Dog body language
Dogs have many ways in which they can communicate. Not all behavior is for the purpose of communication, however much of a dogs’ body language is for just that purpose. Aside from almost constantly communicating using their bodies their vocalizations are also used for communication, and not simply to annoy their families.
Below we will go over general body language to help you figure out what your canine companion is trying to tell you.
DISCLAIMER: The information below is for educational use only. Each dog is an individual, the information below is a general guide line and the specifics for your dog may vary, always consult a force free trainer if you have questions or concerns about your dog.
Below we will go over general body language to help you figure out what your canine companion is trying to tell you.
DISCLAIMER: The information below is for educational use only. Each dog is an individual, the information below is a general guide line and the specifics for your dog may vary, always consult a force free trainer if you have questions or concerns about your dog.
Vocal Communication
Vocalizations are an important part of dog language, but they can often be difficult to translate without also taking in the full picture including body language, especially when it comes to barking. It’s pretty obvious to deduce that a dog whining in their kennel means they don’t want to be in there for any variety of reasons, based on their comfort level of being confined. A dog whining on the way to the park is probably uncontrollably excited. A dog that was just playing with a bee and comes over whining with a swollen tongue however, might need a quick trip to the veterinarian.
Howling
Howling is usually a sign that the dog is missing someone, either you or other family dogs. It is also a common musical jam that can get ear shattering loud. When one dog starts howling, many more may join in. When practicing a musical instrument at home, they can be quite happy to accompany the melody.
Growling
Growling is an important message from dogs. Maybe the most important vocal signal for us to pay heed.
Whatever the root cause of growling the meaning is always along the lines of “I am not okay with what is happening, I want it to stop!” Growling must NEVER be punished. It is a way of communicating. It is NOT a behavior problem. The cause of the growling may be a behavior problem, but the growling itself is not.
If growling is punished then a dog will stop growling, and a dog that reacts to a situation they are uncomfortable in without growling because they have been constantly punished for saying “no” is a serious problem.
If you have a situation regarding growling that you are unsure of seek out a qualified force and fear free trainer.
Whatever the root cause of growling the meaning is always along the lines of “I am not okay with what is happening, I want it to stop!” Growling must NEVER be punished. It is a way of communicating. It is NOT a behavior problem. The cause of the growling may be a behavior problem, but the growling itself is not.
If growling is punished then a dog will stop growling, and a dog that reacts to a situation they are uncomfortable in without growling because they have been constantly punished for saying “no” is a serious problem.
If you have a situation regarding growling that you are unsure of seek out a qualified force and fear free trainer.
Barking
Barking can mean many different things and is usually not a problem. Dogs bark. Dogs were evolved to bark.
It is a neonate trait from when they evolved from wolves and the barking was highly useful to the security of camps in the early establishment of the dog human relationship.
Barking when it is a problem, such as incessant barking at the door, at passers by through windows, or on a walk, attention barking are all fixable problems through teaching alternative behaviors or with some behavior modification through consultation with an experienced force and fear free trainer.
The one thing that will never fix a barking problem is yelling at your dog, and punishment can result in a fearful dog with escalating behavior problems.
It is a neonate trait from when they evolved from wolves and the barking was highly useful to the security of camps in the early establishment of the dog human relationship.
Barking when it is a problem, such as incessant barking at the door, at passers by through windows, or on a walk, attention barking are all fixable problems through teaching alternative behaviors or with some behavior modification through consultation with an experienced force and fear free trainer.
The one thing that will never fix a barking problem is yelling at your dog, and punishment can result in a fearful dog with escalating behavior problems.
Body Language
Dogs communicate much of their language using their bodies. It is important for their safety in groups, and deeply ingrained in their DNA from their evolution as wolves. Much of the language they learn in their early formative weeks with their mom and litter mates, which is why it is so important for puppies to stay with their litter for preferably ten weeks. Earlier than this, week by week becomes more detrimental to their lifelong abilities to communicate properly, as well as their ability to control their bite inhibition.
Sometimes a dogs’ behavior is their communication, sometimes the communication is behavior. While it can take years of watching dogs for hours over years to master the art of understanding dogs fluently, there are some short cuts we can make, and these are what I will outline here.
Sometimes a dogs’ behavior is their communication, sometimes the communication is behavior. While it can take years of watching dogs for hours over years to master the art of understanding dogs fluently, there are some short cuts we can make, and these are what I will outline here.
A dogs’ mental state can be summed up pretty clearly by their body. The positions of their features, to the tension on their
faces. Nothing is nicer to see than a calm relaxed, confident dog enjoying life.
faces. Nothing is nicer to see than a calm relaxed, confident dog enjoying life.
Calm, and relaxed
This will show as soft eyes, maybe some slow blinking, loose lips with the mouth closed or open. If the mouth is open the tongue will be mostly in the mouth and there will be no wrinkles on the sides of the mouth. The ears will be at a neutral position, not too forward, or turned too far back. Tail will be at a neutral position, not up high or between the legs.
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Curious
A curious dog will be slightly alert with eyes looking more intense than when relaxed. The ears may be more forward and asymmetrical, you will commonly see the head tilt from side to side.
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Stress signals
Never take stress signals for granted. These are telling you your dog is not okay and should be removed from a situation or redirected. At the very least give your dog some empathy and calm understanding. Slow gentle petting and calm slow reassurance can help calm them down when removal isn’t an option.
This is when you will notice ears at a more intense position, and not looking relaxed, pupils will be dilated. Their mouth will probably be open with the tongue farther out and spatulated. There will probably be wrinkles at the sides of the mouth and maybe on the forehead. The legs will be braced or the body less confident and slinking away. The dog won’t make eye contact
and will probably seem hyper vigilant. Their tail may be tucked or wagging more rapidly. They may start to shed excessively including dandruff clearly showing, and you may notice sweaty paw prints on certain types of floors.
A stressed dog will be displaying displacement behaviors and or calming signals*, which will be discussed following body language.
This is when you will notice ears at a more intense position, and not looking relaxed, pupils will be dilated. Their mouth will probably be open with the tongue farther out and spatulated. There will probably be wrinkles at the sides of the mouth and maybe on the forehead. The legs will be braced or the body less confident and slinking away. The dog won’t make eye contact
and will probably seem hyper vigilant. Their tail may be tucked or wagging more rapidly. They may start to shed excessively including dandruff clearly showing, and you may notice sweaty paw prints on certain types of floors.
A stressed dog will be displaying displacement behaviors and or calming signals*, which will be discussed following body language.
Fear
A fearful dog will most likely be slinking down, won’t make eye contact or look at what they find scary.
They will often have one paw lifted and will have a turned away body posture. Their tail will probably be down, possibly between their legs. A scared dog will probably display “whale eyes” where the whites of their eyes will be very clearly visible. A fearful dog wants to escape the situation and will use avoidance and displacement behaviors*.
If you have a fearful dog seek out professional advice from a force and fear free trainer. Punishing a fearful dog can have devastating, lifelong effects on a dog.
Dogs who’s lack of confidence or fear haven’t been addressed or have been punished can evolve towards aggression. Fearful dogs need space and patience.
You can use Calming Signals* to communicate with them that you mean no harm. Yawning and licking your lips, looking away and not looking directly at fearful dogs is helpful for them.
They will often have one paw lifted and will have a turned away body posture. Their tail will probably be down, possibly between their legs. A scared dog will probably display “whale eyes” where the whites of their eyes will be very clearly visible. A fearful dog wants to escape the situation and will use avoidance and displacement behaviors*.
If you have a fearful dog seek out professional advice from a force and fear free trainer. Punishing a fearful dog can have devastating, lifelong effects on a dog.
Dogs who’s lack of confidence or fear haven’t been addressed or have been punished can evolve towards aggression. Fearful dogs need space and patience.
You can use Calming Signals* to communicate with them that you mean no harm. Yawning and licking your lips, looking away and not looking directly at fearful dogs is helpful for them.
References:
- On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals By Turid Rugaas
- Applied Dog Behavior and Training: Volume One By Steven R. Lindsay
- Canine Body Language, A Photographic Guide By Brenda Aloff