The Body Language of Dogs

by Alon Geva
Copyrighted Alon Geva, 2002

Reading the universal language of canine body postures is essential to the safe handling of dogs. By observing a dog's eyes, body, mouth and tail, we can predict a great deal about behavior. This is especially important when a dog may bite.

Remember, be one step ahead of the dog.

Relaxed Ears: Neutral, relaxed Eyes: Soft Body: May be reclining Mouth: May be open or closed Tail: relaxed Behavior: Normal panting, restful

Dominant Ears: Up, erect and pointing forward Eyes: Makes direct eye contact Body: Aloof, stiff, chest out, confident Mouth: Corner may be forward, teeth bared Nose: May be wrinkled Tail: Up, tip may wag slightly Hackles: May be up or down Behavior: May growl, may lift leg and mark

Dominant & Fearful Ears: Back or flat against head Eyes: Wide open with whites showing, pupils may be dilated Body: Chest may be out Mouth: Corner may be back, teeth bared Nose: May be wrinkled Tail: May be up, may be lowered or tucked when approached Hackles: May be up or down Behavior: May growl, may show panic or urinate

Passive Fear-Biter Ears: Back or flat against head Eyes: Avoids direct eye contact, whites showing Body: Slinking posture Mouth: Can change from tightly shut (passive) to teeth bared (active) Nose: May be wrinkled Tail: Tucked between legs Hackles: May be up or down Behavior: May growl, may snap, may show panic or urinate

Active Fear-Biter Same as Passive Fear-Biter Mouth: Can change from tightly shut (passive) to teeth bared (active)

Territorial Aggressor Ears: Back or flat against head, or forward Eyes: Makes direct eye contact Body: Stiff, hovers over object Mouth: Corner may be forward, teeth bared Nose: May be wrinkled Tail: Up, tip may wag slightly Hackles: May be up or down Behavior: May growl or deep bark when approached

Submissive Ears: Back or flat against the head Eyes: Avoids direct eye contact Body: Lowered, groveling or rolling, exposing genitals Mouth: Corner pulled back, submissive grin Tail: Tucked between legs or flat against abdomen Behavior: Licks lips or nose, may urinate

Playful Ears: Up or down Eyes: May make direct eye contact Body: Prancing, paws may be forward, playful Mouth: May be open or closed Tail: Up and wagging Behavior: May growl or bark to solicit play, may mouth

Alert Ears: Up or forward Eyes: Makes direct eye contact Body: Leans forward, stands tall Mouth: Closed but relaxed Tail: Up or neutral Hackles: May be up or down Behavior: Attentive, focused, poised