Understanding Dog Body Language

Dog Body Language #1 Ducks head when reaching to pet. How do you usually pet the dog? On the top of the head? If so you are saying I am dominant, not I want to show affection. To show affection, pet the dog under the chin or stroke the side of the muzzle.

Dog Body Language #2 Grunting shows pleasure. A grunting dog is a happy dog. Many dogs will grunt when being pet or when eating an especially loved treat.

Dog Body Language #3 Blinking when commanded to perform. When a dog blinks they are thinking, hard. If your dog blinks when given a command he or she is thinking. Is she thinking do I have to or is he trying to remember what the command is? We will never know.

Dog Body Language #4 Circles before nap time. Many dogs have a routine of three, four, or more circles before lying down for a nap. This behavior is an instinct from when dogs were wild. In the wild the dogs needed to flatten the grass in their chosen spot before laying down for a nap.

Dog Body Language #5 Tail-chasing. Humans find it funny to watch a dog chase his or her own tail, but in reality your dog is trying to tell you, "I am bored." Dogs with high predatory drives are more likely to chase their own tails. Give the dog a non-destructible chew toy or take him outside for a walk or a game of fetch.

Dog Body Language #6 Barking with head held high. Your dog is showing that he or she is confident that they have control over their territory. The high head with hears perked forward says to the other dog, "I am here and this is mine."

Dog Body Language #7 Barking with ears pinned down and tail tucked. A dog who is afraid will bark louder than a confident dog. However, you can tell he or she is afraid by the tucked tail and pinned ears. The dog will also take a few steps forward and then quickly back away. This shows that they do not want a confrontation.

Dog Body Language #8 Hair on back standing on end. A dog's fur can come to attention when he is excited or scared. The action can not be controlled by the dog each hair has a muscle attached and is controlled by the dog's nervous system. A dog's hair will also stand on end when the dog is extremely cold. Raised hair does not always indicate aggression, but caution should always be used.