There is so much to say about this topic, so much has already been written, posters made, photos taken and videos showing body language displays. A subject which may be discussed on and on indefinitely. I doubt anyone can write about the topic without accidentally plagiarising some previous text, so my comments will be limited. My comments are a generalised expression of my observations, interpretations, and experience. Take from them what you will but they will not apply in all situations with all dogs!
TAIL WAG
Tail wag is probably the most misinterpreted body signal given out by a dog. People generally think a wagging tail is a friendly dog. It may be or it may not be. I have known several to say its tail was wagging just as it bit me! There are many tail wags but there are only a few that have a definite meaning.
A tail held high and still or slightly moving is a sign of a highly alert dog. It is sensing something (good or bad) and has an intention forming depending on what it senses. Try to move a dog in this state, especially one you are not bonded with, could result on a grumble, a snap or a reluctant move into a similar position close by.
A tail held horizontal and slowly moving side to side means nothing that you can depend on. That dog may be friendly, may be indifferent, and may be suspicious of you or something in the area. It may react in a number of ways from indifference to friendly to bite. I never judge anything on a tail like this.
A tail low or tucked, with a wag or still, shows a worried / scared dog. This dog may be too fearful to bite and may not want to bite unless pushed too far. Be gentle, calm to this dog, use rewards and slow reassuring movements around it. If you have to interact then go slow, build a bit of rapor and trust,, no fast movements.
A tail moving in a rotary motion, going round and round from the base, is the only definitely friendly wag I take as pretty sure the dog is happy and friendly. I don’t see many of those!
BODY POSTURE
Next, I look at the body posture. Is the body relaxed, maybe bowed a bit, or is it tense and rigid?
If tense, is the dog almost on tiptoes, legs straight, stiff, and still. If so this dog is tense and it could be for several reasons so I consider the environment to judge my actions. But always use caution and if I don’t know the dog then I use extreme caution. Many dogs are like this before a sudden lunge bite. Be careful, often the rigid solid dogs are ready to attack in an instant.
If the body is relaxed, loose, bowed, this probably means a dog who is a bit unsure but means no harm. Still use a gentle and friendly approach and watch for any sudden changes in case it becomes more worried by your presence and actions. Most often you will be safe and can interact with this dog without much concern.
MOUTH
Generally, an open mouth/relaxed jaw indicates a relaxed dog. On the other hand, a close mouth can indicate a heightened state of attention and possibly, but not necessarily, impending aggression.
If your dog is panting and suddenly closes his mouth, with ears erect and forward, something has likely caught its attention and it is focusing. The reaction following this depends on the object or event of interest and the dogs interpretation of that object/event depending on the situation.
The mouth can also give you clues as to what the underlying motivation is when your dog is growling. Is it fearful, or confident? A fearful dog will try to show all of the teeth (incisors, K-9’s, and molars) when growling. It’s kind of analogous to a bluff in humans. The dog is saying “look at all my big scary teeth,” but thinking “oh my God I hope this thing leaves me alone.” A dog that is confident will only show the incisors and K-9 teeth when growling. This is a dog that is not afraid of the situation. This is the growl of a confident dog.
Ears
A dogs ears say a lot about its state of mind. The 2 extremes of ear position are straight up and slightly forward, which indicates confidence and attention, or back and glued to its head, which indicates extreme fear and anxiety. What happens in between those 2 extremes is an indication of the intensity of the emotion the dog is feeling.
Ears that are erect and as forward as they can be (often accompanied by bared teeth and a wrinkled nose) indicate that one should choose their next move carefully. This is a confident dog that will fight/bite if pushed too far.
Ears that are erect and slightly forward indicate curious attention. Often the jaw is relaxed and open, but it could be closed as well.
Ears that are slightly pulled back and kind of splay out sideways indicate a suspicious/cautious emotion. The dog is not quite fearful, but is a bit unsure or uneasy about the situation.
Ears that are pulled all the way back and are glued to the head, accompanied by a head that is held low, a tail that is tucked all the way under, and eyes that are squinting and scanning, indicates extreme fear/submissiveness.
FACIAL EXPRESSION
I look mainly at the eyes, the window to the soul and intention of the dog (well any animal really).
Hard intent stare with small almond shape eyes usually means a serious dog that is ready. Be very careful!
Wide open eyes with the whites showing is indicative of a dog which is uncomfortable, worried and wishing it could escape the situation..
This is often seen when children cuddle, hug or kiss the family dog and is one of the first signs a dog gives to try to avoid the unpleasantness of a hug. As a parent you should STOP the child hugging the dog! The dog will next try to move away from the child and when all else fails it could grumble and in extreme cases can result in a snap bite to discipline the child. This dog will be very unlikely to bite again, it was only in self defence and only because it had no other choice.
Many dogs are killed because of this very reason every year. Read the body language, it may be subtle but it is clear! Only primates like to be hugged, not dogs, some few will accept it from a close bonded human, most will put up with it from a close bonded human, some will run away.
Open, soft eyes are showing good intent even if the dog is growling or showing fear, it really wants relief from the situation and does not want to be nasty, well most of the time!
I judge each dog individually, act according to my observations, and gut feeling. I work with many rescue dogs and sometimes have to interact with a dog that does not know or trust me. I still don’t get it right all the time but I seldom get bitten.
The above is just my experience and opinion; don’t take it as totally reliable or applicable in all cases. Watch the dogs, learn by observation, and look at the many posters out there showing body language. Make your own decisions and take your own chances, and good luck!!
Hope this helps a bit, Best to all, Al.
Around the circle
I am part of a wonderful blog circle with other dog trainers. We all write about a topic every month and give it our own spin.
So next in the circle is -
Alton Matherne
Accredited Animal Behaviourist
PRAMA Behavioural Trainer
April 2022