Some dog speak is easy to translate, like a tail wag so big that it wiggles your dog’s entire hind end, or the elbows down, rump up posture of a play bow. But much of our dog’s body language can be fleeting and hard to decode, which can lead to misunderstandings.
The following are a few subtle dog behavior translations that can help keep the lines of communication open between you and your dog and prevent any misunderstandings among other dogs.
Shaking Off = ‘You’re Coming on Too Strong’
Ever notice that your dog shakes off like he’s wet after you give him a big hug? This easily-missed bit of dog speak can be a signal that your dog is feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Shaking off is a way for dogs to hit the reset button, so when your dog does it, give him some space.
Panting = ‘I’m Nervous’
You load your dog into the car on a cool fall day, and even though it’s sweater weather, he immediately starts panting. Sudden huffing and puffing without a temperature change or increase in physical activity usually means that your dog is feeling nervous about something. The reverse can be true as well—when a dog suddenly stops panting, he’s likely processing something in the environment that he’s unsure about.
Yawning = ‘Could You Quit It?’
Ever notice that your dog yawns when you get close to his face to take a photo? He’s not having a diva moment, he’s actually trying to tell you that he’s not loving the paparazzi. Yawning is a subtle way that dogs can communicate discomfort or stress. That said, you should always look at the context surrounding a dog yawn—if it’s the end of the day and your dog yawns, he’s probably tired. If he does it when you’re trying to squeeze him into a jacket, he’s telling you that he’s not having fun.
Sniffing the Ground = ‘Please Slow Down’
Your dog is at the park and spots another dog barreling towards him. He turns to the side as the other dog gets closer and starts sniffing the ground. Though it may look like he discovered a stash of rabbit poo, he’s actually signaling that the running dog needs to chill out. Sniffing the ground can also be a displacement behavior when your pup is conflicted about what to do next, like when a stranger in a hat is approaching you. As with all dog speak, take in your dog’s entire body and surrounding circumstances to help to decode what he’s saying to you.
The Wiggles = ‘Let’s Hang’
You spot your friend and her dog having coffee at a café, and when you get close the dog walks toward you with a wiggly, tail wagging “crab walk” with his body in a U-shape. This dog is telling you that he’s excited to see you and is interested in getting closer. However, even though all signs point to “yes,” let the dog approach you at his own pace and allow him to check you out before starting a petting session.