Dog body language

Most aggressive behavior is the dog’s attempt to increase distance from something that makes them feel uncomfortable.

• If a dog is allowed to retreat and supported in leaving a provocative situation, they are less likely to escalate.

• Heed these signals as soon as they are noticed.  Stop what is making them feel uncomfortable. 

• Take a break and remove them from the situation or make it easier for them to cope.

• These behaviors should not be corrected or punished; we want to keep our dog’s warning system intact.

• If you feel your dog is displaying unpredictable or proactive aggressive behaviors, seek the help of a certified behavior professional immediately.

A dog may also increase distance from something they are worried about by getting low or withdrawing, humans should stop and give the dog space.  Punishing a dog showing this body language can trigger aggressive behaviors.

• Belly up isn’t always an invitation to pet.  Many dogs will display their belly when they are uncomfortable.  If you aren’t sure, wait to engage till they get up!  They will choose to approach or leave.

• A dog with low posture and giving a ‘guilty’ look is offering an appeasement display to try to communicate they are worried, usually in response to your body language or learning history. They may not have an understanding of what was expected of them.

Mild resource guarding against dogs, and often unfamiliar people, is normal behavior.  They are behaving like you would if a stranger asked for your wallet.  

• If a dog is guarding, the approaching person or dog should move away.  If someone doesn't respond appropriately, an adult should encourage the person or dog to move away.

• Human directed guarding against familiar people is usually avoided with appropriate handling and responsive to behavior modification training using reward based methods if the behavior is established.  

• Limit access to high value resources in contexts where your dog may feel this way.

Good dog play will have lots of breaks or pauses and will be bouncy.  If your dog has trouble taking breaks, help them.  Avoid letting them get so worked up they have trouble disengaging or get into scuffles.

• When dogs approach and jump or lick, they are often trying to greet politely or just too excited.  They don’t understand our expectations or are too excited to offer the behavior you prefer.  It is up to us to teach them how to greet people politely.  They aren’t trying to be dominant or alpha.  They need gentle redirection and more training.

• A wagging tail is not always friendly.  Many dogs will hold their tail high and wag in stiff beats when agitated.

• Many dogs raise their hackles when they are excited, it does not always indicate anger or fear.

• Dogs may appear to tolerate or accept rude or provocative behaviors.  Most dogs start with subtle signals when experiencing discomfort or stress in an interaction.  These dogs can escalate to more intense distance increasing behavior when we miss their communication.

• Appropriate dogs avoid using aggressive behavior.  If a dog is choosing strong corrections, biting or pinning other dogs, stop allowing them opportunities to practice this behavior and seek the help of a behavior professional.  Do not let dogs 'work it out' if they are escalating.