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The body language of dogs refers to the interpretation of posture and behaviour of species in the genus Canis. This form of visual communication is generally used for identifying emotions and intentions of domestic dogs, though it can also be applied to wild canines such as wolves. [1] Understanding the body language of dogs is particularly important in preventing dog bites, especially of children. [2]
Head
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The position and movement, or lack thereof, of a dog's head can indicate a variety of emotional states. If the head is stationary, the main identifying difference is whether the head is upright or lowered. An upright head signifies attentiveness, dominance, or aggression, while a lowered head signifies fear or submission. A moving head may indicate that a dog is feeling playful. [3] Another common position is a tilted head. While the reason for this head positioning has not been determined, it has been suggested that this behaviour shows that a dog is trying to listen more effectively or is anticipating a reward. [4]
Eyes
[edit]A dog's use of eye contact and eye movements can communicate emotions and intentions. Prolonged eye contact or staring are indicators of aggression, especially when combined with body stiffness. [5] Avoiding eye contact, or looking down, is a submissive dog behaviour. [3]
Mouth
[edit]Dogs can express a range of emotions based on movements of the teeth and lips. In an aggressive dog, the lips curl back to expose clenched teeth, which warns others of their ferocity. Conversely, an open mouth showing unclenched teeth indicates that a dog is in a playful or relaxed mood. [6]
Ears
[edit]The ears of a dog can express a variety of emotions based on their position or the direction they are facing. Ear positions are similar to head positions with respect to the feelings they display. Ears that are upright and facing forward indicate dominance or aggression, while ears that are pulled back and facing downward indicate fear or submission. [3] Unfortunately, not all dogs are able to communicate with their ears. Breeds with drooping ears, cropped ears, or ears that are permanently erect are mostly or completely unable to use their ears to display emotions. [6]
Tail
[edit]The position and movement of a dog's tail are another effective indicator of emotions and intentions. Tail wagging is one of the most common dog behaviours that is used to convey emotion, but wagging can signify different things depending on the nature of the movement. If a dog's tail is held high while it wags, this is indicative of dominance, however if the high tail moves in a stiff wagging motion, this is indicative of aggression. The tail being positioned low between the hind legs, usually stationary, is an indication of fear or submission. If a dog's tail is wagging freely and vigorously, this displays a friendly or playful mood. [3][5] Similar to ear position, tail positions and movements may be mostly or completely ineffective in dog breeds with short, tightly curled, or docked tails. [6]
Body Position
[edit]Analysing a dog's body as a whole unit is important in determining a dog's emotions. An standing, upright position can indicate dominance, or suggests aggression if the body is stiff. A withdrawn body position with weight distributed to the hind end of a dog suggests fear. [3][5] The difference between active submission and passive submission can be discerned based on a dog's posture; active submission is demonstrated by keeping the body low to the ground, while passive submission is demonstrated by lying on the ground with the underbelly exposed. [6]
Specific Behaviours
[edit]A variety of behaviours exhibited by dogs can be interpreted to convey certain emotions. A well-known behaviour associated with playful moods in dogs is known as a play bow, where a dog lowers its forelimbs and chest while raising its hind end and wagging its tail. This may be followed with other playful actions, such as bouncing movements and face pawing. [6] In young dogs, urination can be a behaviour associated with submission. This occurs when eye contact is made between a dog and its owner, followed by the dog urinating in an attempt to gain approval. [7]
References
[edit]- ^ Mech, L. David; Smith, Douglas W.; MacNulty, Daniel R. (22 May 2015). Wolves on the Hunt : The Behavior of Wolves Hunting Wild Prey. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 9780226255149.
{{cite book}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Dixon, Cinnamon A.; Mahabee-Gittens, E. Melinda; Hart, Kimberly W.; Lindsell, Christopher J. (February 2012). "Dog Bite Prevention: An Assessment of Child Knowledge". The Journal of Pediatrics. 160 (2): 337–341. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.07.016.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b c d e Simpson, Barbara Sherman (May 1997). "Canine Communication". Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 27 (3): 445–464. doi:10.1016/S0195-5616(97)50048-9.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Coren, Stanley. "Why Do Some Dogs Tilt Their Heads When We Talk to Them?". Psychology Today. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
- ^ a b c Lakestani, Nelly N.; Donaldson, Morag L.; Waran, Natalie (2014). "Interpretation of Dog Behavior by Children and Young Adults". Anthrozoös. 27 (1): 80. doi:10.2752/175303714X13837396326413.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b c d e Serpell, James (2016). The Domestic Dog (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 133–153. ISBN 9781139161800.
{{cite book}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Swager, Peggy (August 2002). "The overly submissive dog". AKC Gazette. 119 (8): 20–21.
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