Our canine friends are dependent on their body language to communicate. Humans have an incredible gift of language to communicate, but our pets don’t have it. Dogs communicate with their entire body and not just the tail. If you want to know more about your dog, spend time learning canine body language.
There are many body languages that a dog projects to communicate apart from just wagging its tail. Like humans, dogs also express fear, stress, aggression, and happiness. Here are some indications that tell a lot about a dog.
Signs Of A Happy Dog
If your dog is happy, playful, and friendly, he will show some strong body language. Here are a few to know if your dog is happy.
- If the dog’s ears fall to rest beside the head, he is happy
- A pleased dog will blink his eyes often with a relaxed gaze.
- If a dog is happy, its whole body will wriggle with relaxed muscles.
- A rapidly wagging tail is the most common sign of a happy dog.
- If your dog has a good appetite, he is relaxed and joyful.
- If a dog is having a sound sleep, he is happy and stress-free.
Wagging Of Tail
Dogs wag their tails on plenty of occasions. However, a common acceptance is wagging of the tail means the dog is pleased. Here are a few more things that the position of the tail along with wagging indicate.
- If a dog is feeling unsafe or is scared, the tail will be low-hung.
- If a dog is staring with a stiff body with his ears up, be cautious, the dog might be just preparing to charge.
- A loose wagging of the tail shows the dog is pleased and friendly.
- If the tail is up along with its bow, the dog wants to play.
A Stressed Body Language
If a dog is stressed, he will show a strange emotional response. A dog might begin to groom himself when he is unsure of his actions. Some typical signs of stress in a dog are: –
- If a dog is panting even when it isn’t hot
- Yawning even in a happy or playful situation.
- Licking his lips often even when he has not eaten.
- Scratching himself often without reason.
- Looking in another direction even when you are trying to be friendly.
- Shaking himself when someone pats him
- Stretches himself often but is not willing to play.
Indications Of Fear
Just like a happy dog, there are indications of fear in a dog. So here are some indications to know if your dog is afraid.
- A dog wriggles in circles for no reason.
- If he tries to stick between your legs
- If a dog starts to drool for no reason
- If a dog tucks its tail and moves away from something
- If the body is still, his tail is low, and his back is placed up means the dog is afraid of something.
- If a dog growls and moves away
Conclusion
If you are a pet parent, you must learn to understand your dog. Don’t try to push him too hard in a situation where he is not comfortable. Especially trying to introduce him to someone forcefully. If your dog is showing signs of anxious or stressed behavior, try to calm him. If the condition persists, take him to a vet.
Dogs are your best friends. They are happy with their family and need love and care as we do. There are some strong signs that a dog communicates with his body language. Spending time and paying attention to his needs will keep your dog happy.