Understanding Your Dog: Dog Body Language
Wed May 5th, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
Neutral or Relaxed
The neutral or relaxed posture is seen when dogs are in a comfortable situation such as at home.
Alert
The neutral or relaxed posture is seen when dogs are in a comfortable situation such as at home.
Offensive Threat
The offensive threat posture indicates a dog that is dangerous and ready to attack. The tail may be wagging stiffly. The nose is wrinkled, exposing the teeth, and the dog is usually vocalizing - a low throaty growl or bark.
A dog that is challenging his owner for the position of pack leader may exhibit some or all of the offensive threat signals, especially holding the ears up and forward, staring directly at the owner, and standing tall with the tail held high. Other dominant behaviors include nipping of skin or clothes, mounting or riding up on people, guarding or stealing food or other objects, or elimination (marking) within the house except during the housetraining of puppies.
Defensive Threat
The defensive threat posture also indicates a dog that is dangerous, but will attack only as a last resort. He is frightened and may bite in self-protection if cornered.
Active Submission
Passive submission is a more extreme form of submission, designed to turn off aggression from a more dominant dog. The dog will be very still and may urinate. Never continue to punish a dog that is showing passive submission.
Passive Submission
Passive submission is a more extreme form of submission, designed to turn off aggression from a more dominant dog. The dog will be very still and may urinate. Never continue to punish a dog that is showing passive submission.
Stress
Passive submission is a more extreme form of submission, designed to turn off aggression from a more dominant dog. The dog will be very still and may urinate. Never continue to punish a dog that is showing passive submission.
Play Solicitation
Play solicitation behavior includes the play bow with the front end lowered, a happy facial expression and wagging tail. It is possible to imitate this posture and encourage the dog to play.