Saturday, July 14, 2012



Over the centuries wolves evolved an elaborate system of body language, facial expressions, and vocalizations to communicate with each other. Domestic dogs also use this means of communication, and all of these signals are easily understood by other dogs. If you can learn to interpret how your dog is feeling by observing its posture and expression and listening to it, you'll be well on the way to successful communication with your pet and better equipped to solve any behavior problems that arise.Following are some major canine attitudes and their typical outward manifestations.
AGGRESSIVE
dogEarsForward or back, close to head.
EyesNarrow or staring challengingly.
Mouth/
Teeth
Lips open, drawn back to expose teeth bared in a snarl. Possible jaw snapping.
BodyTense. Upright. Hackles on neck up. Completely Dominant position.
TailStraight out from body. Fluffed up.
Vocali-
zation
Snarl. Growl. Loud bark.
ALERT
dogEarsPerked-up. Turning to catch sounds.
EyesOpen normally or wide.
Mouth/
Teeth
Mouth closed or slightly open with teeth covered.
BodyNormal. Possibly standing on tiptoe. Slightly Dominant position.
TailUp. Possibly wagging.
Vocali-
zation
None. Low whine or alarm bark.
ANXIOUS
dogEarsPartially back.
EyesSlightly narrowed.
Mouth/
Teeth
Mouth closed, or slightly open in a "grin."
BodyTense. Slightly lowered in a Submissive position.
TailPartially lowered.
Vocali-
zation
Low whine or moaning-type bark.

CHASE, BEGINNING STAGE
dogEarsPerked-up, forward-pointing.
EyesWide open. Very alert.
Mouth/
Teeth
Mouth slightly open. Excited panting.
BodyTense. Crouched low in a predatory position. Legs bent, poised to run.
TailExtended straight out from body.
Vocali-
zation
None.
CURIOUS/EAGER/EXCITED
dogEarsPerked-up, forward-pointing.
EyesWide open.
Mouth/
Teeth
Mouth open, teeth covered. Possible panting.
BodyNormal stance. Possible wiggling, standing on tiptoe, or pacing.
TailUp. Wagging.
Vocali-
zation
Excited short barking, whining.
DOMINANT
dogEarsUp straight or forward.
EyesWide open, staring.
Mouth/
Teeth
Mouth closed or slightly open.
BodyVery tall posture. Hackles may be up.
TailStiffened and fluffed. Up or straight out from body.
Vocali-
zation
Low, assertive growl or grunt.
FEARFUL
dogEarsLaid back flat and low on head.
EyesNarrowed, averted. Possibly rolled back in head, whites showing.
Mouth/
Teeth
Lips drawn back to expose teeth.
BodyTense. Crouched low in submissive position. Shivering, trembling. Possible secretion from anal scent glands.
TailDown between legs.
Vocali-
zation
Low, worried yelp, whine, or growl.
FLIGHT, BEGINNING STAGE
dogEarsBack.
EyesWide open. Possibly rolled back with whites showing.
Mouth/
Teeth
Slightly opened mouth. Possible drooling.
BodyTense. Shivering. Low, poised to run.
TailLow or between legs.
Vocali-
zation
None. Possible yelp or whine.
FRIENDLY
dogEarsPerked-up.
EyesWide open. Alert look.
Mouth/
Teeth
Relaxed, possibly slightly open, "smiling" mouth.
BodyNormal posture. Still, or possible wiggling of whole rear end.
TailUp or out from body. Wagging.
Vocali-
zation
Whimpering, yapping, or short, high bark.
GUARDING
dogEarsPerked-up. Forward.
EyesWide open, alert.
Mouth/
Teeth
Mouth slightly open, teeth bared. Snapping or gnashing of teeth.
BodyTense. Rigid. Hackles up. Standing very tall in an aggressive or dominant stance.
TailRigid. Held straight out from body. Sometimes fluffed.
Vocali-
zation
Loud alert bark. Growl. Snarl.
PLAYFUL/HAPPY
dogEarsPerked-up and forward, or relaxed.
EyesWide open. Sparkly/merry-looking.
Mouth/
Teeth
Mouth relaxed and slightly open, teeth covered. Excited panting.
BodyRelaxed, or front end lowered, rear end up in the air, wiggling in a play-bow. Excited bouncing and jumping up and down. Circling around and running forward and back in an invitation to play.
TailWagging vigorously.
Vocali-
zation
Excited barking. Soft play-growling.
PREDATORY
dogEarsAlert. Held forward or backward to catch sounds.
EyesWide open. Staring, focusing.
Mouth/
Teeth
Mouth closed.
BodyRigid. Low to ground, ready to spring forward. Quietly sniffing the air.
TailStraight and low.
Vocali-
zation
None (so the prey won't be alerted).
SUBORDINATE (SUBMISSIVE)
dogEarsDown, flattened against head.
EyesNarrowed to slits or wide open, whites showing.
Mouth/
Teeth
Lips pulled way back from teeth in a "grin". Nuzzling or licking other animal or person on face.
BodyLowered to ground, front paw raised. Lying on back, belly up. Possible urine leaking/dribbling. Possible emptying of anal scent glands.
TailDown, between legs.
Vocali-
zation
None, or low, worried whining. Possible yelping/whimpering in fear.


Refer : http://www.pawsacrossamerica.com/interpret.html

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