Even though we can’t chit-chat with our dogs, we can still decode their communication through their body language. But I still would love to hear about why my 100-pound Goldendoodle persistently chases that one squirrel up the tree every morning or why he dashes over to the neighbor’s yard the moment my back is turned.
While I can’t have a full conversation with him, I can still understand most of what he’s communicating because I understand his body language.
Want to connect better with your pup? Read on to learn what they’re trying to tell you.
Understanding Your Dog’s Tail Wags
Full-Body Wag
The full-body wag suggests your pet is thrilled and wants you to share in their excitement. You might see this when you come home after a long day at work; my dog rushes to the back steps when he hears my car pull into the driveway, and he sits eagerly on those steps until I unlock the door.
Once I’m inside, he greets me with a multitude of jumps, a full-body wag, and a happy grin. It’s like he’s asking where I have been all day! He also gets this excited if I pull out a box of his favorite treats.
Slow Tail Wag
Indicates your dog is assessing something. Approach with caution if it’s a dog you don't know, as they might be wary or even on guard.
High Tail Wag
Often seen after they relieve themselves, it signals excitement or alertness, perhaps over a familiar face or a disliked object. It can also show possessiveness over something like a favorite squeaky toy.
Stiff and High Tail
A sign of high alertness, possibly readiness to confront a threat. For example, my dog doesn’t like people knocking on our door. If he suddenly hears the doorbell chime, he jumps up, and his tail goes stiff and high, right before he begins growling and barking loudly.
Stiff and Low Tail
When the tail is stiff and low, it could mean your dog is anxious or stressed. He or she is unsure about something, but not yet willing to check out the situation.
Stiff Tail
A straight, unmoving tail often points to stress or discomfort – your dog may not feel well or could be injured. If you notice this, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for a visit.
Tail Between the Legs
A sign of feeling threatened or ashamed. My doodle will put his head down and his tail between his legs if he’s done something he knows he’s not supposed to do – like counter surfing – and he will slowly retreat to his open cage as if to signal remorse.
Officials say a dog will also tuck his tail in if he’s fearful of a situation as the tail protects the animal’s genital area.
Dogs can communicate even when they're not standing with a wagging tail. For example, a tail wagging while lying down might signal a request for belly rubs or back scratches. A tail wagging to the right often suggests happiness, as the left side of the brain, which processes positive emotions, controls the right side of the body.
Facial Expressions
I often joke with people that my dog is part human because of his facial expressions. Dogs are highly intelligent and capable of understanding a wide array of commands from simple orders like “sit” and “stay” to performing more complex tasks.
Dogs can be trained in numerous ways, including to detect bed bugs. And with their diverse expressions, from squinting and direct eye contact to sticking out their tongues --- dogs communicate effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what your pup might be trying to tell you.
The head tilt and other expressions
How cute is the head tilt! My heart melts when I see my dood tilt his head because he has the cutest furry face. The head tilt typically means a dog is curious.
- Dogs will also lift their eyebrows when people are talking to them and that means they are alert and interested about what is being said.
- Smiling - means happy and excited
- Squinting could mean relaxation, discomfort, or pain
- Ear flattening - your pup is feeling aggressive or scared
- Lip licking - anxious or thirsty!
Eye Contact and Staring
Gentle eye contact between you and your dog often expresses affection, enhancing the feeling of love. Conversely, a direct, intense stare from an unknown dog could be a challenge, and avoiding eye contact usually means a dog wishes to prevent conflict.
Lip Licking and Tongue Display
Frequent lip licking, unless after eating something yummy, usually suggests stress or thirst. When dogs stick out their tongues, they could be feeling relaxed or they might be panting to cool down.
Squinting
I find this facial expression particularly adorable. When my doodle snuggles up against me in an attempt to snooze, yet wants to keep an eye on what my boys are up to, he squints his eyes. However, it's important to note that squinting can also indicate a medical issue.
Typically, if the squinting is due to a health concern, it affects just one eye, while a relaxed dog usually squints with both eyes. If you're concerned it might be a medical issue, it's best to consult your veterinarian.
Understanding these signals helps us better interpret our dogs’ thoughts and emotions, thus, enhancing our connection with our furry best friends. Though they can't speak, they certainly know how to communicate effectively with us; we just have to learn their language.
About the Author
Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management.
She resides in Michigan with her family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read and travel.
