Mary Allen
Just like us humans, dogs react to their environment with different feelings and express this not only through vocalizations but also through facial expressions and gestures. If this is misinterpreted by the master or mistress, misunderstandings arise that can disrupt or even endanger the relationship with your darling.
Ready to play
There is little misunderstanding about a dog that invites you to play. If your four-legged friend lowers its front body so that its chest almost touches the ground while its hind legs stand upright, you can usually intuitively recognize what your darling wants to tell you. There is also a wagging tail, which initially expresses excitement. Look at the dog’s face and notice that this excitement is positive: his eyes are wide but gentle, his forehead is relaxed and his mouth is slightly open, while his tongue lolls loosely. If your dog jumps back and forth excitedly and maybe barks at you in a friendly way, you will probably quickly be infected by his good mood.
Aggressive
However, a wagging tail does not always express positive excitement. If the dog grows up at the same time, he wants to express his dominance. He stands upright and shifts his weight and head forward. Neck and back hair can stand on end.
If the dog also becomes threatening in facial expressions, it is ready to attack. His ears are then directed forward and the whole face appears tense. The gaze becomes hard and fixed on the person opposite, the teeth are bared. Even if the dog doesn’t growl or bark, this posture is a clear signal of aggression.
Scared
Fear is expressed in dogs in different degrees and can range from slight insecurity to panic.
In uncomfortable situations, dogs first try to calm themselves or their counterparts. This is how they want to avoid conflicts. Such signals can be expressed not only by turning the head to the side, but also by yawning or licking the snout.
If your dog is really scared, it will make itself as small as possible: the hind legs are bent, the back is rounded, the ears are close to the head and the tail is tucked between the hind legs. If your dog starts shaking or whimpering, it will be difficult to calm him down.
Caution is advised when a frightened-looking dog begins to stare and bare its teeth at its counterpart. An attack can then arise out of fear.
Focused
You can recognize a particularly attentive dog by an erect, slightly forward-leaning body, an erect head, and a relaxed face. The ears are also pricked and directed upwards and the snout is raised and mostly closed. The forehead and nose remain smooth. Your four-legged friend tries to perceive as much of his surroundings as possible with all his senses. If your darling discovers something exciting while observing, the rod will become tense and possibly start to wag slightly.
Relaxed
Between all the feelings, it is also important for dogs to be able to return to a relaxed posture. Your dog can show this feeling not only when lying or sitting, but also when standing. The look is calm and soft, the ears hang down relaxed or point to the side. The tail is also laid loosely or hangs down, while the mouth is often slightly open and the tongue lolls out. Your dog will now feel safe and content.
Note: If you want to understand your darling, you always have to look at his entire body. Only the interaction of the individual signals gives you information about his intentions.