READING A DOGS BODY LANGUAGE

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READING A DOGS BODY LANGUAGE
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• Dogs have a language of their own that enables
  them to communicate their emotional state and
  intentions to their owners, and others around
  them. Most of their communication methods will be
  displayed through their body language, and more
  specifically, their facial expressions and the
  posture of their body. Dogs also use sounds and
  signals, and most will be familiar with these
  already, such as growling and barking when
  spooked, angry or edgy. But for understanding
  their body language, here are a few tips and
  pointers to interpret how a dog may be trying to
  communicate their feelings to you

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• Recognizing when a dog is feeling relaxed and can
  be approached
• A dog that is feeling relaxed and not threatened
  by anyone or anything within the vicinity, will
  usually have their ears up, their head high,
  their mouth slightly open with their tongue
  exposed, their tail down and very relaxed, and if
  standing, will often display a loose stance with
  their paws flat on the ground. This should
  indicate that its okay to approach the dog, but
  always exercise caution if you are not familiar
  with the dog and their temperament.
• How an alert and interested dog might look
• When a dog comes across something or someone that
  they are not sure about, they will often display
  this stance

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• their ears will almost certainly be pointing
  forward, their eyes will be wide while their
  mouth is closed, their tail may move slightly
  from side to side, and they will stand tall on
  their toes to lean forward. The dog is still
  trying to determine whether what it has seen is a
  threat or not, and depending on the dog in
  question, you may or may not be able to approach
  them.
• A dominant and aggressive dogs body language
• The signals a dog gives off when in an aggressive
  and dominant state are easy for most of us to
  recognize. In most cases their lips will be
  curled in a snarl with their teeth showing, and
  they will have a stiff legged stance.

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• Their tail will often be raised and bristling, as
  may their hackles, and their forehead may show
  vertical wrinkles. A dog in this state should not
  be approached unless you are a qualified training
  professional with plenty of experience of
  handling dogs in this state.
• How an aggressive but fearful dog may look
• Some dogs may show aggression but still be
  fearful, meaning that they are frightened but not
  entirely submissive and may attack if pushed or
  cornered. The following body signals are usually
  shown when the object of the dogs fear is in
  front of them. Their hackles will probably be
  raised and their pupils may be dilated.

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• Their body will be lowered to the ground with
  their tail tucked in between their legs, and
  their lips slightly curled to reveal a
  semi-snarl.
• Knowing when a dog is stressed or in distress
• If a dog is feeling stressed out by the situation
  it has found itself in, or the environment in
  which it is in, it will very likely have a
  lowered body stance with its tail down, its
  pupils will be dilated, and it will be panting
  rapidly. You may be able to help the dog
  de-stress, depending on your relationship with
  the animal.

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• Recognizing when a dog is in extreme fear
• Extreme fear often forces dogs to display
  submissive behaviour, such as lying on their back
  to expose their stomach and throat, and with
  their tail tucked up. Very frightened dogs may
  also pee a little through fear and will
  inevitably turn their head away from the object
  of their fear, to avoid confrontation. A dog this
  fearful is basically communicating that they
  accept their lower status and that they want to
  avoid a fight at all costs.

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• Knowing when a dog is feeling playful
• A playful state is widely recognized by most, and
  the dog will often lower their front end and
  raise their rear, before darting off in various
  directions at the speed of light! Their ears and
  tail will be up, their pupils will be dilated,
  and their mouth may be open to expose their
  tongue. This behaviour may be accompanied by
  excited barking or playful attacks and retreats.
• To understand more about the body language of
  dogs, consult with a professional dog handler or
  trainer.

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