Why Is It Important To Understand Your Dog’s Body Language?

One of the most important ways your dog will try to communicate with you and tell you how they feel is through their body language (body posture, facial expressions and tail wags). Those goofy head tilts, radar-like ear swivels, and silly butt wiggles along with other body posture and vocals can help clue you in to how your pup is feeling, and what their intentions are in different situations.

Learning the basics of dog body language and “doggie culture” not only makes you look like a dog whisperer extraordinaire in front of your friends, but it helps you become a better pet parent in general by:

• Better understanding your dog’s emotions and intentions.
• Recognizing warning signs of stress, anxiety, fear, or aggression.
• Reducing incidents of dog bites or attacks.
• Strengthening bonds with your pup.
• Learning how to navigate situations and predict future behaviors.
• Avoiding miscommunications and misunderstandings.

Respect Your Dog’s Boundaries!

This is so important that we’re giving it its own section. You need to respect your dog’s boundaries when they’re giving clear indicators that they’re not comfortable!

For example, don’t force your dog to take dozens of selfies with you if you notice they keep holding their ears back and pulling away from hugs. Many dogs feel uncomfortable with hugging. Don’t let kids chase after your dog, pull on their body parts or climb on them ever, but especially when they’re holding their ears back, hunkering down, running away, or growling.

Dogs deserve the chance to be heard when they say they’re uncomfortable! And don’t force your dog to meet (be petted by, sniff the hand of, or take a treat from) people they are not willingly/voluntarily approaching. It will not make them okay with the new person. It will make it worse.