For an overview the Introduction to Dog Body Language is a good starting point, if you are new to dog body language.

Scratching – Dog Body Language

Scratching – Dog Body Language

When a dog scratches his shoulder or neck with his hind leg, this could be due to his having an itch, perhaps caused by skin irritation or allergies. However, it is important to pay attention to how often and in what context the scratching occurs. If it is due to a skin irritation, it is likely the dog will scratch or nibble other parts of the body and not just scratch one area, such as the neck or shoulder, exclusively.

Curving – Dog Body Language

Curving – Dog Body Language

The deliberate dog body language of curving is used in polite greetings, negotiation, or as a calming signal. A head-on, frontal approach can be seen as confrontational. The curving could be the curving of the dog’s body (which makes a slight c-shape), or a...

Importance of allowing your dog to sniff

Importance of allowing your dog to sniff

  I peek out the front door to check on my dog, who is sunning himself in his favourite spot in the sun. He is lying on an old moving trolley, since repurposed to give him a boost up to the sunrays, which don't reach the ground at this time of morning. As I stick...

Sitting – Dog Body Language

Sitting – Dog Body Language

  In dog body language, sitting is a very clear body language signal that is unmistakably visible when offered. It may be used to communicate clearly to another dog that no harm is intended. It could be offered as a gesture of goodwill to a dog that may be...

Panting – Dog Body Language

Panting – Dog Body Language

When a dog exhibits panting out of context, such as on occasions when he is not cooling himself on a hot day or recovering from exercise, this is clear body language that shows the dog is stressed* or showing some anxiety. Dogs may also start panting out of context...

Spatulate tongue – Dog Body Language

Spatulate tongue – Dog Body Language

  From a dog body language perspective, a spatulate tongue is indicative of a dog experiencing some form of stress*. This particular shaping of the tongue occurs when the dog has been panting, most likely due to stress*. The tongue becomes elongated and wider at...

Displacement behaviour in dogs

Displacement behaviour in dogs

  Displacement behaviours are normal behaviours that seem displaced and are displayed out of context. They occur when the dog is experiencing conflicting emotions and attempting to deflect stress, uncertainty, anxiety or frustration. Some of the possible causes...

Sniffing the ground – Dog Body Language

Sniffing the ground – Dog Body Language

  Dogs may sniff the environment often to investigate scents, but with careful observation and awareness of context, it becomes apparent when sniffing is part of dog communication. It is so subtle the communication can go unnoticed at times. Sniffing can be used...

Shake Off – Dog Body Language

Shake Off – Dog Body Language

A shake off is when the dog shakes as if he is wet and shaking water off his body, but as he is completely dry, the shake off may seem out of context. In this instance it is part of dog body language. You may notice the shake off after an event that may have been...

Paw Lift – Dog Body Language

Paw Lift – Dog Body Language

A paw lift is when one paw is lifted ever so slightly off the ground. It is different to a paw lift when stalking or hunting, which can be quite rigid; this paw lift can seem a bit more tentative. Depending on the rest of the dog's body language and context, it is...

Yawn – Dog Body Language

Yawn – Dog Body Language

There are times where a yawn is just a yawn, for instance at times when a dog may be tired or just waking up, but there are also occasions where yawns are offered outside such situations and are actually part of dog communication. The yawn can be a calming signal used...

Head Turn – Dog Body Language

Head Turn – Dog Body Language

  A head turn can be overt, where the dog turns her head to the side fully, or at other times it can be subtle, with a slight turning of the head or averting of gaze. The head turn can be used as a polite gesture to communicate goodwill in a greeting between two...

Lip Lick – Dog Body Language

Lip Lick – Dog Body Language

  A lip lick can often be seen as a quick tongue flick. From a dog body language perspective, the lip lick could be a calming signal or a sign of stress*, depending on the situation. There is a possibility that the lip lick may be offered unconsciously in the...

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