Understanding Your Dog's Facial Expressions And Body Language

What your dog is trying to tell you. A guide to interpreting common behaviours and body language signs in dogs.

Dogs are highly expressive creatures, and learning to read their body language and facial cues can greatly improve your relationship with them. Unlike humans, dogs communicate primarily through non-verbal signals, so tuning into these can help you understand their needs, emotions, and behaviour. Here’s a quick guide to interpreting your dog's body language and facial expressions:

The Eyes

Relaxed Eyes: Soft and slightly squinted eyes generally mean your dog is calm, comfortable, and at ease.
Wide Eyes or Dilated Pupils: This may signal excitement, fear, or anxiety. If combined with a stiff body posture and/or their tail slightly tucked, your dog could be feeling threatened.
Half-Closed Eyes: A sign of relaxation or contentment. If they’re blinking slowly, it’s a clear sign of trust.

The Ears

Ears Forward: Your dog is alert and focused, either curious or engaged in a task.
Ears Back: This can indicate fear, submission, or stress. If the ears are flattened tightly against the head, your dog may be scared or anxious.
Ears Relaxed: This usually means your dog is comfortable and calm.

The Tail

Wagging Tail: While generally a sign of happiness, the speed and direction of the wag can tell you more. A relaxed wag indicates joy, while a fast wag with the tail held high might indicate excitement or agitation. A low, slow wag could signal uncertainty or confusion.
Tucked Tail: A tucked tail usually signifies fear, anxiety, or submission.
Stiff Tail/Straight Out: A rigid, straight-up tail often means your dog is on high alert or in a defensive state.

The Mouth

Relaxed Mouth: A soft, open mouth with a slightly protruding tongue shows your dog is calm and happy.
Baring Teeth: This can be a sign of aggression, fear, or a defensive response. It's important to look for other cues to assess the situation fully.
Panting: If your dog is panting with a relaxed expression, it's a sign of physical exertion or warmth. If combined with tense body language, it could indicate stress or anxiety.

The Body

Relaxed Posture: A loose, wiggly body suggests your dog feels safe and happy.
Stiff Body: A rigid, tense posture may indicate that your dog feels threatened, anxious, or uncertain.
Cowering or Hunched Posture: This is a sign of fear or submission. Your dog is trying to make itself smaller to avoid confrontation.

Playful Signals

If your dog drops into a “play bow”—front legs stretched out, rear up in the air—it’s an invitation to play. This is a clear sign that your dog is feeling playful and wants to interact.

Conclusion

By understanding your dog’s facial expressions and body language, you can better meet their emotional and physical needs. Over time, you'll learn to recognise the subtle signals that communicate everything from affection to anxiety, and in turn, foster a deeper bond built on mutual understanding and trust.