Misunderstood Canine Communication & Body Language

By Norma Jeanne Laurette ​

Introduction

​Dogs communicate primarily through body language, facial expressions and vocalizations, and when we learn to read these signals, understanding dogs can become almost effortless. However, even experienced guardians and trainers sometimes get it wrong. The truth is that canine communication can be extremely subtle, and recognizing these nuances is essential for a strong relationship with our dogs based on accurate understanding (R1).

Dogs use their entire bodies to communicate – their ears, eyes, mouth, face, nose, paws, body, movement, tail and vocal signals all work together. For example, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean the dog is happy in fact, dogs with wagging tails have bitten many people and some dogs will wag their tails right up to the bite. The wag can indicate many different things depending on the type of wag, situation, and what the rest of the body is saying. The key is to read the whole dog, not just one signal and even then, interpretation isn’t always easy (R3). Dogs have evolved into subtle communicators and the same behaviour can mean many different things depending on context.

Context & Observation

Dogs don’t communicate in single signals, they communicate in clusters. A yawning dog with a loose body and soft eyes is relaxed. The same yawn paired with a tense body and avoidance indicates stress. Context is everything and so is the individual dog as no two dogs communicate exactly the same (R3). Personality, genetics, breed tendencies and life experience all shape how each dog communicates. Some dogs are subtle, while are others expressive but the more you observe, the clearer each individual dog’s communication style becomes. To accurately read and understand what a dog is communicating, you need to look at the entire dog, what each part of the body is saying, and put it into context with the dog’s history and current environment.

Multiple Meaning Communications

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​EARS 
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Note: Ear carriage varies widely depending on whether the dog has floppy or erect ears. 

Ears Pinned Back
Fear, appeasement, uncertainty, stress, pain, nausea
Note: Loose signals indicate appeasement/submission, while tight/flat indicate fear or discomfort (R13).

Ears Forward
Alertness, curiosity, arousal, potential concern, intense focus, predatory – Note: Very stiff/tense ears along with a rigid body indicates high arousal, threat or predatory/aggressive intent. (R13).

EYES 

Whale Eye (White Showing)
Excitement, anxiety, resource guarding, discomfort with proximity, tracking movement, looking sideways while keeping the head still (R2) (R4)

Dilated Pupils
Fear, stress, arousal

Breaking Eye Contact
Fear, calming signal, avoiding conflict, distracted, de-escalation strategy (R7)

Hard Stare
Threat, guarding, intent to control space, escalation warning, predatory fixation (R26)

Soft Eyes, Squinty, Almond Shaped
Relaxation, comfort, friendly intent, low arousal (R26)

Rapid Blinking
Uncertainty, calming signal, appeasement, eye irritation, fatigue (R26)

Hyper-Vigilant Scanning
Anxiety, environmental sensitivity, anticipation, pain-driven vigilance, neurological sensitivity (R14)

MOUTH / FACE 

Yawning
Relaxation, anticipation, calming signal, displacement behaviour, stress, oxygen regulation, fatigue (R5)

Lip Licking
Grooming, social appeasement, displacement behaviour, stress, nausea, oral discomfort (R5)

Relaxed Open Mouth & Tongue
Relaxed, comfortable (R6)

Closed Mouth (Sudden Stillness)
Tension, focus, assessment of a situation (R14)

Tight Facial Muscles
Stress, discomfort, emotional restraint (R13)

Smiling (Submissive Grin)
Appeasement, social deference, friendly intent – Note: sometimes misread as happy when the dog is tense (R18).

Mouthing (Hard)
Over-arousal, frustration, reduced impulse control, overstimulation (R17)

Mouthing (Gentle)
Play, exploration, social interaction, over-arousal, self-regulation during excitement, frustration (R17)

Panting (Not Heat-Related)
Excitement, contentment, joy, overstimulation, stress, anxiety, discomfort, pain, nausea, fever, breed-related baseline, hormonal influences, metabolic conditions, cognitive stress or confusion (older dogs), conditioned, medication side effects, cardiac/respiratory issues (R29)

Teeth Chattering
Arousal, excitement, anticipation, scent processing, response to cold, dental/jaw issues (R29)

Nooking (Sucking On Soft Objects)
Self-soothing, emotional regulation, common with dogs weaned too early (R33)

Air Snapping
Play, over-arousal, frustration, displacement behaviour, excitement, stress, neurological irritation, compulsion

NOSE 

Sniffing The Ground
Distraction, curiosity, calming signal, displacement behaviour (R7)

Sneezing
Nasal irritation, excitement, a social signal that interaction is friendly and non-threatening, play interruption signal (R11)

Reverse Sneezing
Excitement, sudden temperature drop, rapid emotional arousal, nasal irritation, post nasal drip, allergies, anatomical sensitivity, assorted medical causes (R11)

Snorting (In Or Out)
Nasal or airway irritation or sensitivity, excitement, contentment, frustration (R12)

Nose Bump
Investigatory, attention-getting, excitement, frustration, resource guarding, boundary testing, warning of escalation to aggression  (R34)

Thumping (Quick Exhales)
Arousal, heightened interest, investigative focus, anticipation, alertness, mild frustration, displacement behaviour (R33)

PAWS 

Paws Curl Under Then Release
Comfort-seeking, relaxation, mild arousal shifts, anticipation of movement, breed tendency, habit, fatigue, possible physical discomfort, stiffness if frequent or asymmetrical (R23)
 
BODY / MOVEMENT 

Turning Away
Looking at something, distraction, avoidance, a polite way of reducing social pressure (R7)

Walking Away
Distraction, disengagement, regulating interaction (R7)

Shaking Off
Arousal reset following excitement, stress, or tension, emotional release, transition between states, often seen after play, social interaction, or mild stress (R6)

Play Bow
Stretching, invitation to play, pre-emptive conflict diffuser, sign of comfort (R6)

Full-Body Wiggle
Over-excitement, social enthusiasm, positive anticipation (R6)

Partial Rolling
Comfort, trust, play, submission (R6)

Paw Lifting
Focus, curiosity, anticipation, uncertainty (R5)

Blocking Or Standing In The Way
Control of space, social regulation, interruption of movement, uncertainty, anticipation (R17)

Leaning On Someone
Bonding, attention behaviour, social connection, anxiety (R6)

Leaning Away From A Person, Dog Or Stimulus
Discomfort, avoidance, uncertainty, fear, increasing distance from a person, dog, or stimulus without fully retreating, a subtle disengagement signal that can precede more obvious avoidance (R27)

Weight Shifting
Uncertainty, hesitation, fear, avoidance (R28)

Leaning Forward
Interest, confidence, potential pressure or challenge (R28)

Curved Body Posture
Social softness, calming signal, polite interaction (R28)

Low Crouch
Fear, anxiety, uncertainty, appeasement, dog is attempting to appear smaller or less threatening, often ready to retreat if required, can also be seen in cautious approach or when anticipating something unpleasant (R27)

Stiff Posture
Tension, alertness, possible escalation (R28)

Freezing
Uncertainty, fear, early warning to escalation when a dog feels threatened (R14)

Slow Movement  “Creeping”
Play, uncertainty, caution, fear, tracking scent, environmental investigation, predatory (R14)

Hackles Raised (Piloerection)
Involuntary arousal response, excitement, fear, uncertainty,  heightened emotional intensity (R15)

Averting Head While Approaching
Polite social behaviour, reducing perceived threat (R16)

Sitting Or Lying Down Mid-Interaction
Calming signal, disengagement, conflict avoidance (R16)

Excessive Scratching
(Without Itch)
Displacement behaviour, stress, internal conflict (R16)

Following Closely (Shadowing)
Attachment, curiosity, anticipation, learned reinforcement, anxiety (R17)

TAIL 

Tucked
Fear, anxiety, submission, insecurity, anticipation of threat, attempt to appear smaller, pain, illness (R27)

High, Stiff, Fast Wag
High arousal, alertness, assertive interest, potential tension or challenge (R27)

Slow, Low Wag
Uncertainty, cautious social engagement, appeasement, mild insecurity, assessing a situation or individual (R27)

Loose, Wide, Circular Wag
Friendly intent, social engagement, excitement – Note: when paired with loose body indicates relaxed/happy, when paired with tension indicates arousal or nervous excitement (R6)

Helicopter Wag (Full Circle)
Strong positive social intent, excitement, familiarity (R6)

Wagging More To The Right
Positive emotional state, approach-oriented, comfort or interest in the stimulus (R6)

Wagging More To The Left
Negative emotional state, withdrawal tendency, caution, anxiety or concern about the stimulus (R6)
 
VOCAL SIGNALS 

Barking
Play, excitement, attention getting, response to other dogs barking, alert barking, territorial, compulsive behaviour, boredom, loneliness, frustration, fear, medical or age-related    (R24)

Growling
 
Warning signal, discomfort, boundary setting, fear (R30)
 
Howling
Communication over distance, response to sound, social bonding (R30)

Whining
Excitement, distress, frustration, attention-getting, pain signalling (R5)

Sighing
Relaxation, postural relief, emotional release, sadness (R5)
 
CALMING SIGNALS 

Calming Signals – Subtle social behaviours used to reduce tension, avoid conflict or regulate interaction (in self or others). Turning head away, looking away, play bow, single paw lift, slow blinking, soften facial expression, turning body sideways, curved approach, slow movements, lowered body posture, sitting or lying down, sniffing the ground, splitting attention between stimulus and environment (R7)
 
DISPLACEMENT BEHAVIOURS 

Displacement Behaviours – Context-inappropriate behaviours caused by internal conflict, stress or arousal that are not directly related to the immediate situation. Shaking off (full body shake), suddenly sniffing the ground, freezing, panting when not hot, nose licking, chewing or mouthing objects, repetitive swallowing or gulping, sudden scratching, repeated yawning, excessive grooming, circling, pacing, suddenly sitting or lying down, sniffing the ground, sudden interest in irrelevant stimuli, freezing followed by abrupt and unrelated action, sudden scratching or biting (R7)

Micro-Communications

Slow Blink
Comfort, trust, relaxation, fatigue (R6)

Slight Weight Shifts
Polite social signalling (R7)

Brief Pauses During Play
Communication resets (R6)

Tiny Tongue Flicks
Calming signal (R7)

Ear Flicks
Attention shifts (R5)

Sudden Mouth Closing
Momentary focus (R5)

Micro-Pauses
Interaction regulation (R6)

Side-By-Side Positioning
Social ease, co-regulation (R7)

Head Tilts
Engagement, listening, sound localization (R6)

Gentle Nose Touches
Bonding (R7)

For More information about micro communications see my article entitled Micro-Expressions In Dogs.

Unique Attention Getting Behaviours

​Dogs are highly skilled at learning what elicits a response from their humans. Over time, they develop individual behaviours specifically aimed at gaining attention. These can include exaggerated sighs, grunts, snorts, sneezes or other vocalizations, as well as nudging, pawing, sudden bursts of movement or simply sitting in front of a person and tilting their head. Some dogs will also block pathways, position themselves between a person and an object (such as a phone, desk or doorway), or bring specific items to their guardian as an invitation for interaction or play.

Other attention-getting behaviours include light mouthing without pressure, restless pacing that increases in proximity to the person, or performing previously reinforced “trick” behaviours in rapid succession (known as behaviour chaining). In some cases, dogs use patterned vocalizations, such as short attention-barking sequences or time their behaviours to coincide with moments when their guardian is distracted or busy. These behaviours are shaped through reinforcement history and social responsiveness, reflecting a dog’s ability to adapt its behaviour to elicit predictable human responses (R21) (R22).

Some dogs develop unique and individualized ways of seeking interaction. These behaviours are not necessarily a bad thing, but instead reflect intelligence, learning ability and social awareness. Dogs quickly learn that humans tend to be responsive, and will use whatever works to get what they want. (R10). The key is distinguishing between communication, learned attention behaviours, and stress or pain-related behaviours in order to respond appropriately. Identifying attention behaviour is also important in training, when applying the resource control rule of ignoring all demands.

Summary

​Canine communication is complex, fluid and deeply contextual. By learning to read clusters of signals and recognizing individual quirks, we can increase our understanding of our dogs and their communications. Dogs don’t just communicate, they adapt their communication in their own unique way to their people, environment and circumstances. Teaching our dogs to understand our language is important however, learning to understand our dogs is vital to every aspect of their survival. When we learn to listen and understand what they are saying, we don’t just improve their behaviour, we build a stronger and healthier relationship.

References

​(R1) Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioural Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier. Comprehensive resource on canine behaviour, neurological conditions, and sleep disturbances.
(R2) Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behaviour Problems of the Dog and Cat. Saunders. Discusses normal canine sleep patterns and behavioural causes of sleep disruption.
(R3) Siegel, J. M. (2005). Clues to the functions of mammalian sleep. Nature, 437(7063), 1264–1271. Research explaining REM sleep and dream-related muscle activity.
(R4) Mignot, E., Tafti, M., Dement, W., & Grumet, F. (1995). Narcolepsy and immunity. Sleep, 18(9), 757–765. Describes genetic and neurological factors involved in narcolepsy in dogs and humans.
(R5) Mahowald, M. W., & Schenck, C. H. (2005). Insights from studying human sleep disorders applied to animal sleep behaviour. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 9(4), 251–267. Explains REM behaviour disorders and sleep movement disorders.
(R6) Hendricks, J. C. (1992). Brachycephalic airway syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 201(4), 609–612. Discusses sleep apnea and respiratory obstruction in short-nosed breeds.
(R7) Schenck, C. H., Mahowald, M. W. (2002). Insights into canine sleepwalking and parasomnias. Elsevier. Overview of non-REM sleepwalking in dogs and its presentation.
(R8) Howell, T. J., Bennett, P. C. (2011). Sleep behaviour and REM disorder in domestic dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 6(5), 279–285. Discusses REM sleep behaviour disorder and its manifestations.
(R9) Miller, L., & Hoffman, J. (2015). Distinguishing canine sleep disorders: sleepwalking vs. REM behaviour. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 45(4), 777–790. Compares sleepwalking and REM sleep disorders in dogs.
(R10) Medleau, L., & Hnilica, K. (2010). Small Animal Neurology. Elsevier. Overview of neurological sleep disorders in dogs.
(R11) Miller, M. W., & Dewey, C. W. (2001). Narcolepsy and cataplexy in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 15(2), 140–145. Clinical features and triggers of narcolepsy in dogs.
(R12) Dodman, N. H., & Shuster, L. (2000). Behavioural management of narcolepsy in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 30(2), 421–430. Strategies to reduce triggers and improve safety.
(R13) Rishniw, M., & Packer, R. M. (2013). Pharmacological management of narcolepsy in dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 54(12), 636–642. Review of medications used to control narcolepsy episodes.
(R14) Platt, S. R., & Olby, N. J. (2013). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology (4th ed.). British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Guidance on diagnosis, management, and treatment options for canine narcolepsy.
(R15) Schenck, C. H., Bundlie, S. R., Ettinger, M. G., & Mahowald, M. W. (1986). Chronic behavioural disorders of human REM sleep: a new category of parasomnia. Sleep, 9(2), 293–308. Study describing REM sleep behaviour disorders and treatment approaches.
(R16) Olson, E., & Smith, P. (2010). Management of sleep disorders in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(3), 565–576. Overview of medications used to treat RBD in dogs.
(R17) Miller, T., & Hart, B. (2015). Environmental and behavioural strategies for canine sleep disorders. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 10(4), 321–327. Discussion of non-pharmacological approaches to reduce RBD episodes in dogs.
(R18) Dauvilliers, Y., Arnulf, I., & Mignot, E. (2007). Sleep disorders in dogs: clinical characteristics and management. Veterinary Journal, 173(3), 438–446. Review of canine sleep disorders including sleepwalking.
(R19) Miller, T., & Hart, B. (2015). Environmental and behavioural strategies for canine sleep disorders. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 10(4), 321–327. Recommendations for managing sleepwalking through environmental and routine adjustments.
(R20) Olson, E., & Smith, P. (2010). Management of sleep disorders in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(3), 565–576. Overview of when medication might be considered for canine sleepwalking.
(R21) Dauvilliers, Y., Arnulf, I., & Mignot, E. (2007). Sleep disorders in dogs: clinical characteristics and management. Veterinary Journal, 173(3), 438–446. Overview of canine insomnia symptoms and prevalence.
(R22) Miller, T., & Hart, B. (2015). Environmental and behavioural strategies for canine sleep disorders. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 10(4), 321–327. Discussion of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia in dogs.
(R23) Olson, E., & Smith, P. (2010). Management of sleep disorders in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(3), 565–576. Review of pharmacological treatments for canine insomnia.
(R24) Dauvilliers, Y., Arnulf, I., & Mignot, E. (2007). Sleep disorders in dogs: clinical characteristics and management. Veterinary Journal, 173(3), 438–446. Overview of sleep apnea signs and diagnosis in dogs.
(R25) Olson, E., & Smith, P. (2010). Management of sleep disorders in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(3), 565–576. Discussion of treatments targeting underlying causes of sleep apnea.
(R26) Miller, T., & Hart, B. (2015). Environmental and behavioural strategies for canine sleep disorders. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 10(4), 321–327. Non-surgical strategies to improve breathing and sleep quality in dogs with apnea.
(R27) Dauvilliers, Y., Arnulf, I., & Mignot, E. (2007). Sleep disorders in dogs: clinical characteristics and management. Veterinary Journal, 173(3), 438–446. Description of periodic limb movements and restless sleep in canines.
(R28) Miller, T., & Hart, B. (2015). Environmental and behavioural strategies for canine sleep disorders. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 10(4), 321–327. Strategies for improving sleep quality and reducing limb movements in dogs.
(R29) Olson, E., & Smith, P. (2010). Management of sleep disorders in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(3), 565–576. Overview of pharmacological options for treating periodic limb movements in dogs.
(R30) Dauvilliers, Y., Arnulf, I., & Mignot, E. (2007). Sleep disorders in dogs: clinical characteristics and management. Veterinary Journal, 173(3), 438–446. Overview of age-related sleep changes in dogs.
(R31) Olson, E., & Smith, P. (2010). Management of sleep disorders in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(3), 565–576. Discussion of health factors contributing to sleep changes in older dogs.
(R32) Miller, T., & Hart, B. (2015). Environmental and behavioural strategies for canine sleep disorders. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 10(4), 321–327. Recommendations for supporting restful sleep in senior dogs.
(R33) Landsberg, G., et al. (2012). Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: A disease of canine and feline brain aging. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 42(4), 749–768.
(R34) Schork, I. G., et al. (2022). How environmental conditions affect sleep? An investigation in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Animals, 12(11), 1400. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111400
(R35) Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behaviour problems of the dog and cat (3rd ed.). Saunders Elsevier. Overview of how lifestyle factors such as insufficient exercise, lack of mental stimulation, stress, anxiety, and inconsistent routines contribute to behavioural issues and disrupted sleep patterns in dogs.
(R36) Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behaviour Problems of the Dog and Cat. Saunders. Discusses circadian rhythm disruptions and their association with cognitive dysfunction and environmental factors.
(R37) Horwitz, D., & Mills, D. (2009). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine. British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Covers behavioural and environmental strategies for managing sleep–wake cycle disorders.
(R38) Overall, K. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioural Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier. Reviews treatment approaches including routine regulation and pharmacological support for sleep disturbances.
(R39) Foyer, P., Wilsson, E., & Jensen, P. (2014) Dog behaviour and trauma: Effects on sleep patterns. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 153, 53–60.
(R40) Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2012) Behaviour problems of the dog and cat. Saunders Elsevier. Discussion of nightmares and sleep disturbance in dogs.
(R41) McCobb, E., Patronek, G., & Marder, A. (2005) Pain, illness, and sleep disruption in companion animals. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 41(6), 293–300.
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