How to Read a Dog's Body Language

Understanding dog communication

Can you read your dog's body language? Do you know what your dog is trying to say? Knowing how to read your dog's body language is key to understanding your dog. Because dogs are non-verbal, their body language speaks for them. Vocalization takes second place in a dog's body language. By interpreting body language, you can assess your dog’s posture and predict its future movement. You can determine if she is calm or uncomfortable with a certain situation.

Once you learn these basic types of dog body language, spend some time observing dogs interacting with humans and other animals in different situations. With a practice, you will begin to see the details of the dog's body language. When two animals interact, their body language is almost like a conversation. It may seem like some kind of dance. Much of the same can be seen between a human and a dog. Once you understand your dog's body language, you can do more than just help you communicate with your dog. Reading your dog's body language can help protect you and your dog from dangerous situations. Without a voice, your dog can tell you that she feels a threat. Also, when you watch your dog interact with another dog, you can look at body language to see when harmless play is turning into dogfights. Also, interpreting body language can also help with training dogs and identifying common behavioral problems.

Here are some basic guidelines for reading your dog's body language and interpreting its emotional state.

Sure

The confident dog stands tall and tall with its head held high, ears perked up, and eyes bright. Her mouth may be a little open but she is relaxed.

Its tail can be easily swung, loosely wrapped or hung in a relaxed position. She is friendly, non-threatening and quiet with her surroundings.

Happy

A happy dog ​​will show the same signs as a confident dog. In addition, she will usually ponytail her tail and sometimes hold her mouth more open or even hold it lightly.

She looks even friendlier and happier than the confident dog, with no signs of anxiety.

Alive

A playful dog is cheerful and cheerful. Her ears are up, her eyes are bright, and her tail is flooding fast. She can jump and run with joy.

Often, a playful dog will display the bow of the game: front legs outstretched forward, head straight forward, back to back up in the air, and possibly wiggling. This is surely an invitation to play!

Submissive

A submissive dog keeps its head down, its ears flat and its eyes averted. Its tail is low and may swing slightly, but is not inserted. She can roll on her back and expose her belly.

A submissive dog may also squeeze or lick the dog or other person to further display passive intent. Sometimes, she will sniff the ground or otherwise divert her attention to show that she does not want to cause trouble. A submissive dog is gentle, gentle and non-threatening.

Worried

The anxious dog may act somewhat submissively, but often keeps its ears partially back and its neck extended. She stands in a very tense attitude and sometimes shocks. Often, an anxious dog yawns and / or licks her lips.

She may also cry or complain. Its tail is low and can be hidden. She can show the whites of her eyes, something called whale eyes. A surveyed dog may react to the stimulus and may become frightened or even aggressive. If you are familiar with the dog, you can try to turn your attention to something more pleasant. However, you have to be careful. Do not provoke him or try to calm him down.

Scary

The scary dog ​​combines submissive and anxious attitudes with more extreme signals. It stays tense but is very low to the ground. Her ears are back and her eyes narrow and avoid. Her tail is between her legs and she usually trembles.

A terrifying dog often sniffs or snarls and can even brush its teeth in defense. She may even urinate or pass out. A terrifying dog can become aggressive quickly if it senses a threat. Do not try to calm the anxious dog, but remove yourself from the situation calmly. If you are an owner, be confident and strong, but do not comfort or punish your dog. Try to move it to a less threatening and more familiar place.

Dominant

A dog that shows dominance will try to assert itself over other dogs and sometimes humans. It stays long and secure and can roll slightly forward. Her eyes are wide, and she makes direct eye contact with the dog or other person. Her ears are up and alert and the hair on her back can stay on the edge. She can cry with humor. Her demeanor seems less friendly and perhaps threatening.

If the behavior is directed at a dog that poses, there is little concern. If the other dog also tries to be dominant, a fight may break out. A dog that directs dominant behavior toward humans can pose a serious threat. Do not make eye contact and slowly try to get away. If your dog exposes this behavior to humans, behavior modification is necessary.

Aggressive

An aggressive dog goes beyond dominance. All legs are firmly planted in the ground in a territorial manner and it can be pushed forward. Her ears are rolled back, her head is straight forward, and her eyes are narrowed but sharp. Its tail is straight, raised upwards, and may even be walking. She grits her teeth, makes her jaw laugh and sits or jumps menacingly. The hair on her back rests on the edge. If you are near a dog that shows these signs, it is very important to leave carefully. Do not run. Do not make eye contact with the dog. Do not show fear. Slowly return to safety. If your dog becomes aggressive, seek help from a professional dog trainer to learn the proper way to correct the behavior. Note: Dogs with aggressive behavior should never be used for breeding.