Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Understanding Dog Body Language: Vet-Approved Guide With Pictures

Written by: Jordyn Alger

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Dogster Team

Lakeland Terrier

Understanding Dog Body Language: Vet-Approved Guide With Pictures

VET APPROVED

Dr. Karyn Kanowski Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Karyn Kanowski

BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Even though there is a language barrier between humans and dogs, they have still earned the title of “Man’s Best Friend.” Imagine how strong your bond with your dog would be if you could talk to each other!

The good news is that, although we may not be able to speak to our dogs, you can still communicate with them. While you can’t enroll your dog in English lessons, you can learn how to better understand canine body language. Dogs communicate nonverbally, using their ears, tails, and more to express their emotions.

The more you understand your dog’s body language, the better you can respond when they communicate their needs. In this article, we will look at 6 ways your dog expresses their emotions, and include pictures so you can see what canine body language looks like.

dogster paw divider

The 6 Dog Body Languages

1. Relaxed Body Language

Happy Golden Retriever sitting up straight
Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock

Relaxed dogs are happy dogs. This is when your furry friend is feeling their best, no matter whether they are relaxing or playing. Relaxed dogs are engaged with their surroundings and may be eager to receive or show affection.

They may be squirmy if they’re feeling excitable, and their motions may be overdramatized during play. Their tail will wag in wide, gentle motions. Their ears will be held in a relaxed, natural position, and their eyes will be soft. Their forehead and mouth will have no tension.


2. Stressed or Anxious Body Language

A wary female dog lying on the bed
Image Credit: MDV Edwards, Shutterstock

Stressed or anxious dogs often display mannerisms meant to soothe or dissipate tension, avoid attention, and demonstrate their discomfort. These behaviors include:

  • Looking or turning away
  • Hesitant movements or darting away quickly
  • Licking or smacking lips
  • Yawning
  • Holding their body in a curve
  • Raising a paw
  • Scratching or pawing
  • Trembling
  • Freezing

If your dog appears distressed, try to find out what is agitating them. If the stressor is someone or something in their environment, remove the trigger so your dog can calm down.


3. Alert Body Language

Working gun dog in training
Image Credit: Gail Johnson, Shutterstock

When a dog is alert, they pay close attention to their surroundings. They are not necessarily agitated, but they may become agitated if they feel something is wrong. Alert dogs will have wide-open eyes and perked, forward-facing ears.

There will be no tension in their mouth or forehead. They will stand evenly on all four paws, poised and balanced so they can act at a moment’s notice. As for their tail, it will extend outward and may wag slightly.


4. Appeasing Body Language

Adult Golden Retriever lying on the floor
Image Credit: Stephen Andrews, Unsplash

Appeasing body language can be deceptive to the human eye. While this behavior is submissive and geared to make them appear unthreatening, it can appear frightening to humans. Appeasing dogs may pull their lips back into a grin or snarl, which can be mistaken for aggression.

Some other signs that your dog is displaying appeasing behavior include pinned-back ears, squinted eyes, and a low-tucked tail. In addition to their scrunched-up mouth, they may lick their lips often.


5. Frightened Body Language

Freightened dog hiding under plywood box
Image Credit: Katoosha, Shutterstock

Spotting signs of fear in dogs is often easy for dog owners. Scared dogs will have a stiff, hunched posture and hold their heads close to the ground. Their ears will be tucked close to their head, and their tail will be tucked and pressed close to the belly.

They often turn their head away from whatever is frightening them, but they keep their eyes locked on the stressor. They may keep their mouth closed tightly or pant as though they are hot.

Be aware that a frightened dog can very quickly become an aggressive dog, biting out of fear.


6. Aggressive Body Language

Angry dog barking at something or someone
Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock

Aggression is typically easy to spot as well. Aggressive dogs react to a stressor and will often do so with a rigid posture. The fur on their shoulders and the base of the spine will stand up straight, and their body will be shifted forward in a “ready” stance.

Their eyes will be locked onto whatever is causing their aggression, and they will likely have wrinkles along the mouth and forehead. Depending on the reason for their aggression, such as fear or territorialism, your dog may also display other signs.

dogster paw divider

Why Isn’t My Dog Relaxed?

While it is normal for dogs to express emotions outside of contentment and joy now and then, it can be upsetting to see your dog wracked with stress, anxiety, or fear. This is especially true when you have no clue why your dog is upset.

If your dog displays consistent or uninterrupted distress, talk to your vet. Stress, anxiety, fear, and aggression can be signs that your dog is sick or in pain. After ruling out medical conditions, you can then move on to other reasons for your dog’s emotional issues.

Consulting a vet or canine behavioral specialist can be a great way to discover why your dog exhibits emotional issues. They can tell you if the issue is related to your dog’s environment, enrichment, or something else. From there, you can take steps to improve your dog’s living situation so that they can return to their happy, relaxed self.

Young veterinarian with medical document touching dog neck and cuddling it during appointment
Image Credit: Pressmaster, Shutterstock

dogster face divider

Conclusion

Understanding your dog’s body language is an important part of communicating with our pets, as well as knowing how to approach or interact with dogs you have just met. When your dog displays emotions such as stress, fear, or aggression, it is a sign that something is wrong. Addressing the stressors in your dog’s environment will help them to feel comfortable in their home again.


Featured Image Credit: Eventsfb, Pixabay

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.