Why learn dog body language at all? Dogs generally prefer to communicate non-verbally,
reserving noise making for particular moments (such as when the mailman is apparently
aggressing). This indicates that learning to read our dog’s visual cues will help us know what
they want, how they feel, or help us anticipate what they may do next, which assists us in our
cause to Do No Harm & meet their needs so we can eventually live a comfortable life together.
Here’s a short video showing an overview of the many ways dogs use their bodies to
This is an interactive guide to learning dog body language.
Lili Chin’s illustrations can be seen all over the internet, on her website, as well as in her
gorgeous book Doggie Language.
Most people don't realize that dog body language can vary depending on breed, genetics, and experiences. Just think about how different a docked tail looks when compared to a natural tail, or droopy ears versus upright ones. Or how different a long-backed dog looks doing just about anything. Watching your own dog and any others you meet will help you become better at hearing and what they're trying to communicate with you, your family, friends, and even other dogs they meet.
Think a wagging tail means a dog is happy or friendly? (Hint: Have you ever heard of a malicious smile?) Read here to get an answer.
Is growling bad? Are there “bad” forms of communication?
As strange as it sounds, we prefer a dog who growls at us to a silent one. This means that they’re communicating their discomfort and giving us a chance to change what we are doing to avoid a bite. It’s important to not punish a dog for growling. Warning signs are simply communication, and while they may be saying things we don’t want to hear, communication in itself is always worthwhile. If we punish a dog for growling, we’re teaching them to not bother to communicate with us. We aren’t changing the underlying emotional state or teaching them a more appropriate or desirable behavior for our interactions. It’s like taking the batteries out of a smoke alarm; the fire can still start you just won’t know about it. This is how to accidentally set up a dog for “unpredictable” bites.
Additionally, we should respect a dog when they say they are uncomfortable. The American Society of Veterinary Behavior released a position statement about punishment in relation to behavior modification that is worth the read and a share with anyone that interacts with your dog. Understanding why dogs growl is a vital part of understanding dog communication, and learning to read dog body language helps us create safer, more compassionate relationships with our pets.
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