Is Your Dog Talking to You? 8 Hidden Signs You Might Be Misreading Their Body Language!

“Dog’s speak, but only to those who know how to listen.”

Dogs communicate entirely through body language. Yes, they are amazing and can learn phrases like ‘Go get your favorite toy!’, but their primary mode of discussion, is through physical action.

In my experience, what they are telling us is oftentimes misinterpreted. So let’s get started, and commit to a lifestyle of clearer communication!

Panting

We’ve all seen our dogs pant! After a rousing game of fetch, or a wonderful walk, their mouths hang wide open as they begin the process of regulating their body temperature. But panting can also be a stress response! If your dog is breathing heavily without the addition of physical stimuli, pay attention. Something is stressing them out and they need YOUR HELP!

Side Eye

Also known as ‘whale eye’, if you see a dog doing this, back up! They are not trying to make you laugh with this facial expression. It means something is REALLY stressing them out and they are literally about to snap. DID YOU KNOW that one of the most common actions that leads to a dog giving side eye, is when they are being hugged?

Hackles

Also known as piloerection, this is when your dogs hair stands on end, primarily along the spine. This is oftentimes misinterpreted as a pure aggressive response to stimuli. On the contrary, hackles happen when your dog is aroused…and this could be for any number of reasons. You need to look at the whole dog and context of the situation to fully define the ‘why’!

Paw Raising

No it does not ALWAYS mean that your dog is ‘pointing’ and on the hunt! Many times a dog is haphazardly raising their front paw because they are feeling unsure and insecure about something. The best thing you can do in this moment is to allow them to calm down and lower the paw before moving forward. And do not let anyone pet them when they are displaying this stress signal!

Yawning

Not just a physical reaction to being tired, yawning is also a sign that your dog may be stressed! For  example, if someone is approaching your dog, wanting to pet them, and your dog is yawning, then your dog is letting you know that this interaction is stressing them out! Ending the interaction would be the best thing to do for your dog, so they can go on to feel happy and stress free!

Lip Licking

No, your dog isn’t hungry, they are trying to self soothe! Lip licking is a sign that something is or was stressing your dog out. This is actually a fine way to cope with stress, but if you see a dog licking their lips when food isn’t present, coupled with stiff body language, and they are also trying to look away from you, do NOT approach.

The dog is not in the mood to being interacted with at this time!

Jumping

Jumping without the presence of additional stimuli (ie:playing fetch, running an agility course) is a sign of stress, not happiness. Yes, your dog is happy when you come home, but if they are jumping up, it means they are SO overwhelmed with emotions and they need YOUR help calming down.

Tail Wagging

With tail wagging, position is EVERYTHING. If your dogs tail is wagging calmly side to side, usually accompanied by a wiggly body, they are happy! If it’s wagging straight up, really fast, they are stressed out….yes too much fun can be VERY stressful) and they need help relaxing. They should not be allowed to be pet strangers until their tail relaxes.

So you see, your dog is ALWAYS talking to you. The question is, do YOU understand what they are trying to tell you? 

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