About Canine Body Language

Other than barking, growling and whining, a dog's main way to communicate is through its body language. Without dogs being able to tell us what they are thinking or feeling, we have to try to interpret the dog's body language to determine what we need to do for the dog. Just like when you are trying to read a human's body expression, it is possible to make mistakes when you are trying to read a dog's body language.

  1. History of

    • Domesticated dogs are descendants of wild wolves. Since wolves have been on earth, they have constantly, even if unknowingly, created a system of communication that involves both body language and vocal sounds. Domesticated dogs have had to further adapt to the human world by learning how to express certain needs, such as needing to use the bathroom. As long as humans continue to invite dogs into their homes and train them, the body language of dogs will continue to adapt to the new surroundings and expectations.

    The Facts

    • Since a dog uses its whole body to communicate, you have to pay attention to the eyes, ears, mouth, tail and fur to accurately read the body language. It is not enough to simply glance at one of these areas and assume that you are properly reading the dog. A dog that is panting won't usually show its teeth. If you look at its fur and tail, you may find that the tail is rigid and the fur is standing on end. This would signal an unhappy dog.

    Function

    • Dogs use basic body language in the same way humans do. Because dogs don't have the wide range of facial expressions like humans have, they use full body language to communicate to other dogs and any animals, including humans, that are around. For animals that understand body language, this clues them in to the dog's mood and intentions. For example, a stiff body is a sign of aggression or fear that may lead to aggression. A relaxed body signals a happy, friendly dog.

    Misconceptions

    • Many people think that if a dog is wagging its tail, it is happy. This is untrue. A dog will sometimes wag its tail when it is nervous. When you are trying to determine the reason why a dog is wagging its tail, you have to pay attention to the way it is wagging. A happy wag is one fluid motion from side to side with the tail held high. A nervous wag is usually jerky and the tail is parallel to the ground.

    Expert Insight

    • Very few people realize that dogs, much like humans, can try to mask their feelings. For example, if you are playing catch with your dog and it senses that you are happy, he will play and use positive body language even if he isn't having fun. Dogs, in most cases, take their cues from the humans around them to decide how they feel. A dog that lives in a house where fighting is common will usually resort to either being totally submissive or totally aggressive.