How to Read Your Dog's Body Language

How to Read Your Dog's Body Language

Dog and Humans can communicate with signs and affections. We humans have ability to communicate through words, but when it comes to dogs there are certain signs that might mean different than what we think in real. I have tried to come up with some signs of canine body language that might be helpful.

Dog Body Language

Eyes
Dog eye contact has multiple meanings. You must have noticed that dogs make eye contacts with humans and it has different meanings. Usually friendly family dog when makes eye contacts with human that shows the friendly behavior. Dog is simply interested in you. But when it comes to long stare with growling, is a sign of aggression. Sometimes you will notice that dog looks out of corner of eye that's a sign of aggression.

Hair
You must learn to observe your dog's coat! Dogs tend to fluff their hair when they are angry, stressed or even when they are scared. Whenever you see dog's hair up along the spine, it is mostly bad sign. That's sign of aggression.

Dog Body Language

Yawn
Whenever dog yawns that doesn't mean they are tired! When it comes to yawn, dogs are pretty similar to humans. We yawn whenever we are tired or board! Same applies to dogs, if you see your dog yawning that means either dog is tired or board. Also, dogs tend to yawn and stretch body before getting into playful mood.

Dog Body Language

Jump
Dog jumping on owner or family members is not the sign of dominance. Dog's behavior around family members is his way of showing affection towards you. But, as in general dog will jump on strangers to show off dominance.

Dog Body Language

Ears
You can always relate dog's thinking with ear position. Dogs have different kinds of ears, straight, banded or floppy, still they have certain movements that can help you understand thoughts for the moment. Dogs will point ears forward when they are trying to focus on something. When they are in dilemma they move ears back and forth. A dog usually drops ears and wiggle to show affection towards human. Kind of happy mood! Fearful dog will tighten ears and lower down body, so make sure to ease you dog if you find him in that position.

Tail Wagging
Tail wagging is not always a happy sign, you must have noticed your dog tail wagging when you come home. There is a difference in slow tail wagging when you see your dog after you come home compared to rapid tail wagging behavior. Whenever dog is a sign of high arousal in negative way. Recent study has noted that dogs tend to wag towards right when they are happy and meet owners whereas wagging towards left means negative signs. And of course, when dog starts to wage tail in round spin, is the happiest dog signs.


Why you must understand dog's body language?
Keep in mind that dog always communicates with owner through their body languages to express their needs, happiness or fear. Being responsible owner you must learn about dog's body language to reduce lot of issues raising your furry friend.

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