What Does Your Dog's Body Language Mean?

Do you ever wish your dog could just tell you what’s wrong without all the barking? Well the truth is, your furry friend is talking to you! Learning what your dogs body language means can be the difference between a belly rub and a bite. As pet parents it is your job to learn and understand the meaning behind each bark and head tilt.

Watch for his tail. You can use your dog’s tail as a mood ring. When your dogs tail is down and relaxed, your dog feels content in their environment. A horizontal tail indicates that your dog is taking in their surroundings and assessing is there is a threat in the area. A stiff raised tail is the sign that your dog is expressing his dominance or is about to act aggressively. Meanwhile, a lowered tail signals fear and distress. The lower and more tensed the tail the more frightened your canine feels.

Yawns mean more than tired dogs. Yawns can sometimes signal confusion or nervousness. If your pup is feeling conflicted about a situation a yawn or two may occur. Take the time to check out the situation for yourself to determine what is upsetting your furry friend and resolve it.

Don’t force new situations on your dog. When you introduce new people, dogs, or toys to your dog watch to see how they react. If your dog tries to hide behind your or run from a situation they feel uncomfortable and shouldn’t be forced to interact, that is usually when misbehavior occurs.

Learn what your dogs body language means. It is important to watch for signs of discomfort, fear, or confusion to create an ideal living situation for you and your canine companion.