Just like with humans, not all dogs are naturally good communicators. Early socialization can help a young dog develop good communication skills. Credit: redstallion | Getty Images
Watch two dogs interacting at a dog park and you might not think much of it; a quick sniff, a wagging tail and they’re off! What you’re actually seeing, though, is a sophisticated exchange of information happening across multiple channels at the same time. Dogs communicate through body language, facial expressions, vocalizations, and scent and they do it constantly; with each other, with us, and with the environment around them.
Understanding how dogs communicate with each other doesn’t just make you a more informed caregiver. It helps make you a better advocate for your dog, as you can better recognize when an interaction is going well, when it isn’t, and when it’s time to intervene.
Dog Body Language: The Primary Channel
The position of a dog’s body, the way they hold their tail, the angle of their ears, and the fluidity of their movement all carry meaning. Experienced dogs read these signals in real time, making constant adjustments in response. Let’s look at some different aspects of body language and what they mean:
- Posture and movement—A dog who is confident and comfortable will carry themselves in a relaxed and fluid way with their weight evenly distributed and their movement loose and free. Whereas an assertive or aroused dog might shift their weight forward and stand tall, making themselves appear larger. A dog who is unsure will do the opposite and lower their body, shifting their weight backwards or even roll onto their side to signal they pose no threat.
Dogs will often bow to indicate they want to play—or to remind other dogs that they’re only playing if the game starts to get too intense. Credit: Photos by R A Kearton | Getty Images
- The play bow—Front end down, rear end up is a universally understood signal in the canine behavioral repertoire. It’s an invitation to play and also serves as a reset when play becomes too intense.
- Tail position and movement—A tail held high and wagging rapidly signals arousal and confidence. But a wagging tail doesn’t always mean friendly. A tail held low or tucked is a sign of fear or uncertainty. Research has discovered that a loose, mid-height, loping tail wag is usually a good sign. The direction also matters! A tail wagged to the right is associated with positive emotional states whereas a left bias tail wag is associated with negative emotional states and dogs appear to detect this as well.
- Ear position—Ears carried forward signal alertness or interest whereas ears flattened against the head show fear, appeasement, or submission. Ears that are held slightly back or loosely to the side indicate a relaxed dog. Ear position does vary depending on morphology (floppy ears vs. pricked ears).
Dog Calming Signals
Calming signals are a specific category of dog body language first described by Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas. These are behaviors used to communicate peaceful intent and to de-escalate tension. They include yawning, lip-licking, turning the head or body away, blinking slowly, sniffing the ground, and moving in an arc rather than a straight line towards another dog.
Calming signals are not random behaviors. They’re intentional communication and signal the dog is not a threat or that they are uncomfortable. When another dog responds to calming signals appropriately by softening their own body language or redirecting their approach, the interaction typically stays safe. If calming signals are ignored, tension can easily escalate.
Understanding Dog Facial Expressions
A tight, closed mouth and ears held forward often indicate that a dog is concentrating hard or paying close attention to their environment. Credit: EyeWolf | Getty Images
Dogs have surprisingly expressive faces, especially their eyes. Soft eyes (relaxed, slightly squinting) signal comfort and relaxation. Whereas a hard stare where the whites of the eyes are visible (also called “whale eye”) is a warning. It’s one of the clearest signs a dog is feeling threatened.
The mouth also tells a story. A relaxed, slightly open mouth with a lolling tongue shows a dog is calm and comfortable. A tight, closed mouth is a sign of a dog who is concentrating or assessing the environment. The submissive grin where the lips are pulled back is frequently misread as aggression however in reality it’s appeasement.
Interpreting Dog Vocalizations
Dogs can vocalize in a few different ways and each means something different:
- Barking is highly context dependent and can signal everything from alarm (sharp and rapid) to a desire to play (intermittent and high pitched).
- Growling is communication, not aggression. A dog who growls is saying they are uncomfortable and need space. Punishing a growl doesn’t resolve the discomfort and can teach the dog to skip the warning and go straight to a bite instead.
- Whining signals distress, frustration, or the desire for attention.
- Howling is typically a response to sounds such as a siren or other dogs howling. Some dogs might howl when experiencing separation from their caregiver.
How Dogs Use Scent to Communicate
Dogs can learn a lot about each other through scent, which is one of the reasons they often greet each other nose to rear. Credit: Alexandre Morin-Laprise | Getty Images
Dogs experience their world primarily through their sense of smell. Accordingly, a significant portion of their communication happens through scent.
