aggressive dog, he may, from time to time, become aggressive, especially if he senses danger either to himself or to a member of his pack (you). There are very rare occasions in which you might want your dog to be aggressive (if you really are being attacked), but in general, you will want to notice these signs and calm your dog as quickly as possible. If he is expressing dominance, his lips and snout will be curled into a snarl, snowing his teeth. He will be leaning forward on his front legs and his ears will also be forward. The most obvious sign will be a raised and bristled tail and hackles. If he is fearful but still showing aggression, his ears will be laid back against his head and his tail will be tucked. His body will be lowered, but you’ll still see his hackles up.
4. Distressed
How do you know if your dog is trying to tell you that he is stressed out? Dilated pupils, ears laid back, tail down (but not necessarily tucked), and a lowered body will signify that your dog is feeling stress, either because of other dogs around him or because of his environment. They may not even be tied to a certain event. You may often see rapid panting and sweating through the pads of his feet.
5. Worried
Can your dog worry about you? Can he worry about himself? Yes on both accounts. When your dog is fearful and worried, you are going to see a paw raised, ears back, body lowered, and tail down with a little bit of subtle wagging. If he takes on this stance when interacting with another dog (or even a human), he may lick the face of the dog that he perceives to be dominant. These signs are usually used to communicate to another individual (usually a dog), that your dog recognizes he is of higher social status and does not intend to be a threat. The other dog does not have to be displaying dominance or aggression, but if he is, the “worried” body language should be of concern to you.
6. Submission and Extreme Fear
If you ever see your dog take this stance, it means that he is very afraid. You’ll see him roll onto his back and present his stomach and throat. His ears will be flat and he will tuck his tail. Though his nose and forehead will be smooth, the corner of his mouth might be pulled back. He will refuse to make eye contact. This is a sign of surrender and is essentially a groveling stance. If your dog does this, he is very afraid that a physical confrontation is going to happen and is trying to avoid it.
7. Playful
When your dog is playful, you’re going to see him bent into the play bow. His mouth will be open and his tongue is lolling about. His ears are up and you will see his tail wagging frantically. He’ll hold this position for a few seconds and then will usually break into a run. Often, very excited dogs will bark or playfully charge you and then retreat. If this behavior is done in conjunction with other behavior that might be seen as a threat, it is usually an indication that he was “just kidding.”
