Understanding what your dog is trying to tell you is all about reading their body language. With these few simple tips you’ll be communicating in fluent dog language in no time.

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We’ve all had fantasies in which our dogs can suddenly talk – out of the blue they miraculously open their mouths and articulate what it is they want. Sadly, that fantasy has not yet eventuated, but the reality is that dogs already talk to us – just not in a language we ordinarily understand. What dogs don’t say in words they more than make up for in body language, and if you can learn to read their actions you’ll quickly pick up on what it is they’re trying to tell you.

While the following dog behaviours and what they mean are fairly typical, it’s important to remember that not all dogs are the same. It’s also important to look at your dog’s body language as a whole as opposed to simply their tail or their eyes, that way you’re not taking individual mannerisms out of context and misreading what they’re saying.

I’m happy

You know your dog is feeling happy or content when their whole body is relaxed and soft. If they wag their tail, their whole torso generally wags along with it. Other signs your dog is happy include:

  • Ears are in their natural state
  • Soft panting
  • Soft eyes
  • Calm demeanour.

I want to play

Depending on your dog’s genetics, what stimulates their sense of play will vary. Whether it’s chasing a ball, playing with other dogs or playing with a toy, it’s important to recognise what excites your dog. Some tell tale signs your dog wants to play are:

  • Highly energetic
  • ‘Play bow’ (upper body dipped down and front paws splayed out)
  • Wagging tail with a playful body pose
  • Vocalisation which may include playful barking or growling’
  • ‘Rocking horse run’ (bouncy, bounding run).
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I’m scared

It’s fairly common to confuse your dog’s fear with their shame or guilt, particularly if they’ve done something you disapprove of, like rifle through the garbage. Look out for the following mannerisms and you’ll know that your dog is in fact scared or anxious:

  • Ears pinned back
  • Tail tucked between their legs
  • Lowering their stance and cowering close to the ground
  • Downcast head or refusing to look at you
  • Licking their lips or grinning with eyes squinting
  • Darting away from someone or something.

I’m feeling reactive

It’s really important to recognise when your dog is feeling reactive or uncomfortable, as it may respond with aggression. It may be unsafe for them to be around other people or other dogs. Some signs to look out for include:

  • Flat, direct running
  • ‘Whale eyes’ (when you can see the whites of your dog’s eyes) and an intense stare
  • Guarded stance
  • Bared teeth
  • Stiff tail straight up in the air
  • Growling
  • Hackles (a bit like when we have goosebumps)
  • Ears pinned back or perked up.

Take some time to observe your dog in various situations so you can start to become accustom to their behaviour and doggy body language.