Understanding Your Dog: Reading Body Language & Spotting Early Signs of Discomfort

Dogs communicate constantly—but unlike us, they don’t use words. Instead, they rely on a rich and subtle language made up of posture, movement, facial expression and behaviour. The more we learn to recognise these signals, the better we can support our dogs, prevent stress, and build a calmer, more trusting relationship with them.

Understanding body language isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It allows us to step in before a dog becomes overwhelmed, anxious, or reactive. It also helps us appreciate when they’re relaxed, open to interaction, and feeling safe.

Below is a clear guide to some of the most common signals you’ll see from your dog.

Signs of a Friendly, Comfortable Dog

A dog who feels safe and relaxed in their envir

onment often displays loose, open, soft body language. You’re likely to see:

🐾 Relaxed body posture

Muscles appear loose, the dog moves freely, and nothing looks stiff or tense.

🐾 A happy, soft expression

The mouth may be gently open, almost like a relaxed smile.

🐾 A wagging tail

This can vary, but relaxed wags often involve the whole back end of the body.

🐾 The “play bow”

Front legs stretched forward, bottom in the air—an unmistakable invitation to play.

🐾 Soft or relaxed ears

Depending on the breed, ears rest naturally without tension.

🐾 Whole-body wiggle

A relaxed dog will often wag from the shoulders down.

🐾 Rolling over for belly exposure

A sign of trust or an invitation to engage (though always check context).

🐾 Leaning in for affection

Dogs who feel secure will calmly seek closeness.

🐾 Soft eyes and gentle blinking

A relaxed gaze, often blinking or squinting lightly, shows comfort.

Signs of Anxiety or Discomfort

These subtle cues often come before more obvious signs of stress. Learning to spot them early is key to preventing escalation.

🐾 Yawning when not tired

A common calming signal—it can mean the dog feels unsure or stressed.

🐾 Lip licking or tongue flicks

Quick licks to the nose or lips often indicate discomfort.

🐾 Sudden scratching

Scratching out of context can be a displacement behaviour caused by stress.

🐾 Sniffing the ground suddenly

Another displacement behaviour—a dog’s way of coping with pressure or uncertainty.

🐾 Panting (when not hot or after exercise)

A stress response that can indicate anxiety or overstimulation.

🐾 Tail tucked under the body

One of the clearest signs your dog is feeling afraid or insecure.

Why This Matters

When we slow down and learn our dog’s language, we begin to understand what they’re asking from us—space, reassurance, distance, rest, or connection. This understanding strengthens trust and reduces unwanted behaviours before they ever surface.

Reading body language isn’t just about training—it’s about empathy.