Glossary

Dog body language

The postures, faces and movements dogs use to communicate feelings and intentions without sound.

Also called: reading dogs, canine communication, dog communication, dog posture signals

Dogs communicate largely through the body: ears, eyes, mouth, tail, posture and movement. A loose, wiggly body with soft eyes and an open mouth suggests friendliness. A stiff body, hard stare, closed mouth and high, rigid tail suggest tension. A cowering posture, tucked tail and ears back suggest fear.

No single signal tells the whole story. A wagging tail can accompany friendly or hostile moods, so trainers read the whole animal in its situation, noting what changed and how fast.

Breed shapes can hide signals: short tails, folded ears, heavy coats and facial wrinkles make some dogs harder to read. Learning body language helps owners spot discomfort early and helps children and visitors stay safe, but it is not a way to predict any single dog's behavior with certainty.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Tail wagging A dog's tail movement, which signals arousal and emotion but does not mean a dog is friendly. Stress signals Small changes in behavior, such as panting without heat, yawning, shaking off or a tucked tail, that show a dog is uneasy. Play bow A posture in which a dog lowers its front legs and chest while keeping its rear up, signalling an invitation to play. Piloerection The raising of the hair along a dog's neck, shoulders and back, a sign of strong arousal rather than automatic aggression.