Does a wagging tail mean a friendly dog you can pat?
The clues lie in the context, and the context determines the interpretation.
We don't speak the same language as our dogs… it's unfortunate because we would all like to know what our dog is trying to tell us with that intense and beautiful stare that we can only interpret as love. But it's very unlikely that that is what they are saying. We often make the common and almost dangerous mistake of placing human emotions onto our dog's behaviours. While yes, dogs have learnt to recreate some human emotions to appease their people (such as smiling), they still rely on us learning to speak some dogs too.
Let's look at some primary body language for our dogs that often get missed or misunderstood. It's important as a pet owner to learn what our dogs are trying to say.
We know how to spot when our dog is happy; look at that waggy tail! But a tail wag can signify all sorts of emotions for our dog. They may be stressed, scared or confused too! It is essential when looking out our dog's body language to look at the whole dog, the environment and the context to determine what the dog is trying to say.
When placed into a stressful or new situation, there are a few subtle signs to look out for to determine if our animal is uncomfortable or stressed. Reading these "calming signals" can help us not only keep our dog comfortable but also keep our dog safe and avoid attacks. The first signs that our dog might be stressed or uncomfortable can include the following:
- Licking lips
- Closed in body
- Whale eyes (lots of white showing)
- Refusal of treats (even if they usually LOVE food)
- Very slight wags of the tail
- A tucked tail
- The dog may be reluctant to walk away from you
- Scratching if they are not itchy
- Retreating or trying to hide from the situation
- Sniffing the ground randomly
- Walking or turning away
It is easy to help our dog when we recognise these signs early. Remember that context is essential. If your dog has just had a lovely peanut butter snack, it is not unreasonable that it would still be licking its lips.
You can learn more about calming signals here and here.
If a dog shows stress signals must be removed from the unsafe situation. If the situation is safe, they need time to adjust and relax before they are expected to partake in activities or pay attention. Suppose they continue to be pushed by whatever is making them uncomfortable. In that case, you may find yourself in a situation where your dog is starting to show more extreme signs. We usually recognise these; they are the ones we are taught to watch for as children. Signs such as;
- Growling
- Barking
- Warning snaps
- Raised hackles
- Lunging
- Biting
Most dogs prefer to leave an uncomfortable situation than show a higher level of aggression/discomfort. If we recognise the early signals of our dog and respect them, we can better avoid a dangerous situation. Remember, too, that our social dogs are much better at reading people and other dogs than we are. If our usually social dog avoids a person or animal, it's important to trust that they are doing it for a reason and to respect their decision.
For more tips, tricks and information, call the Pet care helpline - 8930 0606 or visit darwin.nt.gov.au/pets