How well do you understand your dog's language?
Much dog body language is subtle and visual, though we humans can struggle with getting the message.
When we communicate with our dogs observation is a powerful tool.
It’s not entirely our fault; it's because of the restless, easily distracted part of our brain that is scattered around, always looking for pleasure and danger.
The human mind, though brilliant in many ways, is also a master of distraction.
We live in a world that constantly competes for our attention. Advertisers, social media, and endless notifications all speak directly to our easily distracted natures, pulling us away from the present moment.
This environment often leaves us mindless, reducing our attention span to mere seconds if we’re not careful.
This scattered attention can easily affect how we interact with our dogs.
Picture this: you’re out walking your dog, and instead of being fully present, you glance at your phone, responding to some random thought or notification. In that moment, you miss how your dog reacts to a new sound or sight in their environment.
Sound familiar? It's a common scenario in our distraction-filled world.
These distractions are designed to keep us looking at our phones, but now that you're aware of this, you have the power to change. Next time, resist the urge to reach for your phone and instead focus on your dog and the world around you.
When we make a habit of observing our dogs, especially after learning their natural language, a fascinating new world opens up. You start to notice the nuances in their behaviour—the subtle signals they give to express their likes, dislikes, needs, and emotions. Our dogs are constantly communicating with us, and when we learn to understand their language, it deepens our bond and enriches our shared experiences.
Every Dog Is Individual
While they communicate using universal canine signals, each dog also develops their own unique way of expressing themselves, often based on what they’ve learned works best with their human companions. For instance, a dog’s ability to communicate effectively is shaped by their early experiences—learning from their mother, littermates, and even their first human family.
If a puppy misses out on critical social interactions during certain developmental stages, it can lead to gaps in their communication skills. A dog that wasn’t properly socialised may struggle with understanding or expressing social cues, leading to behaviour that seems awkward or even rude.
But there’s good news: we can help our dogs unlearn flawed communication patterns. By showing them that we’re listening and respecting their needs, we can rebuild their confidence in expressing themselves.
If your dog seems to struggle with their world, the key is to prioritise observation and understanding. When your dog realises that you’re truly "listening"—whether through watching their body language or responding to their signals—they’ll feel safer and more confident in communicating with you.
Canine communication is one of the most fascinating subjects to explore.
Every aspect of your dog’s body—from the shape of their eyes to the position of their whiskers—conveys something about their emotional state.
Dogs use a wide range of signals to either invite you closer or ask for space. When they’re anxious, their body language can become quite complex, with even the smallest changes in eye shape or tail position telling us a lot about how they’re feeling.
This dog is showing a furrowed brow ears pulled back, looking away, paw raise, all telling us she feels worried.
Here are five key examples of canine body language to watch for.
Tail Position and Movement
A dog’s tail is a powerful indicator of their mood. A wagging tail often signifies happiness, but the speed, direction, and height of the wag can reveal more. For instance, a slow wag with a low tail might indicate uncertainty, while a high, stiff wag can be a sign of alertness or agitation.
Ears
A dog’s ears are incredibly expressive. Ears that are pricked forward show interest or alertness, while ears pinned back against the head can signal fear or submission. Dogs with floppy ears might be more subtle, so pay close attention to the base of the ears for movement.
Eyes
The eyes are truly the windows to a dog’s soul. Dilated pupils can indicate stress, fear, or excitement. “Whale eye,” where you can see the whites of your dog’s eyes, is often a sign of anxiety or discomfort. Soft, relaxed eyes usually mean your dog is content and at ease.
Body Posture
A dog’s posture speaks volumes. A relaxed dog will have a loose, natural stance. In contrast, a dog that is tense or stressed might appear stiff, with weight shifted forward or backward. A crouched posture with the tail tucked under suggests fear or submission.
Yawning and Lip Licking
These behaviours are often misunderstood. While yawning might seem like a sign of tiredness, in dogs, it can also indicate stress or confusion. Lip licking is another common signal, often used to soothe themselves or show discomfort in a situation.
I’ve already covered this in detail in my illustrated book, Canine Communication: The Language of a Species, you can get that on Audible or Amazon.
To truly understand your dog’s emotional state, start by observing them when they’re in a neutral state—when they’re not experiencing any strong emotions. In this state, everything from their nose to their tail is in a relaxed, natural position.
Neutral Dog Body Language
Knowing what your dog looks like in this neutral state is crucial because it provides a baseline for identifying when they’re experiencing an emotional shift.
Understanding this can prevent situations where your dog feels overwhelmed or unheard.
For instance, if a dog bites a family member, it’s often the result of many ignored signals and unheeded requests for space. The dog, unable to escape or make themself understood, may feel forced to bite as a last resort.
This is not unlike how we might feel when stuck in the company of someone who doesn’t listen, leaving us with no choice but to snap or walk away.
Dogs face similar challenges, but without words. They rely on signals, and it’s through careful observation that you’ll learn the most about your dog—who they are and what they’re trying to say.
No book or lesson can teach you everything about your dog, because your dog is a unique individual with their own distinct way of communicating.
So, the next time you’re with your dog, put your phone away, observe, and listen. You might just discover a whole new language—and deepen your bond in the process.
Learn more with my book Canine Communication: The Language of a Species you can get it on Audible or Amazon.
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