Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language
Dogs can’t tell us how they’re feeling with words, but they’re always communicating. From the way they hold their ears to how they move their tail, every gesture tells a story. Paying close attention to these subtle signals helps me keep each dog safe, comfortable, and happy. Whether your pup is nervous, playful, or unsure, understanding their body language is one of the best ways to support them.
How to recognize signs of stress, comfort, and communication in your dog’s behavior
Every dog has a voice, and most of the time, it speaks through body language. At Cammino Canino, I pay close attention to how each dog communicates with their body, because it helps me understand how they’re feeling — and how to respond appropriately.
Whether your dog is playing, feeling unsure, or setting boundaries, learning to read their body language is one of the most valuable things you can do as an owner.
Why Body Language Matters
Dogs are constantly giving us feedback with their posture, facial expressions, and movements. This becomes especially important in a group setting or during transitions like drop-offs and pick-ups. Recognizing early signs of stress or overstimulation allows us to intervene gently and avoid conflict.
Understanding what your dog is trying to say also builds trust and strengthens your bond.
Common Signs of Stress
A stressed dog is not always vocal or dramatic. Often, they are quiet and withdrawn. Catching these early signs allows us to give them space, comfort, or redirect their focus before the stress escalates. Here are some common signals to look for:
Yawning (outside of sleepy times)
Lip licking or nose licking
Turning the head or body away
Shaking off (like after a bath)
Whale eye (seeing the whites of their eyes)
Tail tucked under or held low
Pacing or restlessness
Refusing food or treats
Signs of Relaxation and Play
It’s important to know that play can look wild, especially between dogs. Monitor for healthy play by watching for breaks, role reversals, and mutual engagement. If one dog is always chasing and the other is trying to escape, it’s time to step in. A relaxed dog will have a loose body and soft eyes. Here are some common signals to look for:
Wagging tail with relaxed hips
Open mouth with a “smiling” look
Play bow (front legs stretched out, rear end up)
Wiggly, bouncy movements
Happy vocalizations or short barks during play
Signs of Tension or Aggression
If a dog shows these behaviors, the goal is not punishment. It’s to create safety by separating, calming, and reducing whatever caused the discomfort. Not all tension leads to aggression, but here are some signs to take seriously:
Stiff, frozen posture
Tail held high and stiff
Ears pinned forward or back
Hard staring or fixed gaze
Growling or deep barking
Raised hackles (fur along the spine)
Snapping or lunging
Final Thoughts
Body language is how dogs talk to us. Learning to interpret it takes time, but it opens the door to a more respectful and connected relationship with your pet. If you’re ever unsure about a behavior, feel free to ask. I’m always happy to share what I see and help you better understand what your dog may be feeling.