Reading your Dog's Body Language

08/06/09

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Understanding what your dog is trying to tell you is crucial for its training and well being.� The best way to get that information isn't from listening to the sounds a dog makes, it's from watching the positions of its body.� Because dogs are primarily non-verbal, their body language speaks volumes.� If you take some time to watch dogs responding to people and other animals, you'll learn some things that will protect you and your dog from danger,� aid in your dog's training and identify behavioural problems.�

A dog that stands up straight with head high is showing confidence.� Its ears are perked up and eyes alert.� There is no tension in the mouth, and the tail is relaxed.� This dog appears friendly and comfortable, and you can be fairly certain this dog is not a threat.

A dog that shows all these behaviours along with a wagging tail and a wide open panting mouth can be assumed to be happy.

When a dog shows happiness and excitement, as well as jumping and running around, you're probably seeing playfulness.� When you see a wiggly dog with its rear end up in the air, front end down on the ground with direct eye contact, you're seeing what is known as a "play bow".� It's an unmistakable invitation.

The biggest sign that you've run into a submissive dog is its unwillingness to look at you.� The head will be down, the ears held back and the tail held low.� To prove its unwillingness to challenge, the submissive dog may even roll on its back, exposing its belly, and lick a dog or a person.�

If a dog has all those behaviors plus a very tense stance with shuddering and whimpering, you're seeing anxiety. �The tail is low and may be tucked. An anxious dog can overreact and become fearful or aggressive. �If this is your dog, remain calm and take it to a more familiar situation.

A fearful dog mixes submission and anxiety with some very extreme signals.� It may stand crouched close to the ground, ears pinned back and eyes narrow.� The tail is between the legs and it exhibits trembling. ��You may notice whining, growling or bearing of teeth.� Sometimes a fearful dog will urinate or defecate.� �If threatened,� this dog can turn aggressive.� This is the time to calmly walk away from this dog.� If you are the owner, get your dog away from the source of its fear without� punishing or comforting.�

A dog that leans a bit forward and stares you straight in the eye may be showing dominance.�

The hackles may be up, ears perked and alert and you may hear a low growl.� This dog appears unfriendly and possibly threatening.� If the target immediately submits, there is little trouble.� If the other dog tries to be dominant, there may be a fight.� If this behaviour is aimed at people, the dog needs some serious behaviour modification.�

An aggressive dog is not difficult to spot, or sense.� There is forward movement, snapping, growling and barking.� The hair on the neck stands up on end.� There is piercing eye contact, and the tail fur may be puffed up. ��This can potentially become a dangerous situation, and it is important to get to safety by backing away without making eye contact while showing no fear.� If your dog is exhibiting these signs, you need to head to a� professional dog trainer for help.�

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