Mastering a Pet Parent Superpower: Dog Body Language 101

Did you know that dogs aren’t always excited when they wag their tails? Here are some fun facts about reading your dog’s body language!

Did you know that our dogs talk to us all the time? 

Notice the way your dog wags their tail, or even how they move their eyes. These are ways they’re trying to communicate=. 

But did you know that dogs aren’t always excited when they wag their tails? And that the direction that their tail wags can also make a difference? 

Here are some fun facts about reading your dog’s body language! 

1. A wagging tail isn’t always a happy sign 

Seeing your dog wag their tail could definitely mean they’re excited to play—but in some scenarios, the behavior could also be their way of saying they’re nervous or on high alert. Some studies have shown a pattern that dogs wag their tail to the right when they’re happy and to the left when they’re frightened. 

2. Ears express a lot about a dog 

Another fun fact: most dogs have about 18 muscles in each ear! Observe your own dog and see how much their ears move. If their ears are perked forward, that usually means they’re curious. Flattened back ears could signal more stress. 

3. Stretches can mean playtime

Do you ever see your dog stretch their front legs, lean down on their elbows, and have their butts in the air? This is called a play bow! Play bows are a dog’s way of inviting other dogs or even their humans to play. 

4. Dogs have whale eyes 

Whale eyes are when you can see the whites of your dog’s eyes while their head stays turned, giving off the impression that your dog’s giving you a side-eye. While this could look amusing, it could also be their way of telling you that they’re uncomfortable. 

5. Body language can be louder than barking 

Barking is actually only one layer in your dog’s language. Even the dogs with the loudest or strongest barks communicate more through their eyes, ears, posture. 

6. Context is everything 

The best way to read a dog’s body language is to look at the whole picture. A wagging tail on its own might not tell you much but combine that with a happy bark, a play bow, perked ears, then we have a much better understanding of your dog’s mood. 

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