Body Language Understand what dogs are "saying"

It's important to understand what dogs are saying with their bodies, not only to know your own dog but to better predict what other dogs are doing.

To really read dog body language takes experience.  I encourage you to watch your own dog(s) and others.  Go to the dog park and watch dogs interacting.  Watch different body parts (ears, tails, eyes, lips, hair, overall posture) separately for a while. See if you can predict which body stances lead to which activities or outcomes.  

Confidence/Fear

Signs of confidence: erect stance (standing tall), tail up, tail wagging in a slower sweep, ears pricked up or relaxed, direct look; relaxed, smaller pupils.

Signs of fear or concern: lowered stance, tail down or tucked under, tail wagging in a quick, frantic buzz; looking away or turning head away to look so that whites of eyes show ("whale eye"); dilated pupils.  Dogs often bark out of fear, in an attempt to keep a distance between themselves and the Big Scary Thing, especially if they are cornered, fenced in, or on a leash.

Dogs that are aroused will often have their hair stand on end, usually the "hackles," the areas over the shoulders and just before the tail.  This doesn't necessarily mean aggression, just that they are on high alert.  Some dogs get "raised hackles" more easily than others; it's like some people who get red in the face very easily. 

This little puppy is looking confidently at the camera.  His tail is up (due to his breed it curls over his back); he looks directly at us with no whites showing in his eyes, and his ears, though a little hard to see, are pricked forward.

how to play with your dog

Consider the age of the dog. Puppies (which, depending on the breed, can be up to 2 years old) will often be rambunctious and enjoy roughhousing.


Play fetch. Some breeds of dogs generally enjoy fetching more than others. Find an open space and throw a tennis ball or a frisbee, and hope that Rover will bring it back. (Be attentive to puppies who may be in their "chewing phase" because they can end up tearing the fuzz off a tennis ball or chew plastic frisbees and end up swallowing materials to throw it up again. If your dog does not drop it, one option is to bring two fetch toys. Throw the second one to get the first one.


Play tug-of-war with your dog. Don't be scared of some growling, as long as the dog's tail is wagging. It is a common misconception that one should never let the dog "win" a tug. Whether or not to allow the dog to win is dependent on the temperament of the dog. Some dogs are confident and spirited and do not need much encouragement from their owners. These dogs should not be allowed to win, as winning the tug is a simple way of establishing the proper hierarchy. However, many pet dogs are submissive, anxious, and lacking in self-confidence. It is healthy, and recommended, to allow these dogs to win tugs. It helps boost their confidence and drive. Playing (and losing) tug-of-war with a low-drive dog is a common technique used by professional trainers to build a dog's self-worth. Just imagine how you'd feel if you were asked to play a game you always lose.