Body language. What does our dog want to tell us?

Dogs don’t just bark to communicate. Their main language is body language and understanding what they want to tell us can help us improve our relationship with them, encourage healthy development and prevent behavioural problems.

Here’s how to interpret the most common signals in your dog’s body language.

1. Body language of a relaxed dog

A dog that feels confident and comfortable shows obvious signs of relaxation. Some characteristics include:

• Tail: Tail wagging smoothly and steadily.
• Look: Calm, reflecting confidence.
• Posture: Ears and head low, without tension.

When you see him like this, you know he is enjoying the moment.

2. Signs of stress or nervousness

Stressed or nervous dogs adopt very different postures. Common signs include:

• Tail between the legs: Indicative of fear or insecurity.
• Bristly coat: Especially on the neck and back (piloerection).
• Immobility: Some dogs become briefly paralysed before reacting.
• Tense jaw or furrowed brow: Reflects worry or tension.

Knowing these signs will help you identify when your dog is uncomfortable and needs your support.

3. Curious dogs: What got their attention?

A dog that is curious will show this by tilting his head from side to side, raising a front paw or closing his mouth. This behaviour is typical when something has caught his interest, and is an invitation for you to explore the new stimulus with him.

4. How do I know if my dog is happy?

When a dog is happy, he shows it very clearly. Look for the following signs:

• Mouth half-open and tongue relaxed.
• Quick wags of the tail or rear end.
• Jumping up and down and wanting to play, trying to get your attention.

A happy dog is a healthy dog, so be encouraged to share fun times with him.

5. The secret of the tail wagging 🐾.

A study by the University of Trento, published in Current Biology Journal, revealed something fascinating: dogs wag their tails to the right when they see someone they like, and to the left when they meet a stranger.

Which way does your dog wag its tail when it sees you? 👀

Dog education

To learn more about how to better understand your dog and strengthen your bond, we recommend you read this article on how to educate your dog. Education is the key to a balanced and happy coexistence.