How Dogs Speak

If you have ever played charades, you probably know how important it is to use body language, facial expressions, and certain gestures to get your message across. Watching a dog is very much like watching a game of charades. If you want to know what your dog is saying, you must learn what the signs and signals mean. Once you understand the language of the game, you will know what your dog is saying.

How Dogs Speak with Their Face

A dog's face is the most expressive part of their body. But, dogs speak with more than just a certain look in their eyes. Their eyes, ears, muzzle, and even the way they hold their head, are all forms of dog speak. Pricked and pointed ears indicate a variety of moods, such as alertness, playfulness, curiosity, or even aggression. Eyes wide open indicate focus, alertness, and happiness, while squinted eyes may indicate anxiety, submission and fear. A muzzle with lips drawn back to show teeth are a sign that your dog might be ready to snap. Lips pulled back into a canine grin indicates your dog is in a submission mode.

How Dogs Speak with Their Body

You can tell the true personality of your dog simply by his body posture. If your dog stands tall with ears pricked up and head and tail held high, he is telling you he is a dominant dog. If his ears are laid back with his tail tucked between his leg, he is being submissive. A dog with his head sticking straight out with tail pointed back is a very confident dog. If in doubt as to what your dog is trying to say with his body, look at the tail. A tail pointed up means confidence, straight out means relaxed, pointing down means caution and tucked between the legs means fear.

How Dogs Speak with Their Voice

Dogs also speak with their voice, but their voice is not limited to barking. They growl, howl, whine and whimper. Each sound has a wide range of meanings. A growling dog can be telling you he's aggressive or worried. A howling dog might be saying he's lonely or he might be in the mood to sing along with a certain song or sound. A whining dog could be saying that he's anxious, worried or even in pain. And a barking dog is trying to make it clear that they mean business, whether they are warding off a stranger or asking you to play.

How Dogs Speak with Their Actions

One very expressive way a dog speaks is by showing action. A dog that puts his shoulders to the ground with his rump in the air is in a very good mood and wants to play. A dog that wiggles his body back and forth is very excited. Rolling on the floor and stopping belly side up with legs in the air means your dog feels safe and sound... and he probably wants a belly rub.

Although each dog may have their very own way to trying to get their message across, all ways are similar. You just need to watch your dog and soon you will know exactly what he is saying. And if you don't understand, you can bet your dog will keep speaking to you until you do!

Source: Dibra, Bash (1999). Dog Speak. New York: Simon & Schuster.