Tail-wagger (The best friend of Man)

Understanding a dog's body language is crucial for developing a strong and trustworthy bond with your beloved pet. Dogs are genuine in their emotions and will always try to communicate how they feel. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to familiarise yourself with their communication cues and be attentive to any signals that indicate their emotional state and overall comfort. you will gain valuable insights on interpreting canine body language, enabling you to better comprehend your four-legged companion and become a responsible advocate and caregiver.

Wagging tail of dog

The wagging tail of a dog is often misunderstood by humans. Many of us are conditioned to believe that a wagging tail signifies happiness. However, this is not always the case. A wagging tail simply indicates that a dog is emotionally aroused, which could be due to excitement, frustration, or negative feelings. To accurately interpret a dog's emotions and intentions, it is important to observe the speed and position of the tail in relation to the ground. Excited dogs tend to hold their tails higher than usual and wag them rapidly from side to side, often accompanied by wiggling their hips. On the other hand, uncertain or nervous dogs also wag their tails, but at a slower and more steady pace, with the tail slightly lower than its neutral position. It is crucial to consider the overall looseness or tightness of the dog's body to determine whether the tail wagging is an expression of happiness or nervousness.

A tucked tail

A tucked tail, where the tail is positioned between the dog's legs, is an unmistakable sign of fear, discomfort, or pain. Dogs often tuck their tails between their legs when they encounter something or someone that terrifies them. If your pet frequently tucks their tail without any apparent reasons for concern, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

Paw on your knee or hand

When a dog places their paw on you, it is their way of expressing affection and love. Just as we stroke our furry friends to show our love, their act of putting a paw on you extends contact and reciprocates affection. It is a heartwarming gesture that reinforces the bond between you and your pet.

Avoiding make eye contact

Avoiding eye contact is a behavior commonly exhibited by dogs feeling fearful or intimidated. They may avert their gaze when scolded or when encountering a dominant or aggressive dog. If your dog turns their head away or deliberately avoids looking at you or anything that upsets them, it is a clear indication of their discomfort. Squinting their eyes is a way for dogs to convey peaceful intentions. When a dog squints their eyes while looking at you, it is their way of expressing love and a desire for your attention. Squinted eyes also demonstrate their disinterest in rough play or any hint of aggression. However, if your dog squints excessively, it may indicate discomfort or pain, and seeking veterinary advice is recommended.

Head tilting

Head tilting is a behavior that helps many dogs hear better. By rotating their ears or their entire head, dogs can triangulate the source of a sound, allowing them to perceive it more clearly. Sometimes, dogs tilt their heads to align their ears with the direction of your voice, enabling them to focus more attentively on your words. Dogs lick humans for various reasons. It could be a display of affection and love, a way to groom you as a sign of care, or simply the enjoyment of the taste of your skin, especially if there is residue from a delicious treat.

Standing straight up ears

When a dog's ears are standing straight up or inclined forward, it signifies their heightened attention to something. This behavior is particularly noticeable in dogs with upright or floppy ears. Such alertness indicates their focus on a specific stimulus or situation.