Decoding Your Dog's Body Language

Understanding what your dog is trying to tell you through their posture, tail, ears, and expressions.

Decoding Your Dog's Body Language

Dogs communicate primarily through body language. Learning to read these signals helps you better understand and bond with your furry friend.

Tail Signals

• Wagging: Not always happiness! Consider speed and position
• High and stiff: Alertness or potential aggression
• Low or tucked: Fear or submission
• Relaxed wag: Happy and comfortable

Ear Positions

• Forward: Interested and alert
• Back: Fearful or submissive
• Relaxed: Calm and content

Body Posture

Confident/Relaxed

• Weight evenly distributed
• Mouth slightly open
• Relaxed ears and tail

Anxious/Fearful

• Crouched posture
• Ears back
• Tail tucked
• May show whites of eyes

Playful

• Play bow (front end down, rear up)
• Bouncy movements
• Relaxed, open mouth

When to Be Concerned

If your pet shows persistent signs of:

• Aggression
• Extreme fear
• Unusual behavior changes

Consult with your affordable veterinarian in Miami for a behavioral assessment. We serve Doral, Kendall, and Miami Lakes with compassionate care.

VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is a mobile veterinary house-call practice serving select areas of Miami-Dade County and select areas of Broward County.