Dogs cannot tell us how they feel in words, but they communicate all day with their bodies. Learning to read these signals helps you spot stress early and build trust.
Look at the whole dog
No single signal tells the full story. Consider the tail, ears, eyes, mouth, posture and the situation together.
A relaxed, comfortable dog
- Soft eyes and a loose, open mouth
- Wiggly body and a gently wagging tail
- Ears in their natural position
- Smooth, easy movement
Signs of stress or unease
- Lip licking, yawning when not tired, or turning the head away
- Showing the whites of the eyes (sometimes called whale eye)
- Tucked tail, flattened ears, or a stiff, still body
- Panting when it is not hot, or pacing
- Shaking off as if wet when they are not
A wagging tail does not always mean happy
A loose, sweeping wag with a wiggly body usually shows friendliness. A high, stiff, fast wag can signal arousal or tension. Context matters.
The play bow
Front legs stretched forward with the rear end up is an invitation to play. It is a friendly signal.
What to do when your dog looks uncomfortable
- Give them space and remove the stressor if you can.
- Do not punish warning signals such as growling. A growl is communication, and punishing it can remove an important warning.
- Speak with your vet or a qualified positive-reinforcement trainer if the behaviour continues.
This article is general information and not veterinary or behavioural advice.