Dog Speak

A dog can tell a lot about another dog just by looking at him and noting what the different parts of his body are doing.

Eyes

• Direct eye contact means a dog is feeling bold and confident
• Casual eye contact means he's contented
• An averted gaze means deference
• Dilated pupils indicate fear

Ears

• Relaxed ears mean that a dog is calm
• Erect ears show that a dog is alert and attentive
• Ears that are up and forward mean a dog is challenging or being assertive
• Ears that are laid back indicate that a dog is worried or scared

Body Movements

• Pawing is an appeasing gesture
• Licking another dog's face is an invitation to play or a sign of deference
• Play-bowing (front legs extended, rump up, tail wagging) is an invitation to play and a sign of happiness
• Draping the head over another dog's shoulders is a sign of boldness
• Freezing in place means a dog is frightened
• Rubbing or leaning against another dog is a companionable gesture

Mouth and Lips

• Panting means that a dog is feeling playful or excited, or maybe he's just hot
• A dog with the mouth and lips closed is uncertain or appeasing
• Licking the lips is a sign a dog is worried or is being appeasing
• A relaxed mouth means a dog is calm
• Lips pulled back are a challenging or warning sign

Hackles
(the hair on the shoulders and hips)

• Raised hackles indicate arousal, either because a dog is frightened or is challenging another dog
• Smooth hackles show a dog is calm

Tail

• A relaxed tail means a dog is calm and at ease
• Tail held straight out, wagging rhythmically and slowly, means that a dog is cautious or on guard
• Tail down indicates worry or uncertainty
• Tail held up and wagging fast indicates excitement
• An erect tail is a sign of alertness
• A tail between the legs is a sign of fear