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5 Keys to Understanding a Dog’s Emotions

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5 Keys to Understanding a Dog’s Emotions

Bonding with Your Dog
By Shoshi Parks

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Dogs quite literally wear their emotions on their sleeve — well, on their fur, at least. But I’m always surprised at how little your average guardian understands their pup’s body language. We tend to see what we want to see — that your dog loves the dog park or hanging out with your sweet 6 year-old niece, for instance, when, in truth, these things produce only anxiety and discomfort.

The average dog can understand up to 200 words, but no matter how hard you try, your dog will never learn to speak. In order to really communicate, it’s up to you to learn their language. Body language.

While some body parts are more expressive than others, it’s important to look at the dog’s body as a whole. Not every dog will display every signal, but you’re likely to see a combination of visual markers when your dog is expressing these common emotions.

 

aspca canine body language fear

source: ASPCA

Fear

This type of body language may be triggered by scary environments or interactions. Extended loud noises (such as walking by a construction site or fireworks), people or animals that don’t respect your dog’s space, or sudden events (such as a passing skateboarder or falling object) are common triggers.

  • Avoiding eye contact and/or turning the head away from the scariness
  • Flattened ears
  • Piloerection (hair standing on end) anywhere from the shoulder blades down to the base of the tail
  • Tense or crouched body, may be combined with shaking
  • Tucked tail
  • “Whale eye” – when a dog’s eye moves in the opposite direction of the head so that the whites are obviously showing
  • Lip licking (also called tongue flicking) or yawning
  • Hiding or attempting to get distance from the scary trigger

 

View this post on Instagram

#LunaTheWolfdog lets me know when there's danger ahead. Check out those #hackles! Sweet Mohawk, BruH!

A post shared by The Dro (@the_dro) on Sep 13, 2016 at 1:46pm PDT

Joy or excitement

Signs of a dog having a fantastic time include:

  • Loosey-goosey body posture
  • Ears may be upright or flattened or switch quickly between the two
  • Tail may be held high or in a loose, natural position
  • In play, bounding around and humping are common
  • A relaxed or open mouth that may appear to be slightly smiling
  • Gentle or even more intense mouthing is common
View this post on Instagram

I can't tell if this grass is too long or my legs are too short!. . . . . #chicagoparks #corgismile #dogsmile #barkworthy #dogpeople #barkpost #pawkwardmoments #crazydoglady #corgidaily #corgigram #adoptdontshop #dogaholics #chicagodogs #chicagodog #chicagocorgi #chicagocorgis #dogsofchicago #corgisofchicago #corgi #corgis #corgigram #corgigram_ #corgidaily #corgimonster #corgilove #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #corgiaddict #lovemydog #dogsofsouthport

A post shared by Dottie the Corgi (@beachbody_dottie) on Aug 13, 2017 at 12:22pm PDT

Anxiety or discomfort

These signals suggest a dog is not comfortable with the situation they are in – whether that’s too much attention and manhandling from a family member or a visit to the dog park.

  • Lip licking, yawning and/or panting
  • Avoiding eye contact or attempting to move away from the situation
  • A lowered or possibly tucked tail

 

View this post on Instagram

As long as no-one touches my #nohidechews, everything will be #groovy #dogsofseattle #dogsofpnw #seattledogs #pnwdogs #dogsofinsta #dogsofinstagram #dachshundoftheday #dachshundsofinstagram #dox #doxie #doxieobsessed #longhairdachshund #sideeye #whaleye #blackandtandachshund #blackdog #adoptdontshop

A post shared by facesofweenie (@facesofweenie) on Jun 8, 2017 at 7:35pm PDT

Uncertainty

This body language combination often occurs when a dog is simply not sure how to respond to a particular situation. It may be triggered by an unfamiliar dog at the dog park, visitors to the home, or other new experiences.

  • Holding up a single paw while greeting, watching or approaching
  • Humping
  • Rolling over onto the back to expose the belly
  • Lip licking or yawning
  • Avoiding eye contact
View this post on Instagram

Dave just got his #thundervest not sporting a happy face though ? lets do this Dave ?? #Dave #nervousdog #staffy #staffymoments #staffysdailey #staffordshirebullterrier_feature #staffordshire_terrier #staffordshire_bull_terrier #staffygram #staffiesdaily #staffie #staffylove #walkies

A post shared by Lynette Purvis (@lynette.purvis) on Aug 4, 2017 at 1:28am PDT

Extreme fear or self-defense

When a fearful dog feels like it has to defend itself from a threat, fear and aggression become two sides of the same coin. In communicating extreme fear, then, a dog may end up displaying body language that looks more like aggression or even excitement. Extreme fear is typically triggered by the unwelcome approach of an unfamiliar person or animal.

  • A “hard” stare at the aggressor in which your dog is unwilling to turn away or be distracted
  • A fear grimace in which the dog’s lips are pulled back into what almost looks like a wide smile or other bearing of teeth (possibly accompanied by a growl)
  • Tense or crouched body
  • Tail may be elevated and tense or tucked
  • Piloerection (hair standing on end)
  • Ears may be alert, tense and upright or flat against the head

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Featured images: Ringo the Shibagirl  and Charlie Sammons

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Shoshi Parks

Shoshi Parks, Ph.D. is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-ka) and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). She owns Modern Hound Dog Training in San Francisco and teaches dog training classes at the San Francisco SPCA.

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By Shoshi Parks

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