Dogs Body Language And Signals

Dogs body language is one of the fundamental tools of communication for dogs, but certain body gestures are also warning signs that somethings not quite right healthwise.

This is why it's so important for us as dog owners to learn what our furry friends are saying with their body posture.

The body language of this yellow indicates that she is calm and relaxed. Her ears are comfortably down to the sides in a natural position and her mouth is open with a huge smile. :o)
Although sitting, it's obvious that her tail is in a relaxed position as well.

By learning your dog's body movements and gestures, you can often predict how your dog will react in certain situations.

Familiarizing yourself with dogs body language and signals is not only good for preventing unwanted circumstances, but it can also help you to recognize health issues your dog may be having.

Just like us, dog's will limp if they have a sore leg or foot. They'll paw at their ears if something is bothering the ears. Dogs suffering with pancreatitis will often stand in a crouched over position due to pain. These are all body signals that tell you something is not right. Observe and get to know your dog and what he's saying with the body signals he's sending.

Take time to learn a little more about dogs body language and the signals of canine communication and develop a wonderful and lasting bond with your dog. Most dog owners often wonder why their dog watches their every move. Believe it or not, but there is a good reason for it.

The reason is that dogs instinctively react to activity and body signals. Like in the wild, the pack leaders will use body language to let the other members of the pack know where and when it's time to move on. Since the owner is considered the alpha, our dog's are always observing our body language for the signal of what to do next.

Remember, the dog owners body language and emotional energy is what the dog reacts to. If the owner feels bad, the dog feels bad. If the owner is happy, the dog is happy, etc.

Dogs Body Language Signals

Calm, Relaxed and Submissive
O.k., this little dog is 100% relaxed and not afraid to show it! Anytime a dog rolls on his back with his belly showing, he's comfortable with you.

Showing their bellies puts them in a defenseless postion. When they do this, they are calm, relaxed and showing total submission.

Be proud that your dog gives you his belly!

Wants To Play
Typical signal of wanting to play would be what is called
the "Play Bow". The dog's rear end is raised up, while his front legs are down. Sometimes they are play barking and bouncing around as well.

It's clear that the dog is happy!

Fearful
Dogs body language indicating fear will be that he tucks his tail between his legs and cowers down.

This Chihuahua puppy is clearly showing signals of fear. His ears are flat, the body is low and he has his tail tucked.

Dogs usually lower their body and flatten their ears to the head when scared. Sometimes they will slightly raise one paw as well. A frightened dog won't look directly at whatever is scaring them and their hackles (base of neck, back and tail hair) are usually raised.

Stressed And Uncertain
This Golden Retriever is clearly stressed and uncertain of the situation around her. Her ears are laid back and her tail is close to her back end.

She is uncomfortable with the energy around her and this discomfort can often lead to aggression.

The Chase Stance
This German Shepard is signaling that he's onto something and ready to move. This is called the "Chase Stance".

The body is lowered with the ears forward. He is clearly focused on his prey and ready to pounce. A stiff tail held straight out accompanied by a low whine or growl are also indicators that they are watching something and ready to move.

Confident And Challenging
This handsome PitBull is displaying confident and possibly challenging behavior.

His head is held high indicating that he is very comfortable and confident with himself and the energy around him.

Aggressive
This Doberman is clearly showing aggressive behavior. When dogs become aggressive, the ears can be forward or back and close to the head.

When the ears are back and close to the head, this could indicate that the dog is reacting out of fear. When the ears are forward, the dog is most likely guarding.

The eyes can either be wide open or narrow and the dog will display a challenging stare. The mouth will be open and the lips raised to show the dogs teeth.

His body will be firmly planted upright. His hackles may be raised and his tail will most likely be straight up towards the back and may be moving slowly back and forth. When dogs are showing aggression, they usually bark and growl as well.

Your Energy And Dogs Body Language

Understand that this has nothing to do with physical or negative treatment towards your furry family member; this just means that you are always the one in charge.

We all have bad days and unfortunately as the pack leader, your dog is going to pick up on your negative energy when you do. Sometimes when we're feeling upset or angry, our pets will tuck their ears straight back and flatten them to the head. This means that he doesn't know what he should do or how he should react to your negative energy.

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