Dogs are incredibly expressive animals. While they may not speak our language, they have a rich and complex way of communicating with us through their behaviours. Understanding these signals can help you build a stronger bond with your canine companion and address their needs more effectively. In this blog, we'll explore seven hidden messages your dog might be trying to convey through their behaviour. By decoding these signals, you'll gain insight into your dog's emotions and desires, enhancing your relationship and ensuring their well-being.
Canine body language is the primary way dogs communicate their feelings and intentions—not just to other dogs, but to humans as well. Unlike humans, dogs rely on a combination of body language cues to express their emotional state, needs, and desires. For pet parents, learning to interpret these signals is essential for building a stronger bond with their furry friend and ensuring their well-being.
Dogs communicate through a rich tapestry of body language, including tail wagging, ear position, facial expressions, and overall body posture. Each movement or gesture can provide valuable insight into how your dog is feeling at any given moment. For example, a relaxed body and gently wagging tail often signal a content dog, while a stiff posture or tucked tail may indicate stress or fear.
By paying close attention to your dog’s body language, you can better understand what they are trying to tell you, respond appropriately to their needs, and create a more harmonious relationship. Whether you’re interacting with your own pet or meeting other dogs, being fluent in canine body language helps you communicate more effectively and ensures your dog feels safe, understood, and loved.
Tail wagging is often associated with a happy dog, but it can convey a range of emotions depending on the context and how the tail is wagged.
High and Fast Wagging: This usually indicates excitement or eagerness.
Low and Slow Wagging: Often a sign of caution or insecurity.
Stiff Wagging: Can indicate aggression or a threat response.
Circular Wagging: Usually a sign of happiness and contentment.
Pay attention to the context and accompanying body language. If the wagging seems unsure or accompanied by other signs of stress, approach gently and calmly to reassure your dog.
Barking is a primary mode of communication for dogs, and understanding the different types can help you interpret what they're trying to say.
Rapid, Continuous Barking: Indicates an alert or warning, such as the presence of a stranger.
Short, Sharp Barks: Often used to grab your attention or express excitement.
Low Growls and Barks: Typically a sign of fear or aggression.
Whining and Whimpering: Can indicate discomfort, anxiety, or a desire for attention.
Identify the cause of the barking and address it appropriately. If your dog is barking out of fear or anxiety, provide comfort and remove any stressors. For attention-seeking barks, ensure their needs are met and consider training for more appropriate ways to communicate. Read our full blog on why dogs bark >
A dog's body posture can reveal a lot about their emotional state and intentions.
Relaxed Stance: Indicates a calm and content dog.
Cowering or Hunched Posture: Sign of fear, anxiety, or submission.
Rigid and Stiff Posture: Can signal aggression or alertness.
Play Bow (front legs down, rear up): Invitation to play and general friendliness.
Match your response to the posture. For example, if your dog is exhibiting a play bow, engage in play. If they are showing signs of fear or anxiety, create a safe and comforting environment.
Dogs use eye contact to communicate a variety of messages, from affection to aggression.
Direct, Soft Eye Contact: Indicates trust and affection.
Averted Gaze: Can be a sign of submission or discomfort.
Hard Stare: Often a precursor to aggression or a challenge.
Blinking and Squinting: Shows relaxation and a non-threatening demeanour.
Maintain gentle, relaxed eye contact to build trust. Avoid staring down your dog as it can be perceived as a threat. Respect their space if they avert their gaze.
While licking is often seen as a sign of affection, it can also convey other messages.
Affection and Bonding: Licking releases endorphins that make dogs feel good.
Grooming: Dogs lick themselves and others to keep clean.
Communication: Puppies lick their mothers to stimulate feeding, and adult dogs may lick to show submission.
Exploration: Dogs use their mouths to explore the world, and licking can be a way to learn about their environment.
Appreciate licking as a sign of affection, but set boundaries if it becomes excessive. Redirect their attention with toys or activities if needed. Read our full blog on why dogs lick >
Yawning in dogs can be a sign of various emotions, not just tiredness.
Stress Relief: Dogs yawn to calm themselves in stressful situations.
Empathy: Yawning can be contagious, and dogs may yawn in response to seeing humans or other dogs yawn.
Boredom: Similar to humans, dogs may yawn when they are bored and looking for stimulation.
If your dog is yawning frequently, assess the situation for stressors. Provide comfort or engage them in a fun activity to alleviate boredom.
When a dog paws at you, it's usually a request for attention or a signal for something they need.
Attention: Dogs paw to get your focus, whether for petting, play, or another form of interaction.
Hunger or Thirst: Your dog may paw at you when they need food or water.
Comfort: Pawing can be a sign that your dog is seeking comfort or reassurance.
Training Signal: Dogs trained to use their paws for certain commands may do so to communicate specific needs.
Acknowledge your dog's pawing and determine the reason behind it. Ensure their basic needs are met and provide affection or playtime if they're seeking attention.
Ear position is one of the most telling—yet often overlooked—elements of dog body language. A dog’s ears are incredibly expressive and can reveal a great deal about their emotional state. For pet parents, understanding what your dog’s ears are saying can help you respond to their needs and emotions more effectively.
Dogs have remarkable control over their ears, and they can move them independently to better pick up sounds or express how they’re feeling. When a dog’s ears are forward and upright, it usually means you have a happy dog who is alert, curious, or interested in what’s happening around them. In contrast, ears that are pulled back or lying flat against the head often signal a fearful dog or one who is feeling anxious or uncertain.
The position of your dog’s ears can change quickly depending on their mood or the situation. For instance, if you notice one ear forward and the other ear back, your dog might be feeling unsure or conflicted about what’s going on. Both ears pulled back and tucked close to the head are classic signs of submission or fear, especially if paired with other body language cues like a tucked tail or lowered body posture.
By observing your dog’s ear position alongside other signals—such as tail wagging, facial expressions, and overall body stance—you can gain a more complete picture of your dog’s emotional state. Recognizing these subtle cues allows pet parents to respond with empathy, helping their dog feel more secure and understood. Ear position is just one piece of the canine body language puzzle, but it’s a powerful tool for deepening your connection with your pet.
Dogs have a sophisticated and nuanced way of communicating with us. By paying attention to their behaviours, we can better understand their needs and emotions. These seven hidden messages in your dog's behaviour are just the beginning of the intricate language they use to connect with us. By learning to decode these signals, you'll enhance your bond with your dog and ensure they feel understood and cared for.
For more insights into dog behaviour and to discover a wide range of high-quality pet products, visit The Pets Larder. Understanding your dog's behaviour is the key to a happy and healthy relationship with your furry friend.
To further understand your dog's behaviour and improve your communication, consider these resources:
"How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication" by Stanley Coren
Online training courses and workshops offered by professional dog trainers.
By investing time in learning about your dog's behaviour, you'll create a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship, ensuring your dog feels loved and understood.
Your dog likely follows you because they see you as a source of safety, companionship, and resources (like food and affection). It can also be a sign of their strong bond and attachment to you.
Head tilting often indicates that your dog is trying to better understand what you are saying or focusing on. It can also mean they are curious or attentive.
When your dog brings you toys, they are usually seeking playtime or trying to engage you in an activity they enjoy. It can also be a way to show affection and share their prized possessions with you.
Dogs have acute senses and may bark at things you cannot see or hear, such as distant sounds or subtle movements. It could also be a sign of boredom or a need for mental stimulation.
Leaning is often a sign of affection and trust. Your dog is seeking physical closeness and comfort from you, indicating they feel safe and secure in your presence.
TEDDY Talks was created by Katy Peck, a passionate dog advocate with years of hands-on experience in behaviour, training, and nutrition. As the co-founder of one of Cornwall’s busiest dog day care centres, Katy helped care for up to 80 dogs a day, learning first-hand what makes dogs feel calm, confident, and understood.
In 2018, she brought that knowledge into the world of natural nutrition by opening a pet shop focused on healthy, wholesome choices — supporting thousands of customers with thoughtful advice, honest information, and a personal touch.
TEDDY Talks is the natural next step: a way to take everything we’ve shared in person and make it available to every dog lover, everywhere. These free downloads and training tools are built from real experience, not just theory — and grounded in kindness, patience, and the belief that when we understand why, we can teach how.
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