How to Read a Dog Body Language

Training Tuesday
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Dog Body Language/Facial "Expressions"

Confident and Relaxed

  • Stance - erect

  • Tail - wagging slowly

  • Ears - pricked up but with a relaxed look

  • Eyes - small pupils

  • Mouth - closed or slight parting of lips

Fearful or Anxious

  • Stance - lowered

  • Tail - tucked under

  • Ears - down

  • Eyes - a wide-eyed look with the whites showing

  • Mouth - panting

Aggressive

  • Stance - rigid

  • Tail - straight up or out behind, very rigid

  • Ears - pricked up

  • Eyes - intense, focused stare

  • Mouth - lips are pulled back and some teeth show

  • Hackles - this is a line of hair that starts at the base of the neck and runs down the shoulders. It is raised if a dog is feeling aggressive and lowered if he is relaxed.

Fear-Aggressive

  • Stance - dog is pulled into himself

  • Tail - tucked completely under

  • Ears - lying down

  • Eyes - wide-eyed and trouble focusing

  • Mouth - lips pulled back slightly or heavy panting

Relaxed

  • Stance - lying down or standing without any alertness

  • Tail - up and wagging or lying naturally

  • Ears - at their normal state, depending on the breed (A Terrier's would be up but relaxed, a Hound's would be down)

  • Eyes - normal pupil dilation, focused but not staring

  • Mouth - open and lightly panting or closed

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