Despite conventional wisdom, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy dog. The following abridged guide to canine communications will help you become a skilled translator. [ See also, “Learn to Read Your Dog’s Body Signals,” here.]
Remember that breed characteristics can complicate the message; the relaxed ears and tail of an Akita (prick-eared, tail curled over the back) look very different from the relaxed ears and tail of a Golden Retriever (drop-eared; long, low tail).
Also note that if body language vacillates back and forth it can indicate ambivalence or conflict, which may precede a choice toward aggression.
Forward posture and tail above horizontal suggest this dog is curious or on alert. The halfway-recumbent ear position signals that her arousal level is not high.
Forward ears, tight mouths, high tails and hard stares warn that these three junkyard dogs take their guarding job seriously.
Tail
Tucked under: Submissive/appeasing, deferent, or fearful
Low and still: Calm, relaxed
Low to medium carriage, gently waving: Relaxed, friendly
Low to medium carriage, fast wag: Submissive/appeasing or happy, friendly
High carriage, still/vibrating or fast wag: Tension, arousal, excitement; could be play arousal or aggression arousal
Don’t be fooled! This Husky’s erect tail is normal tail-carriage position for the breed. His relaxed eyes, mouth, and ears tell us he is not aroused.
Ears
Pinned back: Submissive/appeasing, deferent, or fearful
Back and relaxed: Calm, relaxed, friendly
Forward and relaxed: Aware, friendly
Pricked forward: Alert, excitement, arousal, assertive; could be play arousal or aggression arousal.
She’s the picture of appeasement: soft eyes, ears flattened, corners of mouth pulled back, body curved, and tail in neutral position.
Eyes
Averted, no eye contact: Submissive/appeasing, deferent, or fearful; may be a subtle flick of the eyes, or may turn entire head away
Squinting, or eyes closed: Submissive/appeasing, happy greeting
Soft, direct eye contact: Calm, relaxed, friendly
Eyes open wide: Confident, assertive
Hard stare: Alert, excitement, arousal; could be play aroused in play or aroused in aggression
This could be trouble; the Cavalier King Charles is giving a very tense, hard stare at the Boxer, who calmly averts his eyes to avoid triggering a confrontation. NOTE: WDJ does not condone or recommend choke collars.
Mouth
Lips pulled back: Submissive/appeasing or fearful (may also be lifted in “submissive grin” or “aggressive grin”)
Licking lips, yawning: Stressed, fearful – or tired!
Lips relaxed: Calm, relaxed, friendly
Lips puckered forward, may be lifted (snarl): Assertive, threatening.
Hair
Piloerection: Also known as “raised hackles,” this is simply a sign of arousal. While it can indicate aggression, dogs may also show piloerection when they are fearful, uncertain, or engaged in excited play.
The hair on this dog’s shoulders, back,and tail rose the moment he spotted a stray dog outside his fenced yard. This is an unconscious emotional reaction to the sight of the strange dog and does not automatically predict aggression.
Body Posture
Behind vertical, lowered; hackles may be raised: Could be submissive and/or appeasing or fearful
Vertical, full height: Confident, relaxed
Ahead of vertical, standing tall; hackles may be raised: Assertive, alert, excitement, arousal; could be play arousal or aggressive arousal
Shoulders lowered, hindquarters elevated: A play bow is a clear invitation to play; the dog is sending a message that behavior that might otherwise look like aggression is intended in play.
This Jack Russell is offering a play bow – an invitation to the Pomeranian to play. The Pomeranian is politely declining, by avoiding eye contact and hiding under the stool.
There is tension between these two (note the direct eye contact and raised tails) but it could be play tension. The Pointer’s lowered hindquarters, raised front paw, and relaxed mouth suggest that he may be about to do a play-bounce, inviting the Viszla to romp. NOTE: Shock and pinch collars are aversive, pain-causing tools – not recommended by WDJ. They are also highly dangerous hazards to safety at a dog park or anytime dogs are playing together.
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