on your lap, he is indicating a desire for attention and comfort. He may be indicating something quite different when he rests his head across another dog’s shoulders.
Each canine communication signal can have multiple meanings, and dogs generally combine them when signaling their thoughts and intentions. You must pay attention to all body parts, frequency, tone, overall body language, and context to accurately understand what your dog is saying.
Some people are more precise and articulate, and some dogs are better equipped to interpret and use some signals. This can be due to genetics, experience, or physiology. At first glance, Nordic breeds like Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians may seem threatening simply because they normally carry their ears and tails high, and their coats stand off the body. A dog with poor social skills may erroneously conclude that these physical features signal a dominance display, just as we can jump to conclusions based on someone’s appearance. Muscular breeds like Bulldogs generally have a stiffer body posture, and physical tension is a normal aspect of their physical demeanor rather than an indicator of an aroused mental state. On the other hand, a rangy Bloodhound may appear calm and relaxed when he is highly aroused.
Dogs also vary in their ability to interpret body language. For example, some dogs quickly back off when approaching another dog whose body language communicates fear or discomfort. Socially awkward or immature dogs may ignore these signals. They will approach, offer a greeting, or try to engage in play even though the other dog is clearly not interested.
Calming Signals and Body Language
Dogs generally prefer to resolve disagreements without engaging in direct conflict. The following behaviors are referred to as calming signals because they are used to help dogs calm themselves and others in tense situations. Observing these signals will help you to recognize when your dog is stressed.
Mouth In general, a softly closed or slightly opened mouth indicates the dog is relaxed, and a tightly closed mouth indicates tension. Lips that are pulled back to expose teeth can be a snarl, a warning gesture to encourage social distance. In this instance, the lip will be lifted baring the teeth slightly or fully. Many dogs also bare their teeth in an appeasement gesture, often called a submissive grin. Rather than signaling a threat, this expression is meant to deflect hostility. Superficially, it may seem like a snarl, but in this case, the mouth is open and lips are pulled back, almost like a human smile. The dog’s entire demeanor will signal friendliness and submission, in contrast with the body language accompanying a defensive snarl.
Yawning Dogs yawn when they are tired. But, excessive or repetitive yawning may also be a way to relieve stress.
Lip Licking Dogs normally lick their lips to activate scent receptors, or when eating. But, quick flicks of the tongue over the lips may convey the message that the dog is experiencing tension or stress.
Panting Dogs regulate body temperature primarily by panting (to release body heat). But, panting can also indicate anxiety or stress.
Sniffing Dogs normally sniff the ground to obtain information, but they also resort to this behavior to defuse tension. For example, a dog may do this when confronted by another dog, or when called by a frustrated owner who is yelling at him.
Ears For some dogs, ear carriage is a good indicator of intention and mood. Ears perked up and forward indicate interest and concentration. Ears held lower than normal may indicate concern or lack of confidence. However, this is dependent on the shape and size of the dog’s ears. Long, heavy ears are less mobile. Heavily coated ears cannot be seen as easily.
Eyes Direct, prolonged eye contact is generally avoided in the canine community because it is considered a threatening signal. Dogs usually avert their gaze and blink to signal a non-threatening intent. Avoiding direct eye contact with a stressed or fearful dog is imperative for them to feel less threatened. A dog that is extremely stressed or anxious may also exhibit what is known as “whale eye.” The head is still, but the eyes move, showing whites around the edges.
Head A head held high indicates confidence and in some cases the intent to be confrontational. A lowered head may indicate lack of confidence, or the desire to avoid confrontation. For dogs, a head-on approach can be interpreted as a challenge, especially when paired with direct eye contact. Young children often run up to dogs in this manner. Although it is an impulsive, friendly gesture, many dogs instinctively react with fear. Well-socialized adult dogs rarely approach each other this way. Instead, they approach in an arc, stand side to side, and sniff each other rear to head.
Paws Puppies paw their dams to solicit food and paw their littermates to solicit play. As a pup matures, pawing is used to solicit play and attention. It is also a gesture of deference, appeasement, or sexual signaling. In general, any bending of the elbow and lifting of paws is a friendly or solicitous gesture.
Play Bow One of the most easily identifiable canine gestures is the play bow. A rear in the air and elbows toward the ground signal an invitation to play.
Tails This aspect of canine body language is most commonly misunderstood. It cannot be accurately used to read a dog’s emotional state without evaluating the whole picture. Some tail types do not readily communicate canine intentions, such as very short or tightly curled tails.
When the tail is held in its natural position and wags softly, it generally signals that all is well. A tail carried high and wagging quickly indicates tension and excitement. If it happens to be paired with a stiff, forward-tilting body and tensely closed mouth, this is not a dog you want to approach.
Scratching, Stretching, and Shaking Dogs normally scratch to relieve an itch, stretch to warm up muscles, and shake to remove water from their coats. But, all three of these gestures are also used to relieve stress.
Barking, Whining, and Growling All dogs use their voice to communicate. Barking and whining are often interpreted as threats, which is sometimes true. However, there are many other motivations for barking, whining, and growling. Barking, whining, or growling are used:
• to warn of changes in the environment;
• to express excitement or fear;
• as an outlet for boredom;
• as an invitation to play;
• as an attempt to find pack members;
• to indicate conflict (especially when paired with a retreat and advance body movement when the dog is unsure of the situation but wants to investigate further).
In general, the higher the pitch and the lower the intensity
