The vocabulary of a dog may not have words, but his body language can speak volumes. A pet parent who is in tune with a dog knows when he is happy, angry, nervous, fearful or sad. How accurately can you read your dog’s body language?

1. WHAT IS YOUR DOG TELLING
YOU?
It is a well-known fact that pet parents talk to their dogs. “Come, sit, stay” are common words
but more endearing terms like “good dog” and “I love you pup” are often heard. The average
pup understands about 165 words, signs, and signals according to Dr. Stanley Coren, best-selling
author of many books explaining dog behavior and intelligence and professor of psychology at
the University of British Columbia. Dogs can’t communicate in words, but your dog does talk to
you.

2. WHAT IS YOUR DOG TELLING
YOU?
A dog uses body language or dog talk to convey his emotions and his intent for action in many
situations. His posture, eyes, ears, mouth, hair and tail form a nonverbal communication system
that speaks volumes. The different parts of his anatomy move to form syllables in body language
words that convey a unified message. Some “words” in a dog’s body language vocabulary can
have more than one meaning, so it is necessary to read the entire body to understand what he
is saying.

3. WHAT IS YOUR DOG TELLING
YOU?
An angry dog shows aggression by trying to look as large and intimidating as he can. He holds his
head high, his ears up and his tail raised and rigid as he stares directly at the animal or person
confronting him. He may raise his hackles, bare his teeth, and growl, snarl or bark in low,
threatening tones.

4. WHAT IS YOUR DOG TELLING
YOU?
A disturbing situation may cause a fearful, shy, or nervous dog to go into avoidance mode. He
will attempt to appear as small as possible by cowering or hunching. A lowered head with ears
down, eyes wide and tail tucked between his legs are common signs that a dog is in avoidance
mode. He is ready to escape the situation by retreating.

5. WHAT IS YOUR DOG TELLING
YOU?
Just as a casual broad tail wag at a moderate pace indicates a happy pup that likes you, other
wags send other messages. An excited dog makes fast small side-by-side wags. Slow wags with
the head lowered means your dog feels insecure or is trying to figure out a situation. Some
breeds hold their tail high or curved over the back with short, fast wags to tell you to give them
space.

6. WHAT IS YOUR DOG TELLING
YOU?
The vocabulary of a dog may not have words, but his body language can speak volumes. A pet
parent who is in tune with a dog knows when he is happy, angry, nervous, fearful or sad. How
accurately can you read your dog’s body language?

7. WHAT IS YOUR DOG TELLING
YOU?
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