Beyond Barking: the Ultimate Guide to Reading Your Dog's Mind (Body)!

Paul Kan November 25, 2014

What is your furry friend trying to communicate? Understand through their body language!

Deciphering your dog's messages isn't always straightforward. Beyond their barks, howls, or other vocalizations, dogs primarily express themselves through body language.

By mastering the art of interpreting these silent signals, you'll gain insights into your pet's emotions and desires, paving the way for a deeper connection. This enriches your relationship, making every moment with your dog even more rewarding!

Watch for clues in their facial expressions, tail and ear positioning, and even the stance of their fur. Piecing together these signs will reveal their true feelings.

When your pet bows so that their tail is high in air, they are telling you they are feeling happy and playful!

1.Happy/Playful

Eyes: Pupils Dilated

Ears: Upwards

Mouth: Open, tongue may be sticking out

Body: Front end lowered to the ground, rear end up

Tail: Upwards and usually wagging

2. Curious/Excited

Eyes: Wide open

Ears: Upwards or forward pointing

Mouth: Opened but not showing teeth

Body: Normal stance, but may be standing on toes

Tail: Upwards and wagging

3. Anxious

Eyes: Somewhat narrowed

Dogs show they are anxious in almost the same ways as when they are afraid, look for the tail between the legs

Ears: Partially backwards

Mouth: Closed or slightly opened, may be licking lips frequently

Body: Lowered and tense, may be shivering

Tail: Lowered or tucked under their bottom

4. Alert

Eyes: Normal or widely opened

Ears: Upwards, may twitch to catch sounds

Mouth: Closed or slightly opened with teeth completely covered

Body: Normal. Can be standing on tip toes

Tail: Upwards. Possible wagging

5. Submissive

Eyes: Narrowed or wide open

Ears: Downwards

Mouth: May be licking an animal or person. Lips are pulled back

Body: Lying on back with stomach exposed or lowered to the ground

Tail: Between legs or downwards

When your pet is ready to give in to belly rubs, you will notice their body is down and so are their ears

6. Fear

Eyes: Narrow and averted

Ears: Backwards and lowered

Mouth: Mouth completely sealed

Body: Tensed and lowered. May be shivering

Tail: Downwards between legs

7. Dominant

Eyes: Wide open Ears: Upwards or forward

Mouth: Closed or slightly opened, no teeth

Body: Tall posture and hackles may be up

Tail: Fluffed. May be sticking out or up

How do you know if your dog is leader of the pack? Check their posture!

8. Aggressive

Eyes: Glaring and/or narrow

Ears: Forward or backward, sitting close to the head

Mouth: Open with teeth exposed Could be snarling and snapping jaw

Body: In a dominant, upright, tense position

Tail: Fluffed out and sticking out from body

Reading dog behavior isn’t a precise indicator and misunderstanding can definitely happen. These are all general tips to help you understand how your dog may be feeling and effectively communicate with your dog!

Written by

Paul Kan

The PetDoors.com Team is dedicated to providing the highest quality pet doors. As dog and cat lovers ourselves, we aim to write about the topics that matter the most to you and your furry friend. If you have any questions, please contact our customer service team. 🐶🐱