Dogs have a wide range of methods to communicate their wants, needs, and emotions. As dog owners, understanding dog language is crucial for building a strong bond and meeting their needs. Dogs primarily communicate through body language, barks, growls, whines, and facial expressions. Learning to interpret these cues takes time, but pays off in a deeper relationship with your furry friend.
Reading Your Dog’s Body Language
A dog’s body language makes up the majority of how they communicate. Subtle movements of their tail, ears, eyes, mouth, and body posture give insight into their mindset. Here are some common body language cues:
Tail Wagging
– Fast wag with wide side-to-side motions – Happy and excited
– Slow wag with narrow motions – Uncomfortable, cautious, or insecure
– Tail held high and wagging – Confident and alert
– No tail wagging – Focused or anxious
– Tucked tail – Fearful, submissive, nervous
Ear Position
– Ears perked up – Alert and curious
– Ears relaxed – Calm and content
– Ears back – Angry, aggressive, or fearful
– Ears flat – Extremely fearful or submissive
Eye Contact
– Staring – Dominant, challenging
– Avoiding eye contact – Polite, friendly
– Wide open eyes – Alert and excited
– Squinting eyes – Relaxed and happy
Mouth
– Lips pulled back, teeth exposed – Aggressive
– Panting – Hot, thirsty, or excited
– Yawning – Bored or tired
– Licking – Nervous or appeasing
Body Posture
– Rolled on back, exposing belly – Submissive
– Standing tall, stiff – Dominant, aggressive
– Crouched low – Fearful, defensive
– Play bow – Playful, ready to play
– Turning away – Disinterested
Interpreting Dog Barks
The pitch, tone, speed, and frequency of a bark conveys different meanings. Here’s what various barks may represent:
– Short, sharp barks – Alarm or alert
– Rapid strings of 3-5 barks – Excitement (“Let’s go!”)
– Extended, baying howls – Loneliness or boredom
– Low woofs – Warning that a threat is nearby
– High-pitched yelping – Pain or distress
Puppies often bark out of loneliness if left alone. Some dogs bark excessively due to lack of training, anxiety, or wanting attention. Excessive barking should be addressed through training.
What Whines and Growls Mean
Dogs also communicate through whines and growls:
Whines
– Short, high-pitched – Seeking attention
– Long, wavering – Pain or physical discomfort
– Pleading tone – Asking for something (food, toy, etc)
Growls
– Deep rumbling – Warning to back off
– Short snarling – Aggression, prepare to attack
– Play growling – Invitation to play roughly
Never punish growling, as this removes their ability to warn before biting. Determine the cause instead.
Reading Your Dog’s Facial Expressions
Dogs use their faces to convey:
– Happiness – Mouth open, teeth covered, squinty eyes
– Fear – Ears back, furrowed brows, wide eyes
– Anger – Wrinkled muzzle, teeth exposed
– Sadness/worry – Ears back, brows furrowed, eyes widened
– Surprise – Eyes, mouth wide open, ears perked
– Disgust – Lip curled, head turned away
Subtle changes in their eyes, furrowed brows, mouth, and head position give us insight into their feelings.
Changes in Mood and Behavior
Dogs communicate through shifts in overall mood and behavior patterns. Here are some indicators of underlying issues:
– Increased aggression – Pain, fear, possessiveness
– Withdrawing – Anxiety, depression, illness
– Changes in appetite – Boredom, stress, sickness
– Excessive licking – Discomfort, compulsion
– Destructiveness – Boredom, separation anxiety
– House soiling – Illness, marking territory
Sudden behavior changes warrant a veterinary visit to diagnose medical issues.
How to Learn Your Dog’s Cues
Here are some tips for learning your unique dog’s communication style:
Observe Them in Various Situations
Note their reactions when happy, anxious, playing, etc. What facial expressions and body language accompany different emotional states?
Document Body Language
When you notice interesting body language, write it down. Track gestures, tail positions, ear movements, etc, and what prompts them. Patterns will emerge.
Consider Breed Traits
Some communication tendencies are breed-specific. For example, Pit Bulls tend to “smile” when happy by pulling their lips up. Hounds vocalize more with baying and howls.
Identify Warning Signs
Learn your dog’s specific warnings they are uncomfortable. This helps prevent escalation to aggression through intervening early.
Learn Calming Signals
Dogs show appeasing behaviors to communicate relaxation. These include blinking, licking lips, yawning, shaking off, etc. Notice what your dog does to show they are not a threat.
Watch Their Eyes
Eye dilation, movement, and direction conveys emotional states. Follow your dog’s gaze to understand their focus and interests.
Test Your Understanding
When you think you have a read on their signals, test it out. For example, if you believe folded ears means they want to avoid a child that is pestering them, call the child away and observe your dog’s reaction.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some common issues with deciphering dog language and how to address them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Excessive barking | Determine cause (boredom, anxiety, etc). Increase walks, toys, training sessions. |
| Aggression | Consult an animal behaviorist. Use a muzzle for safety in the meantime. Never punish growling. |
| Destructiveness | Increase physical and mental exercise. Use crates or dog-proofed rooms when away. |
| House soiling | Thoroughly clean soiled areas with enzyme cleaner. Rule out health issues. Stick to a feeding and potty schedule. |
| Attention seeking | Ignore attention-getting behaviors. Reward calm behavior. Teach “Place” command for their own spot. |
When to Get Professional Help
Consult an animal behaviorist, vet, or certified dog trainer if:
– Aggression escalates despite efforts to understand triggers and warning signs
– Destructive behavior continues despite increased exercise and stimulation
– House soiling persists after medical issues are ruled out
– Warning signs point to possible anxiety, fear, or compulsion disorders
Serious behavior issues need professional intervention for everyone’s safety and the dog’s well-being. An expert can design a customized behavior modification plan.
Conclusion
Understanding dog communication takes patience and attentiveness. While dogs vary in their signaling methods, there are consistent themes. Learning to “speak dog” promotes a deeper bond with your canine companion. When challenges arise, remember that behavior issues stem from unmet needs. With the right tools, you can resolve problems and enjoy a rewarding relationship built on clear communication.