We recently enjoyed the Bark & Whiskers article, “Is Your Furry Friend Trying to Tell You Something?”, reviewed by Dr. Tracy Duffner. We are grateful to Bark & Whiskers for sharing these helpful pet insights with the animal-loving community. Below, we have highlighted some of the lessons that stood out to us. Be sure to visit the original article for the full discussion.
Look at the Whole Dog
Body language is one of the primary ways dogs communicate. Instead of focusing on a single movement, try to notice your dog’s overall posture.
A comfortable dog will often appear loose and relaxed, with fluid movements and their weight evenly distributed. A dog who feels uncertain may lower their body or shift their weight backward. Meanwhile, a dog standing tall with their weight shifted forward may be highly alert or aroused.
And, of course, there is the familiar play bow. When a dog lowers their front end while keeping their rear in the air, they are usually sending a friendly invitation to play.
A Wagging Tail Does Not Always Mean Happy
One of the biggest misconceptions about dog body language is that every wagging tail belongs to a happy dog.
How a dog carries and moves their tail matters. A loose, relaxed wag may indicate a friendly or playful mood, while a high, stiff tail can signal heightened alertness. A low or tucked tail may indicate fear or uncertainty.
This is another reason to consider the entire dog rather than interpreting one signal on its own.
Notice the Smaller Signals
Some important forms of canine communication can be surprisingly subtle.
Yawning when a dog is not tired, licking the lips or nose, slowly blinking, turning away, or suddenly sniffing the ground during an interaction may all communicate discomfort or an effort to ease tension.
When you notice these behaviors, consider what is happening around your dog. If they appear uncomfortable, giving them additional space can help prevent an interaction from becoming more stressful.
Their eyes, ears, and mouths can offer clues too. Soft eyes and relaxed facial muscles generally look very different from a hard stare, flattened ears, or a tense, closed mouth.
Listen When Your Dog Growls
Growling is especially important communication. Rather than thinking of a growl simply as bad behavior, recognize that your dog may be telling you they are uncomfortable and need space.
Punishing the warning does not necessarily change how the dog feels. It may simply discourage them from providing that warning in the future.
Respecting a dog’s boundaries can make interactions safer for everyone involved.
What About the “Guilty Look”?
Most dog lovers recognize the scene: lowered head, ears back, avoiding eye contact.
It may look like guilt, but these behaviors are often appeasement signals. Your dog may be responding to your tone, posture, or previous experiences rather than admitting they know they have done something wrong.
Understanding that difference can help us respond with patience instead of assuming human emotions or intentions.
Becoming a Better Listener
Learning canine body language takes time, and every dog is an individual. Pay attention to patterns, respect requests for space, keep introductions positive, and never force an interaction when a dog is clearly trying to disengage.
The more closely we watch, the more we can learn about what our dogs need from us. Those small signals can strengthen the bond we share with them and help us become better advocates for the animals in our care.
A special thank you to Bark & Whiskers for continuing to share valuable pet information with the animal-loving community. To learn more about tails, vocalizations, scent communication, calming signals, and other ways dogs communicate, read the full Bark & Whiskers article, “Is Your Furry Friend Trying to Tell You Something?”.
