Dog Body Language
Many in my field think that walking dogs and being nice to them is enough. Imagine a blind person leading a deaf person. Without proper communication, the outcome will be disastrous. Unless I am able to recognize your dog's needs I will fail at my job as a care giver.
How To Speak With Your Pup - Part 1
Communication between humans and dogs goes beyond barking. Your dog’s body postures tell their own unique story. Understanding them is like learning a new language. Sometimes a simple position of your dog’s tail or head can tell you if your pup is feeling excited, scared, or stressed. This means that not every care giver is going to be a right fit. Just like humans, dogs may instantly like or dislike someone. Since dogs do not speak our language, we will never how much your pup will tolerate the care giver for your pup.
Understanding your dog can help you be a better pet parent. If you know your pup is feeling worried, you can step in and help remove them from a nerve-wracking situation or calm their fears. Whether you're a seasoned dog parent or new to the world of pups, this guide to your pup’s body language signals will help bridge the canine communication gap and create a stronger connection with your pup.
Dr. Kelly Ballantyne is a veterinary behaviorist who works with cats and dogs to treat behavioral issues. “Dogs use their body language and facial expressions to communicate,” says Ballantyne. “They can communicate a whole range of emotions with those signals.”
However, interpreting dog behaviors isn’t always straightforward. Dogs are complex creatures, and their behaviors contain nuances and subtleties.
Many pet parents misinterpret their dog’s signals because they don’t look at the complete context. In other words, they’re not just looking at one movement or posture; you’re observing everything that’s happening with your pup. A specific behavior may have a positive meaning in one situation, but in another, it can have a negative connotation.
For example, Ballantyne says, a dog who growls could be trying to tell you to back off and give them space. In this case, a growl is a warning sign or a threat. However, a dog can also growl during playtime. In this case, your dog is trying to have some fun. So, how do you decide what message your dog is sending in a given situation?
The key to figuring out what your dog is trying to communicate is to look at the whole picture. Does your dog look tense, or are they loose and wiggly? Did they offer a play bow before growling? Observing every inch of your dog’s body language and expressions can help you get the full context and understand what your dog is trying to tell you. It can also help keep a tense situation from turning dangerous.
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Today let's focus on the tail.
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Did you know a wagging tail doesn’t always mean your dog is feeling happy? Different dog breeds also carry their tails higher or lower, so context is everything. Your dog’s tail postures can be nuanced, but understanding their subtle backend movements will help you communicate more effectively with your pup.​​​​
Wagging Tail: Most dog parents assume a wagging tail means a happy dog. But this motion is more ambiguous than people think. At its most basic, a wagging tail signals an intent to interact. This could mean the dog is ready for a happy, fun interaction— could be preparing for a stressful encounter. Ballantyne says to pay attention to the tension in the tail. If the tail is very loose, and the dog’s whole body and hind end are moving, the dog feels happy and cheerful. If their tail wags very stiffly, you may need to step back. This dog is not feeling their best and is preparing for a negative interaction.
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Tail Held Low: If your dog tucks their tail down low to the ground or between their legs, it often indicates they’re worried or scared. For instance, dogs who dislike the noise of a vacuum cleaner may tuck their tail whenever it comes out of the closet.
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Tail Held High: A dog with a tail standing straight up is probably feeling alert, excited or focused. However, if their tail is very stiff, it could also mean the dog is preparing to fight. This might be a good time to back off, or try to remove whatever is appearing threatening to your dog to help them feel less upset.
Tail in a Neutral Position: Dogs holding their tail in a neutral position are relaxed. It’s important to note that tail position depends a lot on the breed of dog: Some dogs naturally carry their tails higher or lower, so any tail movements may be subtle. Make a habit of observing the position of your dog’s tail, so you’re able to notice any changes that may indicate a shift in mood.