Dog Body Language: What is Your Dog Trying to Tell You?

JOLLYES TEAM

Dog Training

Questions

  • Stressed Dog Body Language
  • Scared Dog Body Language
  • Relaxed Dog Body Language
  • Aggressive and Dominant Dog Body Language

Dog Body Language: What Does it Mean?

A dog’s body language consists of a variety of unique methods that communicate their emotions and intentions, both to us humans and to their other four-legged friends! We’re often used to verbal cues from our dogs, such as growls, whines and barks, but dog body language is an important form of non-verbal communication which can help us to understand what our pet is thinking. From tail wagging to pricked ears, there are a number of different signs to watch out for to help you better understand your pooch.

Stressed Dog Body Language

We all want to keep our pets as happy as possible, so understanding the signs of a stressed dog is so important.
Some of the most obvious signs that your dog is feeling less than calm include:
  1. Whale eyes (showing the whites of their eyes)

  2. Raised hackles

  3. Avoiding eye contact

  4. Prolonged yawns

  5. Pinned ears

  6. Tight mouth

When you notice these signs, it’s advisable to try and establish what is causing your pooch to be stressed so that you can attempt to mollify the situation and get them back to being their usual happy and relaxed self.

Scared Dog Body Language

If your dog of a more nervous disposition, then you might be used to spotting the body language signs associated with fear. Dogs can be frightened of a number of things, from sounds and objects to other dogs and even people!
When your pooch is feeling a little bit scared, you might notice that their ears are low or pinned back and they’re yawning more than they usually would. Additionally, if your dog is scared and being submissive, they may tuck their tail between their legs and keep their body close to the ground.
If you notice any of these signs that your dog is scared, then try to take them away from the situation as soon as you can. If your dog often shows signs of stress, there are a number of dog anxiety treatments that may be able to help. From calming tablets for events such as bonfire night or a thunder storm, to calming diffusers to help to reduce their anxiety – you’re sure to find a suitable product for your nervous pup.

Relaxed Dog Body Language

If you’re trying to work out whether your dog is relaxed, the telltale sign is an open mouth and tongue hanging out and their mouth might even be turned upwards, as if they’re smiling!
As well as an open mouth, you may notice that your dog’s ears are in a natural position and not pricked or pulled back, as well as an overall relaxed posture.

Aggressive and Dominant Dog Body Language

Some dog breeds are naturally more dominant or aggressive than others, however, even the most docile pup can display aggressive or dominant body language from time to time, especially when frightened or provoked.
When your dog is being aggressive, they may use some of the following body language:
  1. Raised head

  2. Wrinkled muzzle

  3. Stiff, wagging tail

  4. Baring teeth

  5. Raised hackles

  6. Curled lips

If your dog is showing signs of aggression towards other dogs, it’s important to manage their behaviour in order to steer clear of any unwanted altercations. It’s advisable to walk your dog at quieter times of the day to avoid other dogs as much as possible.
You should also try and keep your dog on a lead and let other owners know not to let their pet approach yours. However, if you do meet another dog, try to have something with you such as a treat or toy to help calm and distract your pooch.
Being aware of your dog’s body language is the best way to establish how they’re feeling and strengthen the bond between the two of you. Explore our dog range today to kit your pooch out with everything you need to make sure they’re healthy, happy and keep those tails wagging!