Tail Tell Signs

Have you ever stopped and wondered exactly what your dog was thinking?

"Am I using too much reasoning? Does he really want to know how the Statue of Liberty turned green?"

I can't say for a fact, but I am not sure that the color of the Statue of Liberty really matters to much to your dog. Seeing as he is red/green color blind and all, the statue probably looks more brown to him anyway. Well, besides trying to figure out the meaning of life while reasoning through your dog's thought process, dogs are actually one of the best communicators on the planet.

Dogs use body language to tell you exactly what they are thinking and it is a fail-proof method. Just like when you curled your lip and wrinkled your brow in disgust while telling your Aunt Mildred how wonderful her beet ice cream tasted, dogs use different posturing and expressions to tell you exactly how they are feeling. It is just up to you to understand how to interpret the signals.

Confidence:
A confident dog doesn't mean an angry dog. Confidence is just a way for a dog to help display dominance or just a good self-image. Think about when you just get your hair cut, feel strong and strut your stuff around town. You will probably stand tall with your chin slightly raised, and eyes bright. Your dog is the same way, just add ears perked up and a relaxed facial expression and tail. A confident dog is also at ease with its surroundings.

Dominance:
While confidence does not always display dominance, dominance always displays confidence. A dominant dog will demonstrate the same signs as a confident dog, with tighter facial expressions and leaning slightly forward. The forward stance keeps muscles tense to be able to exert dominance if necessary. A dominant dog will usually make direct eye contact. This is a very forward body language and usually means no harm unless the other dog also displays dominance, which stands to reason a fight may break out.

Submissive:
A submissive dog is the exact opposite body language of a dominant dog. A submissive dog is not always an afraid dog, but one that is trying to diffuse any aggression from the other dog. By averting eyes and keeping ears and tail low, the submissive dog is about as threatening as a tulip. Some dogs may even sniff the ground or lick the other dog to display passive intent.

Aggressive:
Aggressive dogs look like dominance on steroids. The slightly forward stance demonstrated by dominance is over-exaggerated in aggressive behavior. The weight is shifted far forward with legs bent and haunches tense in order to spring at a moments notice. Eyes are usually narrowed (think about when you get angry and squint) and ears are completely pinned to the back of the head. Generally teeth are exposed and a low growl can be heard. The hair on the back will stand straight up and the tail will either be high in the air or straight out behind the dog and will be ruffled and puffed out. It is important if you are around a dog displaying aggression that you get away carefully. Do not make eye contact, do not display signs of fear and do not run. Turn sideways (a non-dominant position) and slowly begin moving away from the dog.

Anxious:
Anxious dogs may display the same signs as submission, but are usually a bit more tense. Think of a time when you were expecting something to happen and were alert but kind of jumpy. This is an anxious dog. Usually, the front legs will tremor in anticipation and there may be a low whimper. It is best to redirect the dog to another task or situation because anxiousness can quickly move to aggression if provoked.

Fearful:
Fearful dogs take submissive and anxious behaviors to the extreme. Low to the ground with ears back, eyes squinted and teeth bared, fearful dogs are usually tense and looking for a way to escape. If they are cornered, they may lash out with aggressive behaviors. Urination and defecation are often obvious signs of a fearful dog and punishment or comfort are not the best options. Removing the dog from the environment is usually the best way to handle the situation.

Playful/Happy:
Happy dogs show most of the confidence signs without any hints of anxiety. Play-bow, as it is usually referred, is a position where the front end is low and usually moving from side to side while the back end is high up in the air with tail usually upright. This stance is usually easily identified as it looks like a toddler getting ready to run and tackle their mother or father. The overall demeanor is playful. Body language is always relaxed and bouncy.

Understanding your dog, or any dog for that matter, is extremely important. If you plan on spending time outdoors at all this summer, it is good to understand what dogs are communicating. Take a look at some of the dogs around you over the next few days and try and identify some of the body language listed above. Believe it or not, you are better at understanding dogs than you think you are.