Dogs use their body language to communicate with other dogs and humans. The better we understand their body language the better our communication with them becomes. Observing and learning their body language gives us a better understanding of their needs and a chance to foretell their behavior according to their signals.
We will analyze the signs a dog gives by body part. Keep in mind that in order to have a complete image we need to see not one but the whole set of the expressions and posture of a dog.
Eyes
Depending on the breed and morphology of every individual, dog eyes differ in size and shape.
A change in the size of a dog’s eyes gives us a signal. Eyes that look bigger or smaller than usual show that the dog is under stress or is afraid of something. The direction at which the dog looks is important too. Direct eye contact is rarely kept between dogs because it signals threat. However , a dog maintaining direct eye contact with a human, rarely means threat. In order to assume such a behaviour threatening – a dog looking into the eyes of a human- it will have to be accompanied by other signs too like growling, raised hackles etc..
Mouth
When a dog’s mouth is relaxed and slightly open it means the dog is relaxed. A stressed or frightened dog will have his mouth closed, lips tight and slightly raised. Intense yawning is also a sign a dog is stressed. When a dog shows his teeth and raises his flew (lip) to warn or threaten, his muzzle will look wrinkled, his pupils dilated, his hackles raised and his body tensed along with a change to his posture.
Ears
Dogs have 18 different muscles responsible for moving their ears. Dogs use their ears to express themselves. Regardless their shape, a dog’s ears will assume their natural position when the dog is relaxed. When a dog focuses on a sound, his ears will towards the sound – dogs with rose ears like the German Shepherd will look slightly lifted. When a dog’s ears bend slightly backwards could mean that he is seeking attention. Ears absolutely lowered or absolutely back show nervousness or submission.
In order to have a complete image remember to not focus on the ears alone but observe the dog’s whole body language.
Tail
When a dog wags his tail he is happy to see you. For purebred dogs, the tail should be at the normal for the breed height. For some breeds normal is high and for others normal is lower. The slightest change from the normal for the breed tail stance should be considered a signal and be accordingly interpreted.
A lowered tail with a slightly curved body means the dog is uncomfortable with something. A tail way low between the legs with a bigger change in posture ( more curved, tense), means the dog is afraid.
When the tail is held high and rhythmically moves from side to side could be a sign of threat/aggression provided it is combined with other signs like growling and teeth showing.
Any one who has trained their dog for protection duties has a clear image on how differently the dog wags his tail when he sees the decoy than for any other reason.
Posture
Posture can tell us a lot about a dog. Dogs change their posture to appear smaller, bigger or no change at all and these are the basic posture signs.
A happy and relaxed dog has a relaxed posture – no tension- with no signs of change. A dog that is stressed or frightened will appear to have shrunk, his volume will appear reduced; he will lower his head or his whole body and his weight will seem to weigh on his rear legs rather that equally distributed to four legs ( that happens so the dog can withdraw faster).
A dynamic or aggressive towards other animals dog, will make sure to appear bigger. His chest will be slightly outward and his weight on the front legs so he can readily attack if he has to.
We have given basic information on dog body language. We must not forget dogs are living beings and we cannot be absolute. Signs that mean one thing for 99 out of 100 dogs can mean a different thing for that one dog. Always look at the whole picture when reading a dog’s body language.
Now that you know the basics of dog body language and how it is used for communication, you have an image of what a dog is trying to communicate and how to predict certain behaviours.
This way you can better communicate with your dog and dogs in general. We said for example that
it is very rare for two dogs to maintain direct eye contact because that would signal threat. So, when you meet a dog for the first time, avoid direct eye contact, let the dog smell you , let him read your body language and then look straight into his eyes. Because a phobic dog may feel uncomfortable and an aggressive dog may be challenged and act accordingly. Posture is very important too. Approaching a phobic dog with decreased or increased volume ( making your body appear smaller or bigger) will make a great difference.
The more we know about the species of our best friends the better a life we share!
The Working Bull Terriers Kennel Team
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