Quick guide to understanding dog behavior and moods

 

Here’s a quick guide to understanding dog behavior and moods so you can better read what your dog is feeling:

1. Tail Signals

  • Wagging high & stiff: Alert, possibly excited or dominant.

  • Wagging low or slow: Nervous or submissive.

  • Tail tucked: Fear or anxiety.

  • Fast, wide wagging: Happy and relaxed.

2. Ears

  • Erect and forward: Alert, curious, or confident.

  • Flattened against head: Fear, stress, or submission.

  • Relaxed to the side: Calm and comfortable.

3. Eyes

  • Soft, blinking eyes: Relaxed and happy.

  • Wide, staring eyes: Stress, fear, or aggression.

  • Squinting or looking away: Submission or discomfort.

4. Body Posture

  • Relaxed body: Comfortable and friendly.

  • Tense or stiff body: Alert, fearful, or aggressive.

  • Cowering or crouching: Fear or submission.

  • Play bow (front down, rear up): Invitation to play.

5. Vocalizations

  • Bark: Can indicate alertness, excitement, or attention-seeking.

  • Whine: Anxiety, discomfort, or desire for attention.

  • Growl: Warning, discomfort, or defensive.

  • Howl: Communication, attention-seeking, or response to sounds.

6. Other Signs

  • Yawning, lip licking, or shaking off: Signs of stress or calming signals.

  • Rolling on back: Submission, trust, or sometimes just for fun.

  • Chewing or digging: Boredom or stress relief.

Tip: Always read clusters of signals, not just one. For example, a wagging tail with a tense body may mean nervousness, not happiness.

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