Key takeaways
- Look at the whole dog, not just the tail: a wagging tail doesn't always mean a happy dog.
- Lip licking, yawning, turning away and showing the whites of the eyes are early stress signals.
- Respect early signals and growls. They're your dog communicating, and they keep everyone safe.
A relaxed, happy dog
- Soft, loose body and wiggly movement
- Mouth relaxed and slightly open, maybe panting gently
- Ears in their natural position
- Tail at a neutral height, wagging loosely
- Play bows: front end down, back end up, an invitation to play
Early signs of stress
- Lip licking or yawning when not tired
- Turning the head or body away
- Whale eye: the whites of the eyes showing
- Ears pinned back, tail tucked or held low
- Sudden sniffing or scratching that seems out of context
- Lifting a front paw or freezing still
Stronger warnings
A stiff body, a hard stare, a curled lip, a growl or a snap mean a dog is very uncomfortable. Never punish a growl: it's a warning, and dogs punished for growling may skip it and go straight to biting. Give space and work out what caused it.
Tails tell part of the story
A wagging tail means the dog is aroused or engaged, which can be happy or tense. A loose, sweeping wag with a wiggly body is friendly; a stiff, high, fast wag with a still body can signal tension.
Helping kids read dogs
Teach children to let dogs come to them, to stroke gently on the side rather than hug, and to leave a dog alone when it's eating, sleeping or walks away. Supervise every interaction.
Products that help.
Questions, answered
Why does my dog yawn when I hug them?
Yawning when not tired is often a sign of mild stress. Many dogs dislike hugs; try gentle strokes on the chest or side instead.
Is a dog showing its belly always asking for a rub?
Not always. A relaxed, wiggly belly-up dog may want a rub, but a stiff dog rolling over can be appeasing or anxious. Watch the rest of the body.
Sources
We base our care guides on guidance from veterinary schools, veterinary associations and animal welfare organizations, written in our own words. If your pet is unwell, your vet is the right first call.