Dog Body Language part 1 Written on December 27, 2009, by marlene.
When two dogs meet, they typically sniff and circle each other. Usually, one dog will mount
the side of the other as a sign of dominance. If the dog being mounted takes offense to
this, he will growl and/or lunge to “correct” the offending dog. If the offender backs off,
there is no problem. If he doesn’t, a fight will usually break out. When looking for aggression,
look at the dog’s whole body. When a dog is aggressive or suspicious, his entire body typically
stiffens and all of his weight is shifted forward. More obvious signs of aggression such as growling
and showing teeth usually accompany this.
Signs of Aggression (wants to fight):
Almost every dog shows a series of body language cues before they actually go to bite.
Usually these behaviors are very subtle changes in body language, but they are clearly
understood by any other dog. We humans have to be looking for these behaviors in order
to prevent fights and bites to other dogs AND humans.
An intense, hard stare: body is very stiff, mouth closed tight (dogs always close their mouths
before they open them up again to bite), a high tail arched over the back, quickly and stiffly
switching back and forth (except for dogs whose tails are naturally curly at rest), raised hackles
(hair along back of neck stands up to make dog appear larger in the presence of a perceived
threat), posture is leaning forward on toes, low growl, snarling, flashing teeth, etc.
Tail wagging isn’t always “happy”. It means only that the dog is willing to COMMUNICATE:
“let’s play!” or “let’s fight!”
-Usually a low, relaxed, widely wagging tail indicates a relaxed, happy mood. This is especially
true when the dog’s whole body is “wagging” along with the tail.
-A high tail, arched over the back, quickly and stiffly switching back and forth usually means
agitation (except for dogs whose tails are naturally curly at rest)
These behaviors are also shown to humans when the dog feels threatened.
*BE AWARE OF THESE WARNING SIGNALS!*
Read more from the training advice category.
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