Vocalization is only part of the way dogs communicate. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs more often rely on nonverbal body language as a way of communicating. So, how do we interpret what our dogs are saying through their body language and behavior? Here we cover basic dog body language and what it means.
Why Understanding Dog Body Language is Important
When you learn to understand canine body language, it can help you not only understand your dog better but alert you to potentially dangerous situations, offering protection to you and your pet. When two animals interact, their body language is similar to having a conversation. With some practice, you will quickly learn the subtleties of this unique language to better understand your dog’s emotions and intentions.
Dog Postures, Body Language, and What They Mean
Tail wagging indicates a variety of things. Most will agree that tail wagging is pretty darn adorable but contrary to popular belief it’s not always the sign of a happy dog. In general terms, tail wagging means a dog is aroused in some way. It can be due to excitement, frustration, or something else.
When a dog is standing tall and straight with its head and ears up but not pointing forward, and the tail is swaying, hanging in a relaxed manner or maybe even curled, the mouth slightly opened, and they are not in a threatening situation, this indicates they are relaxed, confident, friendly and at ease with their situation and circumstance. In addition to this body language, a happy dog may pant slightly and may wag its tail a bit differently.
The position of the dog’s tail relative to the ground when wagging can be a big clue as to their emotions. Essentially, the higher the tail, the more assertive the dog. Dogs with their tails held up like a flag are confident and perhaps aggressive.
The “play bow”, is a posture where the dog has its chest on the ground and rump in the air; sometimes the rump wiggles. The ears are up, and the tail may wag rapidly. This play posture may be accompanied by jumping and running around.
An excited dog will exhibit both happy and playful dog postures and mannerisms, but they may jump, run, pant, whine, bark, and their eyes may be wide, and the tongue may hang out. We’ve all experienced the joy of seeing our pets express natural happiness and wild abandon, but excessive excitement is not always a good thing because it can lead to exhaustion which can then lead to stress and anxiety. Calming an over-excited dog by use of training commands or outdoor exercise such as walking or running may help curb over-enthusiastic behavior.
When a Dog’s Body Language Is a Warning
When a dog has its head lowered, neck stretched out, ears partially back, and standing in a tense posture with the tail tucked, these are signs of anxiety and stress. The dog may also yawn and lick its lips, and the whites of the eyes may be showing a bit. When a dog is in an anxious state, it may become fearful, over-stimulated, or even aggressive. If you do not know the dog do not provoke it. If it’s your dog or you are familiar with it, diverting attention to something more pleasant may be helpful.
A fearful dog exhibits behavior and body language similar to that of an anxious or stressed dog, but the signals may be more severe. Standing low to the ground with the ears flat back, eyes narrowed and averted, the tail usually tucked between the legs accompanied by trembling and other issues such as urination, defecation, whining, growling, and baring teeth, may quickly lead to aggression. If you do not own the dog, do not try to calm or reassure it but calmly remove yourself from the situation. If you are the owner, remain calm and confident. Do not attempt to comfort or punish your dog. Depending on the circumstance it may be okay to try and move your dog to a safer more familiar location.
An aggressive dog often starts out being fearful or anxious. If anxiety or fear continues, signs of aggression may occur. An aggressive dog will plant all feet firmly on the ground and stand in a territorial way with the ears pinned back and the head straight. The eyes narrowed and the tail held upright and high. Growling, snapping the jaw, baring teeth and barking are other signs of aggression. You may also notice the hairs on the back of the neck standing on edge. If your dog frequently displays aggression, it’s best to seek the help of a veterinarian or professional dog trainer that can teach corrective behavior.
In the event of dog-on-dog violence, never attempt to break up the fight. You could become seriously injured. Always report unsupervised loose dogs in the neighborhood regardless of their behavior. Dogs are territorial, and aggression can occur and progress if a dog feels the need to protect a larger area. Regardless of severity, report any bites to humans. Because of potential rabies exposure, also report wildlife attacks on dogs.
When dogs play, they often display dominant or submissive behaviors and body postures or languages. Dominance and submission are relationship dynamics between dogs. Knowing the body language of this dynamic can help differentiate dog fighting from playing, even though the behavior may also be displayed around humans and other animals.
A submissive dog may hold its head down, avert its eyes or stay in a low or neutral position. At times submissive dogs will roll around, exposing their bellies. Submissive dogs tend to be more gentle and may like to lick and nuzzle. During play, the more dominant dog may stand or stay in a higher position than the submissive dog. Dominant dogs tend to require more training and structure.
Body Language In Senior or Special Needs Dogs
Though dog body language remains the same for most of their lifetime, sometimes senior dogs, those with special medical needs or sick dogs will display slightly different types of body language. Due to cognitive decline, arthritis, or pain from a condition called limber tail syndrome. Senior dogs may wag their tails in a lower and slower manner. Some may not wag their tails at all.
Senior dogs may hunch their backs or walk in a stiff manner because of discomfort, less flexibility, arthritis or bladder, kidney, and stomach issues. Pacing may have underlying causes related to but not limited to Cushing’s Disease. Pacing may mean the dog is trying to find a comfortable place and way to rest. Trembling in older dogs is a sign of pain, muscle weakness, cognitive dysfunction, stress reaction, and difficulty regulating body temperature.
If your dog displays any type of sudden new or persistent body language that appears out of the norm. It’s important to get them evaluated by a vet. Our goal at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics is to help keep your pets safe and healthy for many years to come while improving the quality of life for senior pets and those with special medical needs. You are an important part of your pet’s wellness team. Don’t forget to schedule regular checkups and provide monthly flea treatment along with annual pet shots.
