Canine Body Language
If you need more information on body language and understanding your pet, check out our resources below.
Dogs communicate using body postures, facial expressions, and vocalizations. These cues are often misunderstood by humans. Decoding a dog’s body language can not only help you or others avoid being bitten; it can help you understand your dog and therefore reduce his anxiety, facilitate training, and strengthen the family’s bond with the dog.
This is a useful chart from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. If you’re not sure what your or someone else’s dog is trying to say, refer to this chart. Learn to listen with your eyes!
Body Part |
Position |
What It Can Mean |
| Eyes | Unwavering | Challenge, Threat |
| Eyes | Fixed Stare | Confident |
| Eyes | Casual Gaze | Calm |
| Eyes | Averted Gaze | Deferenced |
| Eyes | Pupils Dilated | Fear |
| Eyes | Wide-Eyed (whites of eyes are visible) | Fear |
| Eyes | Quick, Darting Eyes | Fear |
| Ears | Relaxed, Neutral Position |
Calm |
| Ears | Forward, Pricked |
Alert, Attentive, or Aggressive |
| Ears | Ears Pinned Back |
Fear, Defensive |
| Mouth | Panting |
Hot, Anxious, or Excited |
| Mouth |
Lip Licking, Tongue Flicking |
Anxious |
| Mouth | Yawn |
Tired or Anxious |
| Mouth |
Snarl (lip curled, showing teeth) |
Aggressive |
| Mouth |
Growl |
Aggressive or Playful |
| Mouth | Bark |
Excited, Playful, Aggressive, or Anxious |
| Tail |
Up, Still |
Alert |
| Tail |
Up With Fast Wag |
Excited |
| Tail |
Neutral, Relaxed Position |
Calm |
| Tail |
Down, Tucked |
Fear, Anxious, or Submissive |
| Tail |
Stiff-Wagging or Still and High |
Agitated, Excited, Perhaps Unfriendly |
| Body |
Soft, Relaxed |
Calm |
| Body |
Tense, Stiff, or Hackles Up |
Alert or Aggressive |
| Body |
Rolling Over |
Submissive |