While people use a lot of words for the most part, for dogs it only takes the smallest change in facial expression or posture to say quite a lot about their disposition. Those who have had their dog for a few years will already know most of the traits of their dog and will be able to determine them by the smallest characteristics.

So why browse through a guidebook anymore? – Despite the knowledge that we think we have about our animals, there is still one or the other feature that we have not perceived so far. For non-owners or those who want to become one, it is a plus to be able to interpret the behavior of a (strange) dog.

What Does The Body Language Of A Dog Actually Look Like?

Dogs also have a “language”, namely the sounds they make and with which they communicate with each other. However, this is only half the story, because dogs communicate mainly by means of facial expressions and body posture. If you want to interpret a dog correctly, you should pay attention not only to yelps, barks, and growls, but also to the eyes, ears, and tail.

Only the combination of these factors makes it possible to understand the behavior of the dog correctly. The body language of the animals among themselves differs then again somewhat from the body language, which we can interpret since dogs for communication with their kind even secrete scents, which we humans do not consciously perceive.

Above all, it is important not only to “read” the dog’s body language but also to react to it accordingly. The reaction to the dog’s body language plays a major role in subsequent behavior. Also, relation to the encounter between the dog with strangers as well as other animals can be shaped by the appropriate reaction enormously. For the education of a dog, it is therefore important to pay attention to the body language of a puppy from an early age and to respond to it.

The Most Important Characteristics Of The Dog Body Language

• Head posture: If a dog averts its gaze, it means that it is peaceful and content. A direct gaze signals confidence or even confrontation, depending on the situation. A raised head means your pet is alert and perhaps even waiting for a “command”. A somewhat insecure dog, like some people, will tilt its head slightly to the side.

• Muzzle: We often interpret a dog’s “yawn” as a sign of fatigue. However, this can also mean that the dog wants to appease its owner or simply wants to attract attention because the bladder is pressing, for example. Very special attention should be paid to the position of the lips. If the dog shows its best smile and pulls the lips back, it is meant threateningly. If the animal lets the lips hang loosely or opens its muzzle discreetly, it expresses relaxation.

• Eyes: A fixed, staring look with contracted pupils expresses threateningness. However, if the pupils are dilated and the gaze is meek, it holds the same with the dog’s mood.

• Ears: In Puncto ears it becomes already somewhat more difficult, since it depends here strongly on the race. A dog with hanging or bent ears it is a little more difficult to interpret the posture than a dog with standing ears. Nevertheless, it is also not impossible here. Generally speaking, if the ears are straight forward, they signal attention and security. Ears laid flat back mean the dog is submissive or fearful.

• Tail: A dog in a friendly mood will have its tail hanging loosely and will quickly sway back and forth when excited. This can indicate joy, but it can also indicate aggression depending on the situation. Anxious dogs, on the other hand, will tuck their tail between their legs and assume a bent body position.

• Coat: Most have seen it before – A dog with its “brush” up. This means that the animal is aggressive and belligerent or thinks it has to defend itself. Dogs put up their back fur in such situations to look bigger and more formidable and thus scare off their opponent.

• Body position: Similar to humans, an upright body expresses self-confidence. Insecure dogs bend their legs or move around in a bent position. Stretching the hindquarters upward with additional tail wagging is an invitation to play. If the animal lies down on its back and exposes its belly area, this is to be understood as submission or also as an invitation to crawl.

Projecting Your Own Body Language Onto The Dog

How does it actually behave with our own body language? Can we influence the behavior of our dogs with it? – Yes, because we also send signals to our pets that they can misunderstand. Here it is worth remembering that animals communicate with each other in a completely different way than we humans do. It sounds like there’s a lot to keep in mind when dealing with a dog, but over time, both pet and owner get used to each other.

Here it is important to understand that animals act instinctively and not with reason. Sounds mean, but it is a fact. Therefore, with strange dogs, for example, it is recommended to keep a healthy distance and position yourself upright. To greet dogs, do not approach them cockily, but remain relaxed and make slow movements so that the animal does not feel threatened.

Let the animal approach you and do not “ambush” it. If the impression arises that the animal is also relaxed, you can slowly stretch the flat of your hand towards it. In this way, you offer the dog the chance to perceive its own smell and create a first impression, because dogs perceive a lot through their nose. On the other hand, hectic movements that could frighten the animal or appear threatening should be avoided.

Too long eye contact can make a dog feel threatened and become aggressive. Therefore, it is advisable to avert your gaze in between and not stare provocatively into a dog’s eyes. In general, our own mood can affect that of our four-legged friends.