Different dog signs: What does your dog’s body language mean?

We love to refer to dogs as man’s best friends. Yet, many of us haven’t taken the time to study our friends and understand dog signs.

We live with them, yet we don’t understand their true feelings – like when they’re angry, hurting, aching, hungry, happy, and so on.

Guess that explains why many don’t get along well with their furry friends.

This post will teach you how to read your dog’s body language and other behavioral signs.

Contrary to your belief, it’s not hard to understand dogs. Like babies, these creatures leave signs that show they’re feeling.

Your ability to understand and decipher these signs determines whether you get along with your pet.

Without much ado, here are some of the most common dog signs and body language.

But before we get into that, there’s something else to share with every dog owner reading this. Please note that you can now find proper training centers for your dogs worldwide. Check out this dog training near me site for more info.

What does your dog’s body language mean?

Dog signs: ears

1. Ears pointed forward 

It may be hard to notice a weirdness in a dog’s ears. But when it’s something as pronounced as an outstretched ear, it’s almost hard to miss.

You should look out when your dog’s ears point out or forward.

When that happens, it means the dog is curious about something or paying attention to a weird sound coming from somewhere outside or a natural sound from inside the house.

Whatever the case, paying attention to this sign can alert you when something is happening.

2. Ears lying flat

Dogs’ ears become flattened against their head when they’re scared. If you find your pup cowering in his cage or crate with his ear flattened against his head, just know he’s usually something.

Please note that fear usually is linked with aggression in dogs. Even though he appears scared and fearful, don’t mistake that for timidity.

Dogs are at their most aggressive when they’re scared.

3. Ears fall back

Dogs become sad, too. Maybe because they’re feeling unwell, hungry, in pain, or something/someone. Whatever the case, you can tell when a dog is sad by the form his ear takes. Usually, in this state, your dog’s ears will fall way back but not close to its head.

Dog signs: Eyes

1. Winking

“Wow, so dogs wink, too?”

Yes, they do. You aren’t paying much attention; you’re surprised to hear that.

When you find your pup wink, know that he’s pleased. Dogs wink when they’re happy, excited, and ready to play.

If you have excellent treats or toys in hand, now may be a good time to throw some at him. If not, you can run around together or carry him in your arms if it’s a small dog.

2. Eyes open

When human eyes are wide open, it usually indicates awareness and alertness. However, in the case of pups, it’s not the same.

If your dog’s eyes are wide open, don’t assume he’s suddenly become aware or suspicious of sometimes available for dogs can only mean one thing – that he’s eager to play and run around.

3. Eyes turned away sharply 

Have you ever noticed this: one minute, your pup is staring at you, and the next, they’re looking away? Like, looking completely away from your direction, as if they’re trying to avoid eye contact.

Some dogs do that a lot.

When a dog avoids eye contact with you or someone in the house, it means he’s trying to avoid confrontation. In other words, he doesn’t want to engage.

As you can imagine, that could mean your dog is afraid of the person, another dog, or something else. 

4. Eyes fixated

In contrast to the point made above, when a dog maintains eye contact with you or something around them, it means the dog is challenging the object of his attention.

Usually, dogs do this when they enter a new area or watch potential invaders in their space.

Watch out for times when your dog won’t stop staring at something. It could be an indication of anger or something unusual.

5. Eyes narrowed, coupled with a concentrated stare

All dogs give this look when they’re angry and aggressive.

You’ll notice their eyes appear tiny – as if they’re about to close – and their gaze fixated on one thing. 

Beware. This could be a sign your dog’s about to attack.

6. Eyes upturned and wide

This is a clear indication of nervousness and uneasiness. Be mindful of times when your furry is looking this way. It’s never a positive sign.

Dog signs: The rest of the body

1. Relaxed tail

When your dog is relaxed, he will drop its tail down with zero tension, and his eyes and ears will be fixated on its object of attention.

2. Pawing

When you find your dog touching you with his paws, it means he needs something.

3. Wagging tail

Tail-wagging means he’s enjoying whatever you’re doing to him.

4. Head shaking

Dogs, too, have their specifications. When a dog has had enough of a certain activity, he may constantly shake his head.

5. Yawning  

Like humans, dogs yawn when they feel stressed, tired, or sleepy. Some dogs also mimic their owners, so if you yawn, your dog might.

6. Licking

If your dog licks your hands or feet, that indicates he’s happy to see you. It shows you guys are close.

7. Stretching to appear bigger

If your dog feels threatened, he may show signs of dominance, including ears outstretched and pointed forward, legs and tail held stiffly, and the hair on your dog’s back may stand up.