{"id":141,"date":"2024-07-03T20:30:40","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T20:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdblogdev.frontrowdigital.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/03\/decoding-doggy-behavior\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T01:04:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T01:04:27","slug":"understanding-dog-behavior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/training-and-behavior\/understanding-dog-behavior","title":{"rendered":"DECODING DOGGY BEHAVIOR: DOG BODY LANGUAGE 101"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"shogun-root\" data-shogun-id=\"6685516030581a686e606e9c\" data-shogun-site-id=\"d9255bbb-e575-4245-8c97-6e6fd6cb260b\" data-shogun-page-id=\"6685516030581a686e606e9c\" data-shogun-page-version-id=\"6685b4ea5cb3262b0dafe32b\" data-shogun-platform-type=\"shopify\" data-shogun-variant-id=\"6685b4eb5cb3262b0dafe32f\" data-shogun-page-type=\"article\" data-shogun-power-up-type=\"\" data-shogun-power-up-id=\"\" data-region=\"main\"> <link rel=\"stylesheet\" type=\"text\/css\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.getshogun.com\/css-2024-06-12-1440\/6685b4ea5cb3262b0dafe32b_6685b4eb5cb3262b0dafe32f.css\"> <script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.getshogun.com\/js-2024-06-19-2403\/global-assets-c397c402497138196ae936ac7c88ccc51f9e7408.js\" defer><\/script> <\/p>\n<div id=\"s-f7e34563-2ede-45d8-baa1-258b4a1c391f\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Have you ever wished you could talk to your four-legged family members? Dogs may not speak our language, but they can still tell us what they\u2019re thinking and feeling. We just have to read their body language, which is easier than you may think.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Understanding how your dog communicates is the foundation of a <\/span><span lang=\"EN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/pages\/companionship\"><span style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">strong bond<\/span><\/a><\/span><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">. When your best friend knows you\u2019ll listen to their emotional signals, it helps build trust, nurture confidence and deepen your connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">It\u2019s important to keep in mind that context is key. Similar behaviors can have different meanings, depending on the situation. Make sure to pay attention to what\u2019s happening around your dog, along with their body language.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">In general, soft, loose body language means your dog feels happy and relaxed. If they appear tense or stiff, they may be stressed, fearful or uncomfortable. By studying your pup in different situations, you can pick up on the nuances of their behavior to better understand them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Here are 12 common dog behaviors and what they mean, according to our pet wellness experts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">WAGGING TAIL: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Often a sign of happiness, especially when accompanied by a loose, wiggly body. But not always \u2013 a high, stiff wagging tail signals alertness, and a lowered wagging tail shows submissiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">SOFT EYES &amp; LOOSE MOUTH: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Signs your dog feels happy, relaxed and <\/span><span lang=\"EN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/pages\/comfort\"><span style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">comfortable<\/span><\/a><\/span><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">HARD EYES &amp; TENSE MOUTH: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Signs your dog feels stressed or is intently focused on something. Don\u2019t approach a dog with a hard stare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">YAWNING: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Natural if your pup is tired or waking up from a nap. If wide awake, a yawn can signal they\u2019re feeling stressed or worried.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">LICKING LIPS: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">A sign of stress or uncertainty, unless they\u2019re excitedly awaiting a meal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">SHAKING OFF: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">A dry dog will shake their body (like a wet dog drying off) after an uncomfortable or stressful situation \u2013 they\u2019re \u201cshaking off\u201d the anxiety. They may also \u201cshake off\u201d to reset after an intense play session or massage, even if they enjoyed it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">SNEEZING: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Can be caused by allergies or irritants. Dogs also sneeze when they\u2019re excited or to release stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">BELLY UP: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">When a relaxed or playful dog rolls onto their back, they\u2019re inviting a belly rub. If a tense or stiff dog exposes their tummy (especially if their tail is tucked), they\u2019re feeling nervous or uncomfortable and are politely asking for space.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">RAISED HACKLES: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">When the hair on your dog\u2019s back rises and sticks up, they\u2019re likely feeling excited or scared. A dog\u2019s hackles may also rise when they\u2019re cold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">PLAY BOW: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">When a happy dog lowers their front legs to the ground in a bow position. Signals an invitation to <\/span><span lang=\"EN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/pages\/play\"><span style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">play<\/span><\/a><\/span><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"> and is commonly accompanied by a wagging tail and wiggly hips. Dogs may play bow to other animals and people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">LICKING PAWS: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;\">Occasional licking is normal for dogs to clean themselves. But excessive licking can be a sign of pain, allergies or stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\">\u25cf<span style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><!--[endif]--><strong style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">WHALE EYE: <\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;\">When a tense dog shows the whites of their eyes (known as \u201cwhale eye\u201d), they\u2019re feeling uncomfortable or stressed. Certain breeds may naturally show the whites of their eyes, even when happy or calm, and most dogs reveal them briefly when turning their heads.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">If you notice signs of stress, help your dog by identifying and alleviating the source of anxiety. This may mean giving your dog space, feeding them a <\/span><span lang=\"EN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/dog-treats\"><span style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">treat<\/span><\/a><\/span><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\"> to reward calm behavior, moving away from a stressor, using your body as a visual barrier or redirecting your dog by cueing a well-practiced trick.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Never punish your dog for showing signs of stress. If they growl, bark, back away or signal discomfort, they\u2019re trying to communicate, which is a positive thing! Show them you\u2019re listening by assessing the situation, figuring out what they need and helping them feel calm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">Understanding your best friend\u2019s body language can help you <\/span><span lang=\"EN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/pages\/companionship\"><span style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">grow even closer<\/span><\/a><\/span><span lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;\">. The more you listen, the more your dog will trust that you\u2019ll always have their back \u2013 giving them more confidence to navigate the world by your side.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dogs may not speak our language, but they can still tell us what they\u2019re thinking and feeling. We just have to read their body language, which is easier than you may think.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":140,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-training-and-behavior"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":186,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141\/revisions\/186"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/140"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}