Understanding Dog Body Language: What Is Your Dog Telling You?

Dogs communicate primarily through body language. A wagging tail does not always mean a happy dog: broad, loose wags indicate friendliness, while stiff, rapid wags can signal agitation. Ears forward means alert and interested; ears pinned back means fearful or submissive.

A relaxed, open mouth with a slightly out tongue is calm; a closed mouth or lip licking signals stress. The play bow (front end down, rear up) is a universal invitation to play. Raised hackles (piloerection) indicate arousal, not necessarily aggression.

Yawning when not tired, shaking off when not wet, and sudden scratching are all calming signals dogs use to reduce tension..