When we share our lives with our dogs, it’s really easy to see human characteristics in them, like when they give us the “side eye” and we see it as being stubborn or remorseful.
This actually has a name, it’s called anthropomorphism!
It’s when people attribute human emotions, intentions, or characteristics to animals. It’s super common in dog training and pet ownership, sometimes in ways that help us connect with our dogs, but also in ways that can lead to misunderstandings of their actual needs and behaviors.
So how do we as humans learn the difference?
We have to Learn to Speak Dog!
Dogs don’t talk like we do, but they’re constantly communicating. They use their body language to tell us how they feel, and if we take the time to learn their language, we can build stronger relationships, prevent misunderstandings, and keep everyone safe and happy.
Understanding your dog’s body language can make a huge difference in your relationship. Imagine your dog is licking their lips and turning their head away when a stranger reaches out to pet them. If you recognize those signs of discomfort, you can step in and give your dog some space before they feel the need to growl or snap.
When you can read your dog’s signals, you’re able to respond in ways that help them feel safe and understood. Trust builds when dogs know they don’t have to escalate to get their needs met. It also means you can prevent problems before they start—spotting the early signs of stress allows you to step in and change the situation before your dog feels overwhelmed.
This also makes training more effective. A dog who is anxious or unsure isn’t in the best mindset for learning. When you can recognize when your dog is comfortable and engaged, you can set them up for success.
Plus, being able to read canine body language helps with socialization. It allows you to support your dog in making positive experiences with new people and dogs, ensuring interactions are safe and comfortable for everyone.
How do we do that?
It’s starts with simply observing and paying attention to our dogs. Much of their communication can be broken down into sections:
- Eyes
- Mouth
- Ears
- Tail
- Posture
- Hair/Fur
Let’s break it down even more…
Tail Position and Movement:
- A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy dog.
- A slow wag can mean uncertainty,
- a high, stiff wag could be excitement or arousal
- If the tail is tucked, the dog is likely scared or uncomfortable.
Ears:
- Ears forward? That usually means curiosity or alertness.
- Pinned back? That can mean fear, anxiety, or appeasement.
- Relaxed ears? That’s a content dog.
Eyes:
- Soft, relaxed eyes? Your dog is comfortable.
- Wide eyes or whale eye (showing the whites)? That’s often a sign of stress or discomfort.
- Hard stare? That can be a challenge or warning.
Mouth:
- A relaxed, open mouth usually means a happy dog.
- Lip licking, yawning, or a tight mouth? That’s likely stress or nervousness.
- Showing teeth in a snarl? That’s a clear warning.
Posture:
- A loose, wiggly body says, “I’m friendly and relaxed.”
- Stiff, upright posture? That could mean tension or confidence.
- Crouching or lowering the body usually means fear or submission.
Raised Hackles (Fur Standing Up):
- Raised hackles don’t always mean aggression. They can also mean excitement or uncertainty. We always need to look at the whole body as well as the environment for context.
In order to truly connect with, understand, and teach your dog the life skills they need to live in our world, learning their body language is key. The more you observe and understand their signals, the better you can meet their needs and strengthen your bond, which repays in dividends by being a loyal, responsive companion.
Let’s Take a Look at Some Visuals:
“Animals speak all the time, as spoken through their body language, but many times their messages are misunderstood or go unheard. As a result, a dog may be placed in a situation or interaction where they’re uncomfortable, but if polite requests for help or requests for space go unheard, their body language and behavior may escalate to a louder shout (think: lunge or growl) to get others to listen.
Attending to the early signs of fear, anxiety, and stress, as well as understanding the signs of a content and happy pet, is essential for deepened relationships, safer living with dogs, and helping dogs live happier, healthier, fuller lives. In this video, you’ll learn the key communication signs to attend to for better, safer interactions with dogs, including the subtle whispers of the pet’s underlying emotional state that you can’t afford to miss.” – Dog Body Language 101 | Fear Free Happy Homes
Here are some more resources for dog body language:
- This video is a little over an hour long but has so much crucial information on body language, I highly recommend putting the time aside to watch it: The Language of Dogs 5-18-2024
- Canine Body Language in the Shelter – conference recording (45 minute YouTube video)
- Dog Body Language 101: Decoding Your Canine Summit Talk 2023 (42 minute YouTube video)
- Dog Body Language Posts and Videos – eileenanddogs (an article with a ton of other links inside of it for broader learning)
- What Is Dog Body Language? – See Spot Learn | Dog Trainer (another article)
- Why You Need to Know About Dog Body Language – Pet Professional Guild (article with a short video)
- Language of Pets – Lynbrook Vet (article with great infographics!)