Dogs are no less than our family. They do not speak the human language, but they do know how to communicate. Every gesture, movement of the paw, nudge by the nose, or simply their expressions.
Those speak volumes, perfectly conveying what they want you to know or understand. Not without using words. And how do they do this? Well, there can be fervent wagging of the tail, which indicates excitement or uncertainty.
The ears can be pricked up when they’re alert or fearful. The position of their bodies can indicate either tension or a state of relaxation. And, then, of course, there are vocalizations such as barking or whining.
Dogs sometimes also communicate through bringing forth objects, playing bowling, leaning over, rubbing against you, and even yawning.
Now, we are going to take a more detailed look at the non-verbal cues:
1. Tail Wagging
As said in the intro, a dog wagging its tail can signify excitement or happiness. A rapid shake of the tail symbolizes either of the two.
On the other hand, a low, slower wag usually indicates fear or even uncertainty. It means that your dog is trying to ‘test the waters’ before going ahead with something.
2. Ear Position
The ears are a huge indicator of a dog’s mood. If you find that they are perked up, then it indicates alertness. It may also signal curiosity.
On the other hand, flattened ears can signal submission or fear. It can also be indicative of a depressed or distressed mind. Take your dog to a trainer or a vet if this happens often.
3. Body Posture
Dogs change their body postures according to their moods. If your dog is sitting with its muscles relaxed, then it signifies that it is calm. On the other hand, a stiff, tense body can indicate aggression or anxiety.
So, if you see your dog standing in a stiff, hair-standing-on-its-back manner, then you should know that something is wrong.
4. Eye Contact
This can confuse some folks. Prolonged and direct eye contact can indeed be a sign of affection. However, very intense staring is a different story altogether.
This can also be taken as posing a challenge or a sign of aggression. Dogs usually display this sort of behavior when they feel threatened, mostly towards strangers or other dogs.
5. Vocalizations
It’s a no-brainer that dogs, like all other animals, express themselves through sounds. A dog’s bark can be very varied. They can sound different when it comes to pitch and intensity.
Sometimes, high-pitched barks sound welcoming. They can also be aggressive, depending on how the dog is standing or whether its tail is wagging or still. On the other hand, low growls most often indicate aggression or fear. Whining can also signal a range of emotions, from distress to excitement.
6. Play Bowing
You must have noticed that a dog ‘bows’ sometimes. It lowers its head while keeping its rear end up. It can be compared to human bowing.
It can be a playful invitation for its master to cuddle or engage in a game of some sort. This one signifies a happy dog.
7. Bringing random objects as ‘gifts’
Dogs often walk the long mile to display affection towards their owners. And one of the most common gestures is bringing you ‘gifts.’
A dog can sometimes bring you a toy or an item. This can be a way of asking for cuddles or a game. It can also mean that they want to share something they enjoy.
8. Leaning against you
Like humans, dogs initiate physical touch to show that they love you. Leaning against you, therefore, can be a sign of affection.
It can also signal a desire for more physical closeness with its owner. Typically, your dog is displaying a need for reassurance and emotional comfort by displaying such signals.
9. Yawning and Lip Licking
If your dog is repeatedly yawning and licking its lips, then it can be indicative of boredom. It can also be a displacement behavior, which can indicate some amount of discomfort or stress.
When dogs are stressed or anxious about something, they resort to these actions to calm their nerves. A change in residence or the owner’s long periods of absence can trigger such behaviors.
10. Freezing
Dogs can freeze when confronted by a potential threat. A sudden stillness in dogs sends the signal that something is wrong. This freezing, often accompanied by a tense body, can signal caution, fear, or a potential threat.
You should pay very close attention to your surroundings when this happens. If possible, try to detect the source of this behavior and eliminate it from your surroundings.
Conclusion
These were the most common signs of your dog trying to ‘tell’ you something. It can be something related to their feelings and moods or even your safety and surroundings.
If you’re a good dog parent, then you should try to understand and decode what each of these signs means. They could range from a wide variety of things, from sadness to depression, or just a very healthy, happy dog.
Some of these behaviors can set off alarm signals and indicate that a change is needed. So, never ignore any negative body language from your dog.
Do you have any incidents to share about your dog’s nonverbal communication with you? If yes, send us some tales to enjoy along with other readers. Your stories matter to us greatly. We look forward to hearing from you.
