Here's what your dogs body language actually means

Looks can be deceiving, but body language doesn't lie. There's just one thing: Reading dog body language isn't always easy. 🤔

What should you look for? And what do those cues mean? We explore the essentials below.

Is understanding forms of canine communication even necessary?

No one's saying you need to get a degree in canine behaviour or animal psychology to have a pet. But reading dog signals is a skill worth having!

First, you'll do a better job training your pup.

Trust is an essential aspect of training. So is your demeanour as his handler! It's hard to make progress if you have no idea what your dog is communicating.

Second, you'll enjoy a better relationship.

Canine body language gives insight into a dog's mental and emotional state. That prevents misunderstandings, minimises frustrations, and averts actions that hurt doggo's feelings.

Third, it can keep you safe.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop when a cute guy and his even cuter dog sit at the table next to you. You steal furtive glances and notice his pupper's smile. Is Fido being friendly or warning you to keep your distance? Should you reach out to pat him?

Make the wrong call, and you could lose your fingers! 😬

Fortunately, body language allows you to "read the room" and react appropriately in various situations, including potentially dangerous ones. (Just be mindful that dogs can go from 0 to 60 in a flash!)

So, how do you read dog body language?

Dogs use sounds—vocalisation—to send messages. But did you know that much of their communication is non-verbal? That is, they use facial expressions and posture to express themselves.

Having said that, context is important! The "where" and "when" of it all are needed to understand the "why" behind your dog's actions.

Here's what to look for.

Tail

The position—relative to the ground and body—and its movement reveal much about a dog's mood.

Regular position: Relaxed, neutral (all things being equal)
Pulled up high: Assertive, confident, enthusiastic
Pointing horizontally: On alert, apprehensive, curious
Pulled down / tucked between the legs: Submission, insecure, afraid, worried
Arched over the back: Dominant, potentially aggressive

Generally speaking, the lower the tail, the lower the mood. The higher, the more assertive. Meanwhile, a wagging tail doesn't always equal happiness. It simply signals emotional arousal.

Quick, high-tailed wag: Excited
Broad wag, moderate speed, slightly upright position: Happy, friendly, approachable
Short, slow wag with lowered tail: Uncertain, anxious, insecure
Fast and shaky: Tense, hostile
Circular motion, increasing speed (helicopter wag): Extreme excitement (as if you didn't know that one, huh? 😉)

Fun fact: Studies found that wagging to the right suggests positive feelings. To the left indicates negative emotions like stress.

Ears

Ear positioning can be more challenging to decipher in certain breeds. For example, a Beagle's floppy ears versus a Belgian Malinois' pointy ones. Nevertheless, here are a few standard cues.

In its natural state: Relaxed, comfortable, content
Pulled down and back: Submission
Down (but with bared teeth or other cues): Cautious, protective
Upright and angled forward: On alert, possibly aggressive
One ear twitching in different directions: Alert, curious, attentive

Eyes

The eyes are windows to the soul, so note their shape, where the pup is looking, and for how long.

Standard shape: Relaxed, comfortable
Wide open and focused: Excited
Soft, squinty eyes: Calm, happy, submissive, stressed, afraid
Side-eyed look with visible whites (whale eye): Stressed, worried, frightened
Avoiding eye contact: Stressed, uncomfortable, intimidated
Dilated pupils: Surprised, anxious, afraid, uncomfortable
Cold, hard, direct stare: Aggressive, threatening

Mouth

A dog's lips, jaw, and teeth reveal a great deal! Is the tongue visible? Is licking involved? What about panting or drooling? Also, look for facial tension.

Closed mouth or slightly open: Relaxed, happy
Closed mouth, lips pulled back at the corners, possible licking: Submissive, afraid
Large yawns: Anxious, stressed
Lips pulled up, visible front teeth: Extremely submissive
Lips pulled up, teeth showing, wrinkled nose: Aggressive
Lips pulled back, most teeth showing: Fearful

Listen for accompanying growls, howls, barks, grumbles, sighs, groans, yips, and yelps for a clearer picture.

Posture & Piloerection

Whoa, get your mind out of the gutter! 😜 This is about a canine's stance and hair.

Downward dog yoga pose (play bow) / loose, wiggly body: Playful
Exposed belly: Relaxed or extreme submission
Drawing away, cowering: Scared, submissive
Tense, erect, weight equally distributed or leaning forward: Interested, curious, alert, aggressive
Raised paw: Insecure, anxious
Raised hackles (hair standing up): Excited, interested, stressed, on high alert

To accurately read dog cues, take a holistic approach. Observe verbal, physical, and environmental cues—and changes. You should also know your pup's norm.

There can always be subtle differences (breed-, age-, and background-specific) and "in-betweens" not included in this cheat sheet. Still, at least you have a general idea of what your pet is trying to tell you!