Instructions
Watch how it interacts with people and other animals. A dog's stance only tells part of the story. Look closely at how it relates to other animals or people when it encounters them. Scared or intimidated dogs often try to make themselves look smaller, so you may see them crouching down or hunching their shoulders. An assertive or aggressive dog, by contrast, will try to make itself appear larger in an effort to seem threatening. It may do this by centering its weight on all four feet or leaning forward.
Look at its eyes. When a dog is unsure about a situation, it may reveal little in its posture, but its eyes will probably reveal a great deal about its mood and intention. Staring directly at a human or another dog is sometimes a threatening gesture, while looking away is a sign of submission. When a dog looks at someone out of the corner of its eyes, with a large portion of the whites of the eyes showing, this often signifies that the dog is feeling protective and may lunge if anyone approaches.
Study its tail wag. Dogs often wag their tails when they're happy, but a wagging tail can also signify negative emotions. Happy dogs often wag their tails from side to side or in a circular motion. A nervous or submissive dog may also wag its tail, but will hold its tail much lower than normal and may even tuck its tail between its legs. It will probably wag its tail faster than a happy or relaxed dog. A dog on alert may hold its tail high, moving it rigidly from side to side.
Look at the dog's hair. A dog's hair can reveal as much about its mood as its stance does. For example, with a dog that is excited, afraid or angry will often "raise its hackles." Raising the hackles is another name for a response called piloerection, in which the dog raises the hair just above the shoulders or even all along the spine. Raising the hackles is usually a sign of agitation, but can also signify excitement.
How to Interpret a Dog's Posture
A dog's posture can indicate everything from fear to aggression to friendliness. Paying close attention to canine body language can alert you to an unfriendly dog or warn you that two dogs are about to have an altercation. A dog's posture also changes when it's happy or affectionate, and it's essential to examine every possible clue for the most accurate interpretation. Many of the cues dogs use to communicate with each other seem vague or subtle to humans, so deciphering a dog's body language requires an understanding of how all of these cues work together.