Dog Body Language

• A dog!
• Aggression Ladder download sheet

Context is everything. When reading your dog’s body language, always look at the whole picture—from their overall posture to what’s happening around them. Where are you? Who’s present? What is in the environment? What are they focused on? What was the dog doing beforehand eg eating, sleeping, playing.

• • Why it matters: the same posture can mean different things in different situations.

• Check overall posture

  • Relaxed body = comfortable. Tense, weight back, or low-to-ground = uneasy or ready to flee.

• Watch the tail

  • High and wagging loosely = happy/confident. Low/tucked or very fast snaps = nervous or overexcited.

• Look at the ears

  • Forward = alert/curious. Pulled back = worried or appeasing. Neutral = relaxed.

• Read the eyes

  • Soft blink/relaxed gaze = calm. Whale-eye (lots of white showing) or hard stare = stress or fear.

• Notice the mouth

  • Loose, slightly open, maybe panting after play = happy. Lips pulled back, yawning, or lip-licking = stress. Growling/snapping = clear warning.

• Pay attention to movement & signals

  • Play bow (front down, rear up) = invitation to play. Freezing, backing away, or repeated pacing = discomfort.

• Listen to the voice

  • Barks vary: high, quick barks often mean excitement; low, prolonged barks or growls can mean warning. Whines often mean stress or need.

Remember: context matters. Understanding your dog means observing the full body and the situation together, not just one signal on its own.

• Observing your dog and other dogs you see out and about is the best way to become familiar with dog body language.
• Film your dog and watch back in slow motion as the signs can be really quick or subtle.