Common dog body language signals along with descriptions of what they typically mean:
- Tail Wagging:
- Fast, broad wagging: The dog is happy and excited.
- Slow wagging with wide sweeps: The dog is relaxed and content.
- Stiff, rapid wagging: The dog may be agitated or on high alert.
- Ears:
- Erect and forward: The dog is alert and interested in something.
- Flattened against the head: The dog is scared or feeling submissive.
- Relaxed: The dog is calm and comfortable.
- Eyes:
- Soft, blinking: The dog is relaxed and friendly.
- Wide open, whites visible: The dog is scared or stressed.
- Narrowed or squinting: The dog might be aggressive or feeling threatened.
- Mouth:
- Relaxed, slightly open: The dog is comfortable and happy.
- Panting with tongue out: The dog is hot, excited, or anxious.
- Lips pulled back, showing teeth: The dog is fearful or showing submission.
- Snarling, showing teeth: The dog is aggressive or feels threatened.
- Body Posture:
- Relaxed, weight evenly distributed: The dog is calm and at ease.
- Crouched with tail tucked: The dog is scared or feeling submissive.
- Standing tall, weight forward: The dog is confident or potentially aggressive.
- Play bow (front legs stretched out, rear end up): The dog is inviting play.
- Tail Position:
- High and wagging: The dog is happy and confident.
- Low and still: The dog is feeling submissive or uncertain.
- Tucked between legs: The dog is scared or feeling submissive.
- Hackles Raised:
- Raised fur along the back: The dog is on high alert, scared, or feeling aggressive.
- Yawning:
- Yawning when not tired: The dog might be stressed, anxious, or trying to calm themselves.
- Licking Lips:
- Licking lips when not eating: The dog is anxious, stressed, or trying to calm themselves.
- Rolling Over:
- Showing belly: The dog is showing submission or asking for a belly rub, depending on the context.
These signals can vary depending on the context and the individual dog's personality. Observing the whole body and the situation is essential for accurately interpreting a dog's body language.
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