Have you ever heard that in regular communication between people, body language accounts for nearly 25% of the meaning that people derive from the conversation. Well this is exactly the same in the dialog between a human and a dog, except more so. A dog can't talk and barking only has a limited use, so dog body language accounts for most of the meaning you will get from a conversation with your dog. Thus it is important to understand the finer points of dog body language to better understand your pet.
The meaning of your pet's body language will become clear once you have lived with him for a few years, until then however here are a few pointers about dog body language. When dogs are happy or in a playful mood they will raise their hindquarters in the air and wag their tail. They may also prance or bounce about on their front legs. This is really obvious when they drop a ball in front of you hoping you will throw it for them. Their mouth will be open in a doggy smile.
A dogs body language will also reveal submission to you or other animals. Since you are the pack leader or a higher status in the pack according to your dog you should see signs of this on some occasions. Typically, submission involves rolling onto their back to expose the belly to you or the superior dog. If you are reprimanding a dog, it will walk to you with the head, eyes and ears lowered.
The tail may wag but it will be in a lowered position between the legs. A dog that is in a relaxed mood will have it's weight evenly spread on the four legs. The tail may wag sporadically at a half raised position in a lazy fashion. It head will be raised and the eyes focused on you. A dog that is alerted to something will have a similar look, however the hair around the tail may rise and he will lean forward with his weight on the front feet.
His eyes and ears will be directed in the area where the dog senses the alert is coming from. Aggressive body language is again similar to excited or alert behavior. The dog will be leaning forward. However the general demeanor is different.
The hackles may raise. This is the fur on the shoulder blades just below the neck. It is very noticeable when this happens. The eyes will be staring intently at the object of potential aggression.
The muzzle will change. The top lips will rise to reveal the teeth and the dog may begin to snarl. Once you have seen these signals once or twice in your pet, you will understand what they mean. You will be able to modify your behavior or even the dogs if you feel that it is not appropriate. It can also help you understand what kind of behavior training your dog needs based on it's body language to you.
Learn more about dog body language and details of a great dog training behavior course at doghealthncare.com.
