Dogs may not speak our language, but they’re excellent communicators. From tail wags to ear position, your dog uses their body to tell you exactly how they’re feeling. As a pet owner, you just need to know what to look for!
At Hounds Town, we’re proud to be experts in dog management, which means we have extensive training on dog behavior and pack psychology which allows us to pay close attention to dog body language every day and know what they’re trying to say. This helps our team safely group dogs into specialized packs based on behavior and temperament, giving each Townie a positive social experience while they attend doggy daycare. In honor of National Body Language Day, we’re breaking down some of the most common dog body languagesignals so you can better understand what your dog is really saying.
- Weight Shifted Forward
When a dog leans their body weight forward, they’re showing interest or focus. This typically means they are curious and trying to get closer to something: another dog, a smell, or a noise. However, context matters for this dog body language. If their body is stiff, ears pinned forward, and tail raised high, it may signal alertness or even resource guarding. When combined with relaxed movement and soft eyes, it’s simply curiosity.
- The Play Bow
If you’ve seen your dog play, you’ve definitely seen this one! The bow is when your pup has their front paws stretched forward, hips in the air, with a wagging tail. This is the classic “let’s play!” invitation. It’s one of the easiest dog signals to understand and is a great sign of healthy social behavior. We see play bows all day long as pups are constantly inviting their packmates to play during their time at doggy daycare. This gesture means your dog feels social, safe, happy, and excited.
- Raised Paw
A dog lifting one front paw is often feeling unsure or hesitant. You may see this when a dog is exploring a new environment or meeting unfamiliar dogs, but regardless of the situation, it’s a subtle sign of insecurity or indecision. At Hounds Town, if we see your pup make this motion during their dog temperament test, we know they’re on the timid side or just taking in their new surroundings.
- Raised Hackles
When the hair along a dog’s back or neck stands up, it’s known as “raised hackles.” This isn’t always aggression, but it does indicate that your dog is feeling more alert than normal. A dog with raised hackles might be anxious, overstimulated, or feeling uncertain, which means they need reassurance or space, depending on the situation and overall temperament of your dog.
- Belly Up
When you think of a dog rolling over, you usually think of them being happy or playful, but it can actually mean a few different things depending on your dog’s personality and the context of the situation. In a relaxed setting with loose muscles and tail wagging, it signals trust and invites affection or play—this is especially common if your pup is normally friendly and relaxed. However, if your dog’s body is tense and they avoid eye contact while on their back, it can be a sign of submission or stress. That’s why reading the whole body—not just one signal—is so important for understanding dog body language.
Understanding Your Dog Starts with Listening
Recognizing body language helps build a stronger bond with your dog and keeps them safe in social settings. At Hounds Town, we rely on dog body language to create a natural pack environment where play is fun, safe, and instinctual for your pup.
Whether your dog is outgoing or needs time to build confidence, our team understands how to read dog behavior and help every pup feel comfortable. Looking for a dog temperament test to decipher your pup’s behavior? Bring them into your local Hounds Town today!