Certain actions can have completely different meanings so with all doggy body language, it is important to take into account the circumstances of what is going on in that moment to correctly interpret the body language.  Is the dog experiencing fear, excitement, happiness, confusion?  Taking these factors into account will help you to better understand what your dog’s body language is telling you.

Tail wagging

More often than not when you see a dog wagging its tail, this is a sign that the dog is happy and relaxed however there are different types of tail wagging.  A dog in aggressive mode may also wag its tail but it will be quite different – moving side to side in a stiff manner.  People have often been bitten as they misread the meaning of the dog wagging its tail.  When you meet a new dog for the first time, do not engage in eye contact or approach the dog.  Leave it the space and time to approach you.  This way it will not feel threatened and its curiosity will lead it to approach you.  Remember, let the dog sniff you, this is how it greets all other dogs.

Sniffing

A dogs sense of smell is approximately 40 times stronger than that of a human and sometimes even more so.  This is the first sense that develops as a puppy matures.  When dogs sniff each other’s behind it is their way of saying hello and assessing if another dog is friend or foe.  You should allow your dog to do this but make sure you approach the other dog sideways and not head-on as this can be confrontational.

Barking

Barking is a natural behaviour for dogs and in nature is often used to sound the alarm.  This trait is often an advantage to humans who rely on their dog to act as a guard dog.  However excessive barking can be a nuisance to dog owners and their neighbours and can be a sign or boredom or due to lack of exercise.  Try letting your dog know that you have heard the alert and investigated it.  If this does not stop the barking, you may need to increase the level of exercise your dog gets on a daily basis.

Biting

Both nervous aggressive dogs (who feel they are under threat) and dominant aggressive dogs, when provoked can resort to biting which is a very dangerous behaviour.  A puppy that is allowed to growl and snap at its owner to protect its food and toys (although this might seem cheeky and cute at the time) may progress to displaying this serious behaviour in later life.  It is vital that this is not allowed to occur and one of the best ways to avoid this is to establish yourself as ‘Pack Leader’ from very early on.

Faeces eating

It is natural for a mother dog to eat its puppies droppings to keep the sleeping area clean, however if your dog is eating its faeces it is possibly due to an inadequate diet (see our doggy diet tips) or it is an attention seeking behaviour.  Try to scoop the poop immediately when your dog does its ‘business’ or try sprinkling something strong and unpleasant such as vinegar, pepper or Tabasco on it.

Territory Marking

Wolves and wild dogs rigorously mark (urinate and defecate) and defend their territory in the wild and this instinct has been passed down to the domestic dogs.   Your dog may also accompany this action with scratching the ground with its hind legs.  Whilst this is natural, if your dog continuously pulls you to let it mark every single tree or lamp post on your daily walk, it is trying to exercise dominance.  As a rule of thumb, try to reduce this to two or three pit-stops.

Burying/Digging

Burying and digging are traits inherited from your dog’s ancestors – the wolf.  Wolves would dig to create a den and also to forage for food and to bury leftovers in order to store them for times when food was scarce.  Certain breeds have been encouraged to perfect this trait, such as terriers and Chihuahuas who were used to seek out and kill rats and other rodents.

If your dog is prone to digging, it may be a good idea to provide a designated place for it to carry out this natural instinct such as a sandpit.  Using the Positive Reinforcement technique, your dog will soon come to love its new ‘digging area’ and hopefully leave those spring bulbs you’ve just planted in place!

Separation Anxiety

In the wild, dogs spend pretty much all of the time surrounded by their pack so it is natural for your dog to feel anxious when separated from you.  It may whine, bark excessively or scratch your newly painted doors as a result of this anxiety.  To combat this, make sure that your dog is using its pent up energy positively by getting sufficient exercise and when you do leave the house, do not make a fuss.  Do not look at, talk to or touch your dog as it will sense your guilt as you leave it behind (remember the 6^th sense) and become anxious.  Make sure all members of your household adhere to this.

Panting

Surprisingly, most dogs do not sweat (apart from a small area on the pads of their feet), therefore they need to regulate their temperature by panting.  It is very important to ensure that your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially during summer.  Also make sure that your dog has access to a shaded area outside at all times.

Bum-dragging

Although this may be a source of amusement for you and your household, it is important to understand that there may be a medical reason why your dog is displaying this type of behaviour.  It may be due to impacted anal sacs or an allergy or a tapeworm infestation.  Make sure your dog is regularly wormed and if the problem persists, you should consult with your vet on this issue.

Licking – Face and Nose

Licking the face of another dog or human is an instinct inherited from its ancestor, the wolf.  When the mother returned from a hunting expedition, the puppies would like the mothers face in an effort to encourage her to regurgitate food.  Although your dog may not actually expect this outcome from you, it is important to understand where it originated from

When a dog repeatedly licks its nose, this can be a sign or anxiousness.  By doing this the dog is trying to calm itself when it is assessing a new situation or a person it hasn’t met before.  Be aware of other body language that may be aggressive as licking its nose in these circumstances (when the dog feels threatened) may be a sign that the dog is preparing to challenge and/or bite.

Taking a bow

When you see a dog greet another dog by bending down, stretching out its front paws, in doggy language this is an invitation to play/chase.  The dog will remain in this position until the offer to play is accepted by the other party.  Dogs will also perform this action when inviting its owner to play/chase with it.  In other situations where a dog feels threatened this bending down action may be a sign that the dog is about to attack – as with all doggy body language, it is important to take into account the circumstances of what is going on in that moment to correctly interpret the body language.

Jumping Up

Generally a dog jumping up can mean one of two things; either it is attempting to exert dominance on you – or it is desperately trying to communicate that it is anxious or confused.  Humans have often misinterpreted this behaviour for friendliness or happiness.  In any case this behaviour should be remedied straight away as it can be a danger when children are involved.  Using the Positive Reinforcement technique will put a stop to this behaviour.

Yawning

Although this is normally a sign that your dog is tired, dogs also yawn to alleviate stress.  Like with humans, it produces a calming effect by increasing the heart rate and increasing the flow of blood, pumping oxygen around the body and to the head.

Leaning

You may think that your dog is cuddling up to you and showing love by leaning its body into you, but in fact this is a sign of dominance.  As with its toys, your dog could be trying to ‘claim’ you.  You should correct this behaviour and give affection only when ‘you’ choose to give it.

Raised Hackles

Hackles are the hairs on the back of a dog's neck which stand up when it is angry or frightened.  If it is standing erect and making eye contact this is threatening behaviour.  If it is cowering low to the ground your dog is afraid.