Canine Body Language
Humans communicate in many ways, but a large percentage of our communication is through verbal interaction. Dogs are nonverbal. Therefore, they communicate through eye contact, a variety of sounds, and through body signals or “body language”.
The Body
Many dogs’ facial gestures and bodily postures are indicative of their intentions and emotional state. Some of the signs are obvious, while others have more subtle actions and meanings. Generally, when a dog is bluffing or threatening, their body postures tend to make them look large and imposing. In a threat posture, the dog stands squarely on all four legs with the head held high and tail and ears erect, usually staring directly at its opponent. Sometimes the hair at the scruff of the neck and down the ridge of the back will stand erect. As the animal approaches its opponent, it walks slowly with a rigid gait. If a dog is threatening out of fear, the head is usually slightly lowered, and the ears are flattened against the head. The tail hangs in a curve over the topline of the body and is slowly brushed from side to side. This dog is afraid. If it is approached too quickly or too closely, it will often bite in self-defense.
When showing signs of submission, the head and forequarters are held low, the ears lie flat against the head, and the tail is tucked between the legs. The body seems to slink along with the abdomen almost touching the ground, and the entire rear wags from side to side. The dog may lie down on one side and lift one leg as to expose its tummy. It extreme cases, the dog will roll over on its back and urinate, which is the ultimate sign of submissiveness.
When a dog or puppy is encouraging another pet to play with him, they may position themselves in a “play bow.” In this position, the front half of the body is lowered with the front paws, elbows, and chest in contact with the ground, but the rump is elevated in the air with the tail wagging furiously. The dog may prance in this position, barking and making pawing motions.
Mouth
A slightly open mouth with bared teeth is usually an indication of a threat. The corners of the mouth are pulled forward, and the upper lip is lifted to expose the canines. In the submissive grin, the corners of the mouth are pulled back, indicating insecurity.
If a dog is feeling stressed, he will usually pant heavily, have a curling tongue, yawn, and have a drooping head. Take the time to make the dog feel more secure. If the handler of the dog is stressed, it’s easily transferred to the dog.
Ears
When an animal is alert, the ears are normally erect and both pointing forward. This is a sign of a confident dog, whether it is friendly or aggressive. If the dog becomes more anxious or fearful, the ears are turned down and point backwards. In a fearful threat, they lie completely flat against the back of the head.
Tail
In threatening situations, the tail is usually held high. It may be perpendicular to the topline or curled over the back. As the dog becomes tenser, the tail may become more rigid. If the dog becomes very tense, the tail may appear to vibrate or tremble.
A tail tucked between the legs indicates that the dog is insecure or uncertain. This often occurs following a threatening situation.
Facial Expression
Dogs can smile, look depressed, angry, thrilled, or bored. These expressions are like our own, with the addition of mobile ears. A happy dog’s ears are usually relaxed or half back, the mouth is relaxed and probably open, and the eyes tension free. A worried dog’s ears are held to the side, the brow is furrowed, and his eyes appear anxious. A fearful dog’s ears are back, his head down, and his eyes are averted. A confident or aggressive dogs’ ears are erect, his mouth closed, his eyes alert, and he maintains direct eye contact with whatever has his attention.
Sounds
There are happy growls indicating a playful dog and very serious growls of an aggressive dog threatening or warning an intruder. It is not always obvious to humans what all dogs’ sounds mean, but many can be characterized into groups. High-pitched sounds usually mean excitement. Many times, when a dog is happy or anxious, they will let out a high-pitched yip, squeal, or whine. When a dog’s tone is in the middle range, he is usually calm and not feeling threatened. Low and deep sounds are serious threats and should not be ignored or dismissed. Learning what a dog is trying to tell you is critical if you are going to work together and if you are going to successfully groom the dog.
Human Body Language
Human body language and communication can confuse dogs. When we talk to each other and communicate, eye contact is desirable and is considered polite. When dogs interact with each other, eye contact is an issue of showing dominance. The dog who wins the staring contest is the “top dog.” When you are dealing with a submissive dog, they can become frightened by our attempts to look them in the eye. Many submissive dogs become very fearful and may bite to defend themselves.
Dominant dogs may interpret the eye contact as a challenge and become very aggressive if you stare at them. If you are dealing with a new dog, do not stare him in the eyes. Over time, most dogs learn to trust and realize that eye contact from humans is not intended as a threat.
As a rule, the human species is taller than our four-legged canine friends, and we naturally tower over them. Standing over another dog is a way to establish and maintain dominance in the canine world. Many dog bites result when a human bends over a dog and reaches toward him. The submissive dog feels threatened and may snap at you just to get you to back up. A dominant dog will accept” the challenge,” and the results would not be desirable.
You can make this interaction easier on the dog by turning sideways and allowing the dog to approach you. Try to stay stationary until the dog approaches. If you need to move at all, do so slowly and avoid jerky movements. Speak in a soft tones or whispers, constantly reassuring the dog.