Dogs and body language
Did you know that a wagging tail does not necessarily mean a dog is happy?
Signs of a happy/content dog:
• Head up or in normal position
• Tail relaxed/wagging (full range of motion)
• “Grin” on face (mouth open with corners of the mouth wrinkled)
• Ears in relaxed/normal position
• Able to sleep/eat
• Playing with or chewing on toys
• Eyes move freely (not focused on any one subject for more than a few seconds)
Signs of a fearful or stressed dog (Beware, as a fearful/stressed dog is more likely to bite)
• Head down/held low (may be turned away from other dogs/people)
• Tail low or tucked between legs (may wag weakly)
• Mouth closed/may see wrinkles at corners of mouth
• Ears held back/low (if tall ears: they may stick out to the sides or be folded against the head)
• Hair on the back may be raised (esp. near the tail)
• May roll on his back with belly exposed
• May urinate while crouching or on his back
• May “freeze” and be stiff all over/glassy eyed or will show body tension and stiff movements
• May try to run away (usually with tail tucked and head low)
• May growl, snap, show teeth or whine
• May repeatedly bark with a short, high-pitched yap or yelp
• May be constantly moving, restless or have decreased activity levels
• Won’t sleep or rest
• May try to hide in or behind things
• Quick yawning (looks nervous, not tired)
• Excessive drooling, “ropes”
• Trembling
• Feet sweaty (leaves paw prints that evaporate quickly)/ Disinterested in food
• Shallow or rapid breathing/Excessive and/or sudden hair loss
• White rim of eye showing more than usual ("whale-eyed")
• Muscle ridge visible around the eyes or mouth
• May show calming signals like lip licking, ground sniffing, shaking (like when wet) or scratching (like he has an itch)