What Your Dog is Trying to Tell You

A dog’s energy is unmatched by any pet you can think of. These fantastic creatures communicate with us in various ways—through their body language, vocalizations, and even their behavior.

Nevertheless, knowing exactly what they are trying to tell us isn’t always easy. In most cases (especially if you’re a new pet parent), you might have no clue what the meaning behind that tilt of their head was or what that excited bark was about.

Not being able to understand these subtle signs and body language can often cause miscommunication between you and your furry friend, which, in any case, is not a good way to bond.

Want to read their body language better? Here are some tips to help you ‘figure out’ what your pup is trying to share.

Facial Expressions

Their face can provide a lot of information about their emotional state and intent. Pay close attention to your dog’s eyes, ears, and mouth. These areas of her body will give you important clues.

If you notice the whites of her eyes showing, this may mean she’s feeling threatened or anxious (we’ll discuss this more, later).

Her ears are also another area to observe. If they are perked up and forward-facing, your pup is interested and attentive to whatever is going on (maybe a show on T.V, or you’re engaging her in small talk, etc.).

If you notice that her mouth is closed and her facial demeanor is relaxed, she’s trying to maintain calmness. Dog experts like Dr. Sophia Yin describe this as a “calming signal” that dogs use to diffuse tense situations.

However, a tightly closed mouth with lips pulled back, exposing the teeth, is a clear warning sign of aggression. So, if you have any new guests, caution your dog to avoid confrontations.

Eyes

The size and shape of your pet’s pupils and overall gaze can offer clues about her emotional state and intentions.

If her eyes are relaxed, slightly squinted, and her pupils are normal, she’s calm and confident. On the other hand, if her pupils are dilated, depending on the situation, this could mean she’s excited, afraid, or about to get aggressive.

The direction of her gaze is also vital to observe. Her direct eye contact means she’s trying to show dominance, while her averted eyes may indicate submission or discomfort.

In other words, if your pup intentionally avoids your gaze, it’s either she’s aware that she may have done something wrong and is trying to calm things down, or she is going through severe discomfort. In any case, you should be able to make the right call based on the situation.

Tail-Wagging

Many parents believe a wagging tail always means their dog is happy, friendly, or excited. While this may be true in many cases, the way your dog is wagging her tail may also mean so many other things too, including fear and aggression.

A high, fast wag with a relaxed body posture is a good sign that she feels friendly and approachable. However, a stiff, high-held tail with a rapid wag could mean your dog is about to get aggressive because her territory is trespassed.

If the wagging is followed by other signs of tension, such as a stiff posture or raised hackles, she senses a threat and is ready to defend herself.

In any case, it is important to pay attention to the overall body language and context when interpreting the reason for her tail wag.

The critical thing to note here is that a wagging tail alone doesn’t necessarily mean your dog is happy and friendly.

Body Language

Dogs are good at expressing their emotions using body language. These subtle signs are often your dog’s way of saying, “I mean no harm,” or “I’m feeling a bit uncomfortable right now, etc.” 

You must be able to detect and swiftly respond to these body signals to help your dog feel more at ease and prevent escalating conflicts.

For example, if she approaches another dog and starts to lip lick or turn her head away, that’s a sign she is feeling unsure or overwhelmed. In this case, you have to provide her with some space so she can interact with the other dog at her own pace.

Stress Signals

You should also be able to tell when your dog is signaling stress, pain, fear, or discomfort so you can make changes to help her feel better.

Some common stress signs she may display include:

• Yawning (not due to tiredness)
• Lip licking
• Turning the head away
• Lifting a paw
• Scratching
• Shaking off (like she’s shaking off water from her body)
• Excessive whining
• Whimpering
• Restlessness or Agitation

As soon as you observe any of these signs, your first reaction should be to assess her condition. Is it just normal stress and anxiety (in which case you should help her relax), or is she experiencing pains around her body and joints?

The vets at Phoenix Veterinary Center recommend paying close attention to signs like growling, shaking/trembling, and loss of appetite, as these could mean that your pup is trying to let you know she’s going through some serious pains and needs to be examined ASAP.

If this is the case, get her to a vet as soon as possible to prevent her condition from worsening. Otherwise, the other listed signals may mean she’s bored and wants to play or hungry for some treats. Knowing her well enough, you should be able to interpret her behavior.

Wrapping Up

Becoming more attuned to your dog’s nonverbal communication means improving your ability to anticipate her needs, respond appropriately to her emotions, and foster a deeper bond of trust and understanding. 

So, the next time she tries to tell you something, listen closely and respond accordingly.