Dog parents are used to trying to figure out what their dogs want. The longer you and your dog bond, the more you'll pick up on their individual cues.
There are some cues that are universal in the dog world, however. Dogs use their bodies to communicate the things they can't say. As you can imagine, their body language is pretty different from our own.
Learn more about these cues, and see when your own dog uses them. It can give you a lot of insight into their behavior and deepen the bond between you.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is instinctual to dogs and one of the most expressive ways they use their faces. Those stares can mean a number of things. Some dogs stare to assert dominance. More constant eye contact can be your dog's way of letting you know they love and trust you. Conversely, if a dog is avoiding eye contact, that can mean they've misbehaved in some way or are otherwise afraid or nervous.
Tail Movement
We all know that dogs wag their tails when they are happy, but there are other things you can learn from how a dog's tail moves. Slow wags indicate caution. A stiff tail perked up means your dog is alert to something. Some dogs even hide their tails when they are scared or anxious.
Tongue Movement
For some dogs, their tongues hang from their mouths when they're relaxed and at ease. Other dogs only move their tongues around a lot when they're feeling nervous.
Sneezing and Yawning
Dogs may yawn when they're comfortable and relaxed, but they can also use unusual sneezing or yawning as a way to indicate discomfort. Yawning and sneezing can also be signs of appeasement, or they can be comforting gestures dogs use to calm themselves.
Rolling Onto Their Backs
When your dog shows off that belly, its not just a plea for belly rubs! That can also be a dog's way of trying to appease you or to show submissiveness.
Going Into Downward Dog
Chances are, you've seen your dog hit this posture during playtime. It's the inspiration behind the downward dog yoga pose, where their backsides are in the air and their faces are closer to the ground. It's dogs' way of letting owners and other dogs know they're ready to play.
Raising Their Paws
Dogs will use their paws in some ways that humans use their hands. Chances are that if your dog is raising their paws or pawing at you, they're looking for your attention.
Bringing You Items
Dogs can bring you a toy for one of two reasons. One is the obvious: They're ready to play! The other is pretty heartwarming also. Dogs will bring their owner their favorite toy as a gift or symbol of love.
Stopping Mid-Action
Ever see your dog freeze in their tracks? Sometimes your dog will clam up if they're uncertain or want to be left alone. The best thing you can do is give them some space.
Leaning Against You
Dogs lean on you because they're trying to bring the cuddles! Dogs can't quite hug you, so they like to get close and lean in.
