A dog's body language is more than a wagging tail or baring its teeth. It is a way of communicating who they are, what their pack position is and much more.

Start taking note of your dog's actions and start interpreting dog behavior now!

The more you understand your dog, the more you know how your messages to him are understood.

Interpreting Dog Behavior in the Dog Park

Taking a trip to the dog park and watching how dogs interact with each other can help one learn how one dog's body language communicates and reacts to another dog's body language.

Watch the positions of his ears and the look on his face from the frown on the forehead to the tension around mouth and muzzle.

How the dog's weight is distributed and how he is holding his tail.

You will begin to learn if he is relaxed and / or dominant in a given situation or whether he is submissive or even fearful.

Interpreting Dominating or Submissive Dogs

A dominant dog isn't an aggressive dog, he is confident of himself and his position.

Likewise, a submissive dog is not a frightened dog. In fact they are also confident knowing where they stand in the grand scheme of things. They know their position and are content with it.

A dog's body language may show that they are submissive to a higher rank but dominant to a lower rank. In fact it is within these middle ranks that most fighting occurs because they are continually vying for position.

A pack leader does not need to lower himself to fighting.

When you are at the park, watch the dogs that are playing together but more importantly watch those that are meeting for the first time.

How does one react to the other, do they both react the same? Does one dog show dominance over the other?

Interpreting their Overall Behavior

When you watch them, look at their overall behavior and then try to pick out the subtleties in the behavior.

Do they both meet with tails up and wagging, are they relaxed or stiff?

Watch the eyes, the ears, mouth and hair - particularly along the neck and back.

Interpreting You and Your Dog's Body Language

Dogs are naturally pack animals with acute senses.

They can hear, see and smell things long before we can. They are always watching each other as well as to what is going on around them.

They use their body language as a means of communication and will very often watch yours and interpret your moves.

Knowing this, we can use it to our advantage by doing two things; learning our own dog's body language and learning how to use it in their training.

Learn more about a dog's body language and how to interpret their demeanor and behavior as well as other dog training information.

• Interpreting and Reading Dog Behavior
• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior
• Dog Behavior Seminars
• Interpreting a Dog’s Tail Behavior
• Dog Behavior Therapist
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
• Cattle Dog Behavior

Dog speak manifests itself as gestures your dog makes with his ears and tail. These gestures can provide you with a means of better understanding your dog's desires and behavior.

Here are some simple ways to interpreting your dog's behavior:

Interpreting dog behavior: Watch your dog's ears

A healthy, alert dog usually has ears that are high on his head. This can also indicate a dog that's excited or curious or is eager to interact with you. Upright, high ears are also seen when a dog is begging for a bite of food. Upright ears don't always indicate a happy canine state since they may also be seen when a dog is manifesting dominance or aggressive behavior. At these times you may see your dog develop a stiff body or emit a low growl. Ears that are held back flat against the head usually indicates fear or anxiety particularly if your dog's body appears tense and rigid.

Interpreting dog behavior: Watch your dog's tail

Another way a dog expresses himself is through tail movements and posturing. A happy, alert dog usually has an upright tail that's held high and may be wagging. The direction in which a dog's tail is wagging may say something about his mood. Studies have shown that when a dog feels positive about an encounter, his tail will wag more to the right as opposed to the left. A dog that's anxious or fearful will generally carry his tail lower or even hold it between his legs with limp posturing. This may also be a sign of submission in a dog. Dogs manifesting aggressive or dominant behavior generally have stiff tails that are held straight out and unmoving. You may also see other signs of dominance or aggression such as a snarl or growl.

Interpreting dog behavior: Watch your dog's body

Dogs also express themselves through body movements and body posturing. A dog who is manifesting aggressive or dominant behavior generally has tense, rigid body posturing and may have a slight body tremor. A submissive dog generally carries himself low and will roll onto the ground if directly confronted by a more dominant animal. A happy, carefree dog will have a relaxed body with lots of spontaneous bodily movements and a wagging tail.

Interpreting dog behavior: Listen to your dog's sound

The final way most dogs communicate is through sound. When interpreting dog behavior, listen closely to your dog's bark. If a dog is feeling anxious, fearful, or is manifesting submissive behavior, he may emit a soft whine or a yelping sound. When a dog is happy and secure he may bark spontaneously along with the other obvious signs of tail wagging and loose, spontaneous body movements. If your dog starts to snarl or growl, watch out! He's manifesting aggressive behavior and unless you break his focus, he may be in danger of attacking or biting.

Yes, dogs do communicate with us and we can learn the subtle art of interpreting dog behavior. Pay close attention to how your dog responds to you and you just might be able to tell exactly what he's trying to say to you.

• Interpreting a Dog Behavior through its Body Language
• Interpreting and Reading Dog Behavior
• Dog Behavior Seminars
• Interpreting Dog Stress Behavior
• Interpreting a Dog’s Tail Behavior
• Dog Behavior Therapist
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
• Cattle Dog Behavior

While the following behaviors are typical of a stressed dog, they must be looked at in context to know whether they're stress-related or caused by some other stimulus.

Interpreting Dog Stress Behaviors

Rapid, shallow or deep, forceful panting

A Stress panting is presented with the lips pulled back in a wide "grin" causing deep wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.

Increased urination or defecation

Stressed dogs will often urinate or defecate in an inappropriate area even though they're fully housebroken.

Vomiting or diarrhea

The dog's digestive tract is frequently the first bodily function to react to stress.

Yawning

Yawning is one of the most common signs of stress. A stress yawn will be more pronounced than a sleepy yawn.

Avoidance

A stressed dog will often turn away or shy away from us when they are stressed.

Shaking/shivering

Stress will frequently cause the dog to shiver or shake even though they may not be cold or wet.

Confusion

A dog will often present signs of confusion or abnormal behavior when stressed. Be cautious when interpreting this symptom as it can also be a sign of a seizure or diabetic hypoglycemia.

Whining or growling

Vocalization is very typical in a stressed out dog and is a sign of heightened anxiety.

Stretching

Stretching is the dog's way of relaxing muscles tightened by a stressful situation.

While not an exhaustive list...

these are just a few of the signs that can help you recognize when your dog is stressed.

• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior

Tail position is an important indicator of social standing and mental state of a dog.

There would be variations, of course, depending on the natural tail position of the dog:

• a West Highland white terrier will carry its carrot-shaped tail higher than
• a golden retriever its flowing, feathery tail, and
• a greyhound's relaxed tail position is lower yet.

Intepreting Different Dog Tail Behavior

Almost horizontal, pointing away from the dog but not stiff

Interpreting as "Something interesting may be happening here."

This is a sign of attention.

Straight out horizontally, pointing away from the dog

Interpreting as "Let's establish who's boss here."

This is part of an initial challenge when meeting a stranger or an intruder.

Tail up, between the horizontal and vertical position

Interpreting as "I'm boss here."

This is the sign of a dominant dog, or one who is asserting dominance,

Tail up and slightly curved over the back

Interpreting as "I'm top dog,"

It is the expression of a confident, dominant dog who feels in control.

Tail held lower than the horizontal but still some distance from the legs:

Interpreting as "I'm relaxed."

All is well.

Tail down, near hind legs

This changes its meaning with the posture of the dog.

• If the legs are still straight and the tail slightly brushes back and forth, it means "I'm not feeling well" or "I'm a bit depressed."
• If the legs are slightly bent inward, giving a slight downward slope to the back it means "I'm feeling a bit insecure," especially in an unknown setting or situation.

Tail tucked between the legs

Interpreting as "I'm frightened!" or "Don't hurt me!"

This is especially common in the presence of a dominant dog or person, when it can also mean, "I accept my lowly role in the pack, and I'm not trying to challenge you.

Bristling hair down the tail

• With the straight out it means "I'm ready to fight if you are!" and with the tail slightly up or
• over the back it means "I'm not afraid of you and will fight to prove I'm boss."

The bristle in the dog's tail is a sign of aggression. It may modify any tail position.

Crick or sharp bend in the tail when held high

This is more characteristic of the dogs that look like wolves, such as the German shepherds, and means much the same as the tail bristling. It is the precursor to possible aggression.

Broad tail wag

Interpreting as "I like you."

This is often shown during play, when one dog seems to be attacking the other, pouncing, growling, and barking. The wagging tail serves as reassurance that this is all in fun. It also means "I'm pleased" in many contexts.

Slow tail wag with tail at half-mast

Interpreting as "I'm trying to understand you. I want to know what you mean, but I just can't quite figure it out."

When the dog finally solves the problem, the speed and size of the tail wags will usually markedly increase.

• Interpreting a Dog Behavior through its Body Language
• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior

Consider your pet as a family member, and you will be rewarded with the ultimate bond of unconditional love.

Interpreting dog behavior is pretty simple.

They have limited actions and verbal noises, and once you are able to start interpreting dog behavior, will make both your lives easier. You will then know when your pet is happy or distressed.

Interpreting dog behavior is what most devoted dog owners can immediately do and know what their dogs are feeling by different body language signals.

Below are some examples of interpreting dog behavior:

Interpreting Happy Dog Behavior

A Friendly Tail Wagging Dog's tail will make wide sweeps or almost a circle movement, with the tail hanging down, and not held straight up and wagging stiffly. The ears are relaxed and fur will be smooth down the spine and shoulders.

A happy dog doesn't make eye contact, but will sniff and check things out in a relaxed and easy manner.

Ask the owner if it is okay to pet their dog after the sniffing routine is finished, then offer the back of your hand to smell first before petting.

Just stand with your  fist turned towards the unknown dog at this point, staying fairly still with arms hanging down at snout level. Allow the dog to approach you rather than sticking your fist out towards him.

Interpreting an Aggressive Dog Behavior

If a dog's tail is stiff and held high, and the ears seem alert, and he stares directly into your or your dog's eyes, then you are encountering a hostile dog. The hackles are raised. - ( the fur down the spine and around the shoulders ).

If you meet another dog while out with yours, or even if you are just out alone don't assume he is friendly because his tail is wagging. Although the strange dog is not growling, showing it's teeth and snapping at you, he can be dangerous.

Try to get out of the immediate area, without running and bringing attention to yourself, in a quiet controlled manner.

Interpreting a Happy Playful Pup Behavior

Your dog bows down and rests on the chest and front elbows, with the butt swinging happily up in the air. Sometimes after a short display of this, they get up, bark, run in circles, do a quick roll around, and return to the position.

Most people will recognize this type of dog language, even people who aren't dog people. Let's play.

Interpreting A Very Unhappy Fearful Dog Behavior

The ears are usually laid back and tight against his head, and the fur is raised along the back and shoulders. The whole body will be lowered, and tucking the tail to cover it's scent will be a good indication that your dog is afraid of something.

Fear biting is sometimes a result when a dog is afraid. This is a dog you want to retreat from quietly and quickly.

Interpreting A Submissive Dog Behavior

When a dog is being submissive, it may lie on his back and expose the belly.

This is not a sign of cowardice. This is your dogs way of giving you top position, which in turn leaves him the ease of being relaxed and enjoying his wonderful life. This type of laid back, relaxed dogs are saying I just want love, and are not looking for a fight.

This is a good dog to bring into your home and become one of the pack.

As long as there are no other symptoms to go along with this behavior that would indicate the dog shows obsessive behavior along with this body language, or is so timid that is hides all the time and is truly a "scaredy dog".

In Conclusion

Obviously these few examples above of "dog body language" are just that - a few. Dog's have many actions, expressions and stances that indicate different wants and needs. Traits that are explained here, and many more, are genetically passed on and were orginally wild dogs way of communicating with each other, rather than humans.

Interpreting the different variations within your dog's behavior makes living together a very rewarding endeavor.

• Interpreting a Dog Behavior through its Body Language
• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior
• Dog Behavior Seminars
• Dog Behavior Therapist
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
• Cattle Dog Behavior