Dog Body Language Chart: What Your Dog is Trying to Tell You

Dogs, similar to humans, rely on body language and vocal signals to express their emotions. While they might not speak our language, they give us plenty of signs to understand their emotional state. By paying close attention to indicators such as the ears, eyes, mouth, tail, and overall body posture, we can better understand and respond to our furry companions' needs and feelings. Let's dive into our dog body language guide and unravel the mysteries of canine communication.

Ears 

• Goofy Ears/Soft Dog Ears: Relaxed and at ease. 

• Alert Ears: Stimulated and attentive. This could be an early sign of aggression, as the dog looks to make himself appear bigger, so context is important. 

• Tulip Ears: Fearful, trying to appear smaller. Threatened. 

• Pressed Back Ears: Fear or aggression, discomfort. The dog could be protecting his ears as it’s anticipating an attack. 

Eyes & Eyebrows 

• Almond-Shaped/Slightly Closed Eyes: Happiness, contentment and trust^2. 

• Intense Gaze: Focus on interest or prey. 

• Furrowed Brow: Worry or concentration. 

• Dilated/Bulging Eyes: Fear or surprise. 

• Whale Eye: Visibility of the white part of the eye, indicates fear or aggression.

Mouth & Muzzle 

• Relaxed Mouth/Canine "Smile": Happiness. 

• Yawning: When your dog isn't sleepy, this can be an early sign of stress. 

• Lip Licking: Nervousness or stress. 

• Curled Tongue: A sign of exertion or stress. 

• Tight Mouth, Pulled Back Lips or “Long Lip”: Fear, stress or tension. 

• Wrinkled Muzzle: Fear or aggression. 

Tail Position & Movement 

• Tail in the Air, Relaxed: Confidence and ease. 

• Tail in the Air with a Playful Bow: Invitational to play, joyous. 

• Tail Tucked Between Legs: Submission or fear. 

• Stiff, Upright Tail: Dominance, tension or aggression. 

• Wagging Tail: Generally happy, but context is important. 

Body Postures 

• Head Tilt: Interest and engagement. 

• Play Bow: Happy and playful gesture. 

• Exposing the Belly: Relaxation and trust, often seeks affection. 

• Leaning Away: Fearful or unsure. 

• Curved body: Worried, submissive. 

• Crouching or Cowering: Fear or submission. 

• Raised Shoulders or Hackles (Piloerection): Anger or alarm.

Context is Important

It's essential to consider the context when interpreting these signals. For instance, a yawning dog who just woke up is merely sleepy; however, if they're wide awake, it could indicate stress. Similarly, a dog might display mixed signals, such as laid-back ears and a relaxed mouth, signaling a happy yet submissive state.

Understanding the whole picture is crucial. By considering your dog's overall body language and the current circumstances, you can understand their feelings and requirements more effectively.

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As dog owners, it's our responsibility to be attentive and responsive to our dogs’ non-verbal cues. Recognizing these signs not only ensures their well-being but also fosters a deeper and more empathetic connection with our loyal companions.

Seek Professional Guidance 

While understanding stressed dog body language can be helpful, it's important to remember that every dog is an individual with its own unique personality and experiences. If you find yourself struggling to interpret your dog's body language or are dealing with issues such as aggression or fear, it's advisable to consult with a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. These experts have extensive knowledge and experience in reading and addressing canine behavior, and they can provide personalized guidance tailored to your dog's specific needs.