Dog Body Language and What They Mean

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Eyes Body Language

Similar to humans, dogs are known to demonstrate emotion through their eyes – this is because it is one of the main ways that they can effectively communicate with us. When a dog’s eyes are open wide and they are alert, this means that they are trying their best to get your attention and need your reassurance. Sometimes, dogs will do this if they are challenging you and want you to firmly respond to them. A squinting, blinking, or even winking dog can mean that they are feeling in a playful mood.

Ears Body Language

Despite this only involving subtle movements, a dog’s ears can be one of the most important details in understanding their emotions. If their ears are pulled back against their head, whether they are slightly flattened or forced heavily downward, it means that a dog is afraid. Dogs will often put only their left ear down as a reaction to unfamiliar environments or to people that they are fearful of.

Facial Body Language

While a yawning dog most often points towards tiredness, it can also mean that they are experiencing nervousness, especially in new environments or around other dogs. Interestingly, if your dog yawns after you, it can be a sign of their loyalty and attachment to you. A dog that licks their face can signal that they are feeling stressed or pressured, while baring their teeth without snarling can be a sign of territory protection, for instance if their food is taken away while they are eating.

Tail Body Language

One of the most common and easiest recognisable communication forms with a dog’s tail is when their tail is tucked between their legs. This is a signal that the dog is frightened or uncomfortable due to the situation they may be in or because they feel threatened by a person. When a dog’s tail is lowered but still wagging, this can mean that he or she is feeling playful, excited, or that they know that you are in charge. If a dog’s tail is lowered and wagging slowly, it could be that they are waiting for you to tell them what to do so that they can understand what is currently happening. A raised tail with tremors can indicate that your dog is challenging you and your authority. If this happens, it means that the dog feels a sense of power over the current situation and has authority over you.

Stance Body Language

When a dog exposes its belly to you, either just by laying down or rolling over, this can be a sign of trust. Dogs also love to put their face on your knee or leg – this is a definite sign that they are in need of your attention. If a dog puts his or her paw on your knee or leg, this is known as a domination technique. Intriguingly, if a dog turns his or her back on you and sits down, they are showing that they have trust in you.