Doggie Decoding: Understanding Canine Body Language

March 13, 2025

Without the gift of gab, dogs are left to rely on a bark, a tail wag, or, sometimes, even a snarl to communicate with their two-legged companions. However, as we attempt to connect with our canine friends, understanding the unspoken becomes immensely important in recognizing their wants and needs.   

“Understanding our dogs’ basic body language allows us to gain insight into their thoughts and feelings about the world around them and what they are experiencing,” said Harmony Diers, a veterinary technician and project manager for the Dog Aging Project at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

To help owners “decode” their dog, Diers describes the meaning behind some common body language signals that dogs use to communicate.

Reading The Relaxation

Happy dog, happy life is a wonderful sentiment to live by. But how do owners know when their dogs are happy? 

“Happy and relaxed dogs offer us a great deal of body language intel,” Diers said. “The ears of these dogs can range from forward and relaxed to pointed back and relaxed. Dogs that are happy and submissive may even fold their ears back. But the takeaway is ‘relaxed.’”

A key sign is found in circular wags — if your dog is wagging its tail in a circle, it is showing you that it is very happy and joyful, Diers said.

Other body language-based observations of a content and calm dog include:

• Eye squinting
• Soft, yet direct gaze
• Leaning on you
• Laying down
• Rolling over
• Open/panting mouth

“It is important to recognize a calm and content dog’s body language to determine whether he or she is comfortable with the current environment and circumstances,” Diers said. “When we learn to recognize our dog’s communication, we can set them up for success within their boundaries and also identify situations where they may need more support or training.”

Personal Space Advised

On the other hand, discontented body language refers to behaviors that raise concern — reflecting defensive or submissive signs. This can be influenced by a multitude of variables, such as overstimulation, new environments, or unfamiliar individuals.

Once again, a key source of information lies in a dog’s tail; for example, a frightened dog may tuck his tail, while an alert or nervous dog will carry its tail high and possibly wag it vigorously.

“A dog experiencing an uncomfortable situation may also turn his body away from the threat to present his back,” Diers said.

Similar to shaking off water from the pool, dogs also give a shake to reduce tension or stress from their bodies.

Other signs of a nervous or alerted dog include: 

• Upright and forward ears — shows an attempt to be ready for “fight or flight”
• Pinned back ears near the head — shows the dog is attempting to make itself look smaller
• Alerted eyes — often in a fixed stare
• “Giving you the whale eye” — averting direct eye contact or showing the whites of the eyes indicates a scared dog 
• Tense lips — often pulled back/lifted over the teeth
• Licking lips — often accompanied with yawning

Being able to recognize the signs of a discontented dog is vital for your furry friend to feel a sense of security at home as well as encountering unfamiliar dogs outside of the home.

Diers notes that while these are common signs, some breeds’ natural characteristics may appear alarmed upon first glance.

For example, German shepherds’ natural ear shape means they’re often upright, and husky and malamute breeds have curled-up tails, even when relaxed.

“When these dogs are in alert mode or feel threatened, the tail may go higher and stiffer and wag quickly,” Diers said “Look at our pugs. They always have big open eyes, but if a wide-eyed pug is giving the whale eye, he may be experiencing a threat or feeling nervous.”

Trouble In Paradise

In understanding your dog’s body language, you can also be better prepared to recognize potential health concerns.

“An ill dog may sleep more, be grumpier, and not want the normal interaction he usually gets excited about,” Diers said.

Other “red flag” indicators that can indicate pain or tension include:

• Limping
• Head-hanging
• Tense posture
• Tucked belly
• Arched back
• Whimpering
• Lip-smacking (precursor to nausea)

Diers notes that lip-smacking can also indicate a self-soothing method for stress or anticipation of a snack.

“Ultimately, if your normally active and happy dog starts to isolate and show lethargy and/or decreased appetite, this is a sign that something has changed with their overall health, and seeking the care of a veterinarian is a suggested course to take,” Diers said.

Reading, understanding, and responding to your dog’s body language is a key part of the companion-to-owner relationship. By understanding their cues and appropriately advocating for your dog, owners can continue to ensure their dogs remain happy, comfortable, and safe while also guaranteeing the safety and well-being of those around them.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.

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