Note: This post may contain affiliate links. See disclaimer section.
Although our dogs cannot talk with us with the help of language, they can still offer us an effective variety of signs and signals to tell us how they are feeling. Dogs learn this body language at an early age so that they can transmit a message that another dog will manage to understand.
How To Speak Dog Body Language
Dogs apply a variety of devices to deliver their messages. Simply study a dog that is scared, and you will clearly spot the laid back ears, apprehension in the eyes, stress in the mouth and the body in a protective position with the tail between the legs. Conversely, a dog that is relaxed and cheerful will be standing upright with ears erect with no body tension or a wagging tail. Between these lies a collection of subtleties that dog owners will need to have the ability to recognize. You ought to be aware of how your dog utilizes every part of his body to communicate so as to learn how to speak dog body language.
Your dog can’t tell you his joints need help…protect him with Pet Bounce Multivitamin!
Ears
In the wild, a wolf would make use of its ears to signal its emotions to the rest of the group. Domestic dogs employ their ears similarly. Ears pricked frontward denote awareness and watchfulness, while when they are still pricked but turned somewhat to the side demonstrates a relaxed state as shown in the picture below. Ears that are held back illustrate respect but if they are pinned right back, this shows alarm and submission.
Eyes
According to https://www.cesarsway.com/cesar-millan/cesars-blog/body-language You can perceive a complete series of feelings by looking into your dog’s eyes – confidence and happiness to alarm and hurt. Plus you can be sure that what you see is what the dog is feeling – dogs don’t fib. It is problematical to describe anything so complicated as the emotion within the eyes; however, wide bulbous eyes usually convey distress or anxiety; a set stare is typically a challenge or self-confidence; mellow eyes illustrate a relaxed emotion or happiness.
Teeth
Teeth are the fundamental weapon of the dog in the wild, and therefore they are used as a strong signal. According to http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/how-read-your-dogs-body-language/415 the amount of teeth exposed varies in line with the degree of information the dog wants to give. A gentle caution will be simply a small part of teeth shown; increasing if the point is not read. In the end, the lips will be entirely turned back to reveal the complete set of teeth and gums, together with the glaring eyes this is a point that nobody can fail to comprehend! On the other hand, teeth can frequently be used to convey contentment and can almost ‘smile’ to show happiness.
Body
According to http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/DogBodylanguage, The dog makes use of different parts of its body to reinforce the signals of ears, eyes, and teeth. The jaw might be used to emphasize the signal of the show of teeth by being pressed to the fore. The more forward it is, the greater the antagonism. It will be pulled back if the dog is defensive as shown in the picture below.
The stance of the dog is used for understated messages pushing it forward to demonstrate potential aggression and pulling back to illustrate submission, particularly towards the pack leader. The hackles can be raised and held erect as a means to make the dog appear bigger. It is often used as a means of avoiding conflict yet confusingly may also denote pleasure and exhilaration.
Tail
The tail is the ultimate signal for a dog and one that is unique. The tail can tell you a lot in relation to the dog’s personality, its confidence and mood. If a dog is relaxed and happy the tail should hang at a downward direction, devoid of any apparent stress as shown in the picture below. If it is tucked into the tummy, this is a sure sign that the dog is or has been frightened. A level carriage is commonly adopted when the dog is out for a walk and alert and paying attention. The higher a dog’s tail is held, the higher the dog’s confidence and perceived status. A tail held high and rigid often indicates antagonism.
Conclusion
It is important to learn how to speak dog body language as this will ease your communication with your dog. This will also help to prevent unnecessary conflict brought by misunderstanding amongst you. Last but not least, you will know when your dog is happy and ready to have fun together
Sources
http://www.the-happy-dog-spot.com/dog-body-language.html
http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/how-read-your-dogs-body-language/415
http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/DogBodylanguage
https://www.cesarsway.com/cesar-millan/cesars-blog/body-language