How to read your dogs body language

Date Posted:5 August 2019

Dogs communicate in their own special way that is different to how us humans do. It is important for us dog owners to understand what our dog is trying to tell us whether they be happy, sad or even anxious. This can help us make informed decisions on how to make them comfortable and support them.

Alert When your dog is alert they will be standing tall with their ears pricked forwards. This can happen when they have heard a noise or a new smell etc.
Suspicious When your dog is suspicious it is the stage after alert. They can be seen with their ears pricked, leaning forward and may bark.
Anxious When your dog is anxious their tail will be tucked under their body, their head and body will be down towards the floor. They may lick their lips or their bodies. If your dog is constantly showing signs of anxiousness you can take a look at our range of supplements, coats and drops here to help your dog.
Threatened When your dog is feeling threatened they will be anxious but try defending themselves. They will lean back and bark loudly. They may even growl. When they feel threatened they are protecting themselves.
Peaceful A sign that a dog is feeling peaceful and comfortable is when they look away from you or turn around and walk away and sniff the ground. This means that they are not threatened or anxious at all.
Stressed A common sign of stress that not many people know about is yawning. Dogs in this state may also lick their noses, pant heavily, start to shake or have a sudden change in bodily functions. When dogs feel like this it is not fun so us as pet owners want to relieve this feeling for them asap. To start remove them from what is stressing them, physical activity and distraction can also help them focus on somthing else.
Stress Release Ever wondered why your dog may randomly shake from time to time? This is how dogs release stress.
Need Space When your dog needs space they may give you the side eye, especially when you come near them or try to touch them when they do not want you.
Friendly and Loving These are the signs you ideally want to see in your dog. When your dog is happy they will have a relaxed posture and they may have their mouth slightly open. During play time they may perform a play bow and wag their tail. They may even turn on their back and show you their belly for a rub - this shows that they are trusting of you.