Relaxed body posture
- What you may see
- Soft, loose muscles; mouth slightly open; weight evenly balanced.
- What it can mean
- Often comfort and ease in the moment.
- What to watch for
- Sudden stiffening or closing of the mouth can signal a shift in mood.
Dog Science
Canine Body Language
Dogs communicate constantly with their bodies. Learning a few common signals helps you notice when your dog is relaxed, playful, worried or needs a break.
Signals work like words in a sentence: they make sense together, not alone.
No single signal has one guaranteed meaning. Always read the whole dog — face, ears, tail, body and what's happening around them.
Body language library
Play bow
- What you may see
- Front end lowered, rear end up, often with a bouncy look.
- What it can mean
- Usually an invitation to play, or a way to say 'this is still play' mid-game.
- What to watch for
- Make sure the other dog is answering with play signals too.
Loose wagging tail
- What you may see
- A wide, wiggly wag, sometimes moving the whole back end.
- What it can mean
- Often friendly, social interest.
- What to watch for
- A wag alone does not mean happy — a high, stiff, fast wag can mean arousal.
Stiff body posture
- What you may see
- Tense muscles, weight leaning forward or very still.
- What it can mean
- Can mean focus, uncertainty or rising tension.
- What to watch for
- Calmly create distance and give the dog space.
Whale eye
- What you may see
- The whites of the eyes show while the head is turned slightly away.
- What it can mean
- Often discomfort or worry, especially when guarding or being hugged.
- What to watch for
- Stop the interaction and let the dog move away.
Lip licking
- What you may see
- A quick flick of the tongue when no food is around.
- What it can mean
- Can be a calming or appeasement signal during mild stress.
- What to watch for
- Notice what just happened — a new person, a loud sound, a reach overhead.
Yawning
- What you may see
- A yawn outside of tiredness, often during handling or new situations.
- What it can mean
- May reflect mild stress or conflict, though dogs also yawn when sleepy.
- What to watch for
- Look at the setting and the other signals together.
Panting
- What you may see
- Open mouth breathing.
- What it can mean
- Cooling down after activity or heat — or sometimes stress.
- What to watch for
- Panting in a cool, calm setting with a tight mouth is worth noticing.
Pacing
- What you may see
- Walking back and forth, unable to settle.
- What it can mean
- Restlessness, anticipation, stress or discomfort.
- What to watch for
- If it's frequent or new, check in with your veterinarian.
Avoidance
- What you may see
- Moving away, turning the body, sniffing elsewhere.
- What it can mean
- A polite way of saying 'not right now.'
- What to watch for
- Respect it — avoidance ignored can escalate.
Tucked tail
- What you may see
- Tail held low or tucked between the legs.
- What it can mean
- Often fear, worry or uncertainty.
- What to watch for
- Lower the pressure: less noise, more space, a quiet spot.
Raised hackles
- What you may see
- Fur standing up along the shoulders or back.
- What it can mean
- Heightened arousal — excitement, surprise, or fear. Not automatically aggression.
- What to watch for
- Watch the rest of the body and calmly pause the activity.
Freezing
- What you may see
- Sudden stillness, sometimes mid-movement.
- What it can mean
- The dog is deciding what to do next; can come before a bigger reaction.
- What to watch for
- Pause and give space right away.
Barking
- What you may see
- Vocalizing with different pitches and rhythms.
- What it can mean
- Alerting, excitement, play, frustration, or asking for something.
- What to watch for
- Notice the trigger and the rest of the body.
Growling
- What you may see
- A low rumble, sometimes during play.
- What it can mean
- A clear, valuable warning — or a play noise when the body is loose and bouncy.
- What to watch for
- Never punish a warning growl; it's important communication.
Paw lifting
- What you may see
- One front paw held up.
- What it can mean
- Focus, anticipation or mild uncertainty.
- What to watch for
- Read the face and posture to tell which.
Shaking off
- What you may see
- A whole-body shake when the dog isn't wet.
- What it can mean
- Often a 'reset' after excitement or mild stress.
- What to watch for
- A nice sign the dog is moving on.
Rolling over
- What you may see
- Lying on the back.
- What it can mean
- Can be relaxation, play, or appeasement.
- What to watch for
- Not every roll is a request for a belly rub.
Belly exposure
- What you may see
- Belly shown while lying down.
- What it can mean
- Comfort and trust — or a request for space during a tense moment.
- What to watch for
- Look for a loose, wiggly body before petting.
Sniffing the ground
- What you may see
- Nose down, investigating.
- What it can mean
- Gathering information — or a calming 'pause' during social tension.
- What to watch for
- Sniffing is enriching; allow time for it.
Turning the head away
- What you may see
- Looking away from a person or dog.
- What it can mean
- A polite signal to slow down.
- What to watch for
- Give the dog a moment.
Hiding
- What you may see
- Going under furniture or behind a person.
- What it can mean
- Seeking safety.
- What to watch for
- Let them come out on their own time.
Hyperarousal
- What you may see
- Frantic movement, jumping, mouthing, unable to listen.
- What it can mean
- Over-stimulation — too much, too fast.
- What to watch for
- A calm break and quiet rest usually helps.
Calm engagement
- What you may see
- Soft eyes, relaxed body, checking in.
- What it can mean
- Comfortable, connected and ready to interact.
- What to watch for
- The state we aim for at daycare.
Sources & further reading
- Horowitz, A. (2009). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner.
- ASPCA — General Dog Care
- AVSAB — Position Statement on Puppy Socialization
Daphne's Doggy Daycare provides this information for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or behavioral condition. Always consult your veterinarian or qualified veterinary professional regarding concerns about your dog.
A home away from — home
Schedule a relaxed, no-obligation visit at Lenora Park in Snellville, Georgia on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM. We'll talk through your dog's routine and make sure Daphne's loving home is the right fit.