Understanding Dog Body LanguageUnderstanding dog body language involves being perceptive to body position, facial expression, and tail movements. These provide clues to whether the dog is feeling relaxed, friendly, aggressive, fearful, or submissive. Signs of Aggression
Signs of Fear
A dog who is fearful will try to make himself as small as possible. He moves his weight over his back legs and leans backward. The body is tense and crouched low. The tail is held low, between the back legs. Ears are laid back flat against his head. Eye contact is avoided. You may notice shivering or trembling. Signs of FriendlinessA dog who is feeling friendly, playful, and happy will have perked up ears and wide open, alert eyes. The mouth will be relaxed and might be slightly open and smiling. The tail will be wagging up or out from the body. You may see wiggling of the dog's entire rear end. The dog will give sounds or whimpering, yapping, or a short, high bark. Signs of RelaxationA dog who is feeling calm and relaxed tends to hold his ears in a relaxed, half back position with his mouth hanging half open. The tail is held at the same height or lower than his back. Tail wagging is done slowly and gently below his spine. Signs of SubmissionA submissive dog will hold his ears flat against the head and tail between the legs. The body is lowered to the ground, with a front paw raised. The dog will lay on his side or on his back, bellyup. He will nuzzle or lick the other dog or person on the face. Return from Understanding Dog Body Language to Training. Return from Understanding Dog Body Language to Home Page.  |
