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

Without having the dog behavior therapist knowledge, training or experience, a dog trainer may be able to work on the symptoms of a larger and much more complicated underlying problem, i.e. barking or biting, but , without identifying and treating the actual reason for the dog’s poor behavior, things can get worse for your dog and you in the long run.

It’s a good idea to ask about the dog behavior therapist's educational experience, specifically in the field of applied animal behavior with dogs, cats, horses or whatever species you need help with.

It is also a good idea to find out who the dog behavior therapist's mentor is.

They should be able to provide you with a reference of at least one other practicing dog behavior therapist.

Dog behavior therapist are almost always members of one or more of the following organizations …

1. the IADBC (International Association of Dog Behavior Counselors),
2. the ABMA (Animal Behavior Management Alliance),
3. the ABS (Animal Behavior Society) or
4. the  ACABC (Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors).

All of these organizations have entrance requirements and screening procedures for members, unlike other organizations that merely require that a person pay dues to belong.

Some of the educational programs that specifically train individuals to work with problem companion animals as dog behavior therapist are:

1. Cynology College
2. San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Training & Behavior
3. University of California - Davis
4. Etologisk Institut
5. The Penn Institute For Dog Behavior Consulting
6. American Institute For Animal Science

When in doubt, ask for references, ask for testimonials and always ask questions!

• Dog Behavior Therapist
• Dog Behavior Seminars
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

They are specially trained and skilled in recognizing problems and their precursors such as aggression, separation anxiety, status-related conflicts with people or other dogs, and many other behavioral issues.

As a dog owner, it is often difficult to determine whether you have a simple problem that can be solved by a trainer, or have a more complex situation that requires an dog behavior therapist.

If there is any doubt, it is best to at least have a phone conversation with a qualified dog behavior therapist so that they can help you determine whether your best avenue is to consult a dog trainer or a behaviorist.

The dog behavior therapist will begin by asking a lot of questions that help them piece together your dog’s complete history and determine the cause of your dog’s problem.

A good dog behavior therapist will ask you to visit your veterinarian prior to an appointment so that medical conditions can be ruled out, since medical conditions are sometimes the cause of aggressive or erratic behavior in dogs.

Most dog behavior therapist have been (or are currently) dog trainers and have often worked extensively in animal shelters where they gain a large amount of knowledge and experience working with abnormal and aggressive dogs.

Of course, there are still many wonderful dogs in animal shelters and rescues that really do deserve loving homes!

• How to Check a Dog Behavior Therapist Credentials
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
• Dog Behavior Seminars
• Interpreting a Dog Behavior through its Body Language
• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior
• Interpreting and Reading Dog Behavior
• Cattle Dog Behavior

There are many dog behavior seminars around, and you only have to look around to find them! In fact, you might find some of the latest dog behavior seminars advertised on our site now!

Dog behavior seminars are usually lots of fun for the dogs and owners, providing time for your dog to socialize. But of course, the most important thing is what you can bring home with you from the dog behavior seminars. The important information of how you can better interact with your dog after the dog behavior seminars.

Some dog behavior seminars covers topics, for dog trainers and hobbyists, like:

• dog behavior,
• dog training
• dog-dog aggression
• improving the relationship with your dog through play,

Even experienced dog trainers, dog walkers, veterinarians, and dog sports competitors will come away with useful ideas in these dog behavior seminars!

Hopefully, at the end of the dog behavior seminars,  you will have increased your understanding of dog behavior, your ability to recognize subtle communication in dog behavior and have the tools to effectively manage your dog or dogs comfortably and safely as well as possess the tools to effectively pass on the knowledge to your family and friends too!

Whether you want to strengthen your skills, communication and understanding, increase the knowledge of your family and friends and bringing them to a higher level of understanding dog behavior than ever before can provide them the necessary skills needed to keep your dog happy all the time!

• Interpreting a Dog Behavior through its Body Language
• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior
• Interpreting and Reading Dog Behavior
• How to Check a Dog Behavior Therapist Credentials
• Dog Behavior Therapist
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
• Cattle Dog Behavior

Certified Dog Behavior Consultants need to be competent in,

1. assessment and intervention strategies,
2. counseling skills,
3. behavioral science,
4. knowledge of animal behavior, and
5. species specific knowledge

in order to obtain certification through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

When you choose a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant you can be confident that you are working with a professional who has the knowledge and expertise to make your investment in your dog safe, effective, and even fun!

So the next time you need a dog trainer or a dog behaviorist, look for a professional with the Certified Dog Behavior Consultant credential. Get a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant see what a difference working with a professional can make for you and your dog.

You care about your dog. You want a positive experience for both you and your four-footed friend. Whether you are looking for a training class, private training, or are in need of behavior modification for your dog you are looking for a high-quality, safe, and effective training experience.

Your dog will thank you!

• Dog Behavior Therapist
• Dog Behavior Seminars
• Interpreting a Dog Behavior through its Body Language
• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior
• Interpreting and Reading Dog Behavior
• How to Check a Dog Behavior Therapist Credentials
• Cattle Dog Behavior

The cattle dog behavior is to work long, hard hours every day. Without one to three hours of vigorous activity on a daily basis, the cattle dog behavior will quickly turn destructive, exhibiting behaviors such as chewing through your walls, destroying furniture, or landscaping your garden into a collection of craters and soil piles.

Choose a solid fence, instead of chain-link. It can prevent irritating barking: the cattle dog behavior is that if he can't see people and other dogs walking past, he's won't need to announce their presence.

Your garden will need to be fully enclosed with a high fence and wire sunk into the ground to discourage digging.

Cattle dogs are accomplished escape artists fully capable of leaping five feet with ease; fences must be at least six feet tall.

Effective watch-dogs, cattle dogs are naturally suspicious of newcomers and strangers, requiring extensive socialization from an early age to prevent this cattle dog behavior from becoming a problem and to teach them to discriminate between friend and foe.

Cattle dogs are often aggressive towards other animals, particularly dogs of the same sex, thus you will need to be vigilant when he's off-leash.

The cattle dog's intense, high-pitched bark can drive many people crazy. Excessive barking is one of the less desirable cattle dog behavior, and, though not all cattle dogs will give voice for no apparent reason, if left alone most will do so repetitively. If your cattle dog is likely to be alone and unsupervised for more than a few hours a day, and if you have neighbors within earshot, this breed is not recommended.

Another cattle dog behavior is to challenge you for the alpha position as the cattle dog reach adolescence. They require a confident, strong-minded owner capable of consistently proving that they are the boss. Cattle dogs can be manipulative and will try to make you prove that you can influence their behavior; to hold your own, you'll need to be clued-up on dog psychology, communication, and the concept of alpha-status.

Cattle dogs are smart dogs with a low boredom tolerance. They require lots of mental and physical stimulation.

This is a real working breed, not intended to be merely a household pet: the dogs need interesting ways to vent excess energy at all times.

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