Dogs might not be able to speak, but they’re communicating with you all the time. From a playful bounce to a worried glance, every tail wag and head tilt is your dog’s way of saying something.
Reading your dog’s body language means you’ll be better equipped in everyday moments and high-stress situations alike — whether they’re feeling playful, unsure or overwhelmed. It builds connection and gives you both the confidence to navigate the world together.
Whether you're a first-time dog parent, preparing to adopt, or helping kids understand how to safely interact with dogs — we’ll help you decode the signs.
We’ve teamed up with dog behaviour specialist, Liarne Henry from K9 Trainer to give us expert insight into dog body language and the common misconceptions about what your pup is telling you.
How to read your dog’s body language
Your dog speaks through body language — every ear twitch, tail flick and shift in posture tells a story. Some signals are subtle, others more obvious, but the key is to observe their whole body in the context of the situation.
Every dog is unique. By learning what’s “normal” for your dog, you’ll be able to spot when something feels off — and respond with confidence.
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Happy body language
A happy dog is calm, confident, and fully present in the moment. You’ll often see this during play, when they greet you at the door, or when they’re lounging in their favourite sunny spot.
Posture: Loose and relaxed, or in a play bow with their front legs down and rear in the air
Eyes: Soft, almond-shaped, and blinking
Ears: In their natural resting position
Tail: Neutral or wagging in a wide, sweeping motion
Mouth: Closed or slightly open with a soft expression
What the expert says:
“In addition to a tail wag that can knock over anything in its path, a happy dog typically has a loose, wiggly body, squinty eyes and relaxed ears that sit slightly back. Happy dogs also tend to sleep in the funniest positions — often on their backs with their paws in the air — and they enjoy being around their owners, actively seeking out their company.”
– Liarne Henry, dog behaviour specialist
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Appeased (submissive) body language
When dogs want to show that they mean no harm, they might use appeasement behaviours to diffuse tension with humans or other dogs.
Posture: Lowered body, rolling over to show their belly, or turning their head away
Eyes: Avoiding direct eye contact, brief glances
Ears: Pulled back or flat
Tail: Low or tucked, may wag slowly
Mouth: Slightly tense, may offer appeasement licks
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Alert body language
When your dog is focused or curious — maybe they’ve spotted a bird or heard a strange sound — they’ll shift into alert mode.
Posture: Upright, with weight shifted slightly forward, some dogs may ‘point’ at the point of focus by raising a front leg.
Eyes: Wide and focused
Ears: Pricked forward
Tail: High or straight, possibly twitching
Mouth: Closed or neutral
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Anxious or stressed body language
Stress or anxiety can sneak up on dogs during loud storms, chaotic environments, separation, or even a change in routine. You might notice small signs of stress at first — and that’s your cue to step in with support.
Posture: Tense, may tremble or shake
Eyes: Wide with visible whites (‘whale eyes’), furrowed brow
Ears: Pinned back
Tail: Low or tucked under their body
Mouth: Panting, drooling, lip licking, stress yawning
Read more: Top 5 types of dog anxiety and how to treat them naturally
What the expert says:
“The first step in addressing your dog's anxiety is to identify their specific triggers. These can include other dogs, children, separation, sudden or fast movements, or loud noises. Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and often mirror your energy – remaining calm is essential. Excessive soothing should also be avoided, as it can reinforce anxiety by rewarding it with attention.”
– Liarne Henry, dog behaviour specialist
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Fearful body language
A fearful dog may feel threatened and is trying to protect themselves. If their fear is ignored, it can escalate into defensive behaviour. Watch out for these red flags in your dog’s body language and remove them from the situation.
Posture: Crouched, hunched, or leaning backward
Eyes: Whale eyes with dilated pupils
Ears: Pulled back or flat
Tail: Tucked tightly
Mouth: Tense and tightly closed, or they may pant, salivate, or lick their lips
What the expert says:
“A commonly misunderstood behaviour is growling. Many people mistake growling as a sign of aggression, but it’s a warning signal, a dog's way of saying, "Stop, I’m scared, please go away." Growling is used to avoid conflict, not to provoke it.”
– Liarne Henry, dog behaviour specialist
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Aggressive body language
Aggressive signals are typically a last resort when a dog feels cornered, threatened, or has learned to react in this way.
Posture: Stiff and forward-leaning, raised fur (piloerection) across the shoulders, along their back, and near their tail
Eyes: Hard stare, laser-focused
Ears: Forward and alert
Tail: High and stiff
Mouth: Growling, snarling, baring teeth
What the expert says:
“To de-escalate a situation, calmly remove your dog from the trigger. If your dog is showing early stages of aggression, engaging in your pup’s obedience training routines can make a big difference: offering a cue like “touch” or a treat, so your dog shifts their focus to you, can help interrupt their fixation on a perceived threat. Always give your dog plenty of positive attention and rewards when they demonstrate the behaviour you want to see.”
– Liarne Henry, dog behaviour specialist
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The link between food and mood
There’s a powerful link between what’s in your dog’s bowl and how they behave. The gut–brain axis is the connection between your dog’s digestive system and their mood — influencing everything from reactivity to resilience.
When your dog eats a diet rich in whole, fresh ingredients, it can help support:
A healthy, balanced gut microbiome
Stable energy throughout the day
Greater resilience in stressful situations
Calmer behaviour in anxious or reactive dogs
Read more: The missing link between diet and your dog’s mental health
Better behaviour begins in the bowl
While reading your dog’s body language can help you meet their needs day to day, what’s in their bowl plays a bigger role than you might think — nourishing their mind as well as their body.
At Lyka, we craft our meals with real, fresh food because we believe every dog deserves to feel good. Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists, Lyka meals are made with real, human-grade ingredients to help dogs thrive.
Ready to see what real food can do for your dog? Discover the Lyka difference today.
