She spent the first 20 years of her professional life working at the Marin Humane Society in Marin County, California, for most of that time as a humane officer and director of operations. Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, grew up in a family that was blessed with lots of animal companions: dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, goats, and more, and has maintained that model ever since. They are also highly dangerous hazards to safety at a dog park or anytime dogs are playing together. NOTE: Shock and pinch collars are aversive, pain-causing tools – not recommended by WDJ. The Pointer’s lowered hindquarters, raised front paw, and relaxed mouth suggest that he may be about to do a play-bounce, inviting the Viszla to romp. There is tension between these two (note the direct eye contact and raised tails) but it could be play tension. The Pomeranian is politely declining, by avoiding eye contact and hiding under the stool. This Jack Russell is offering a play bow – an invitation to the Pomeranian to play. Shoulders lowered, hindquarters elevated: A play bow is a clear invitation to play the dog is sending a message that behavior that might otherwise look like aggression is intended in play. Vertical, full height: Confident, relaxedĪhead of vertical, standing tall hackles may be raised: Assertive, alert, excitement, arousal could be play arousal or aggressive arousal Body Postureīehind vertical, lowered hackles may be raised: Could be submissive and/or appeasing or fearful This is an unconscious emotional reaction to the sight of the strange dog and does not automatically predict aggression. The hair on this dog’s shoulders, back,and tail rose the moment he spotted a stray dog outside his fenced yard. While it can indicate aggression, dogs may also show piloerection when they are fearful, uncertain, or engaged in excited play. Piloerection: Also known as “raised hackles,” this is simply a sign of arousal. Lips puckered forward, may be lifted (snarl): Assertive, threatening. Licking lips, yawning: Stressed, fearful – or tired! Lips pulled back: Submissive/appeasing or fearful (may also be lifted in “submissive grin” or “aggressive grin”) NOTE: WDJ does not condone or recommend choke collars. Hard stare: Alert, excitement, arousal could be play aroused in play or aroused in aggression This could be trouble the Cavalier King Charles is giving a very tense, hard stare at the Boxer, who calmly averts his eyes to avoid triggering a confrontation. Soft, direct eye contact: Calm, relaxed, friendly Squinting, or eyes closed: Submissive/appeasing, happy greeting EyesĪverted, no eye contact: Submissive/appeasing, deferent, or fearful may be a subtle flick of the eyes, or may turn entire head away She’s the picture of appeasement: soft eyes, ears flattened, corners of mouth pulled back, body curved, and tail in neutral position. Pricked forward: Alert, excitement, arousal, assertive could be play arousal or aggression arousal. Pinned back: Submissive/appeasing, deferent, or fearfulīack and relaxed: Calm, relaxed, friendly His relaxed eyes, mouth, and ears tell us he is not aroused. High carriage, still/vibrating or fast wag: Tension, arousal, excitement could be play arousal or aggression arousal Don’t be fooled! This Husky’s erect tail is normal tail-carriage position for the breed. Low to medium carriage, fast wag: Submissive/appeasing or happy, friendly Low to medium carriage, gently waving: Relaxed, friendly Tucked under: Submissive/appeasing, deferent, or fearful Forward ears, tight mouths, high tails and hard stares warn that these three junkyard dogs take their guarding job seriously. The halfway-recumbent ear position signals that her arousal level is not high. Forward posture and tail above horizontal suggest this dog is curious or on alert.

Remember that breed characteristics can complicate the message the relaxed ears and tail of an Akita (prick-eared, tail curled over the back) look very different from the relaxed ears and tail of a Golden Retriever (drop-eared long, low tail).Īlso note that if body language vacillates back and forth it can indicate ambivalence or conflict, which may precede a choice toward aggression. The following abridged guide to canine communications will help you become a skilled translator. Credit: Nico De Pasquale Photography | Getty Imagesĭespite conventional wisdom, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy dog. Reading canine body language is important to getting the best results from training your dog.

Body language dog in pain