What is your dog really telling you??
What is your dog really telling you?? Learn by their body language! Sometimes it’s hard to tell what your dog is trying to tell you. Besides barking, howling, or any other noise they may make, dogs use body language as primary way of telling you how they feel! Learning how to read your dog’s body language will help you understand his or her feelings or intentions. This leads to better communication between you and your dog, which would make your dog much more enjoyable! Dog body language can be observed through their facial expression, tail positioning, ear positioning, and hair. The goal is to take all of these observations in order to determine how they feel.

1.Happy/Playful
Eyes: Pupils Dilated
Ears: Upwards
Mouth: Open, tongue may be sticking out
Body: Front end lowered to the ground, rear end up
Tail: Upwards and usually wagging
2. Curious/Excited
Eyes: Wide open
Ears: Upwards or forward pointing
Mouth: Opened but not showing teeth
Body: Normal stance, but may be standing on toes
Tail: Upwards and wagging
3. Anxious
Eyes: Somewhat narrowed

Ears: Partially backwards
Mouth: Closed or slightly opened, may be licking lips frequently
Body: Lowered and tense, may be shivering
Tail: Lowered or tucked under their bottom
4. Alert
Eyes: Normal or widely opened
Ears: Upwards, may twitch to catch sounds
Mouth: Closed or slightly opened with teeth completely covered
Body: Normal. Can be standing on tip toes
Tail: Upwards. Possible wagging
5. Submissive
Eyes: Narrowed or wide open
Ears: Downwards
Mouth: May be licking an animal or person. Lips are pulled back
Body: Lying on back with stomach exposed or lowered to the ground
Tail: Between legs or downwards

6. Fear
Eyes: Narrow and averted
Ears: Backwards and lowered
Mouth: Mouth completely sealed
Body: Tensed and lowered. May be shivering
Tail: Downwards between legs
7. Dominant
Eyes: Wide open Ears: Upwards or forward
Mouth: Closed or slightly opened, no teeth
Body: Tall posture and hackles may be up
Tail: Fluffed. May be sticking out or up
8. Aggressive
Eyes: Glaring and/or narrow
Ears: Forward or backward, sitting close to the head
Mouth: Open with teeth exposed Could be snarling and snapping jaw
Body: In a dominant, upright, tense position
Tail: Fluffed out and sticking out from body
Reading dog behavior isn’t a precise indicator and misunderstanding can definitely happen. These are all general tips to help you understand how your dog may be feeling and effectively communicate with your dog!