Things You'll Need:
- Knowledge
- Attention
-
Step 1
Hmmm?Look for a Tilted Head - Your dog looks at you sideways with a slightly lowered or skewed head. What does this mean? This usually means that your dog is thinking the following: "I'm worried and/or confused and unsure of your next move."
-
Step 2
Let's Rock!Look for an Elevated Head/Erect Body Posture - You notice that your dog is standing with an erect body posture and with an elevated head. What's going through your dog's mind? This type of body posture indicates a feeling of confidence and strength on your dog's part. In other words, your dog is thinking: "I'm equal to the challenge and ready to pounce."
-
Step 3
Fun! Fun!Notice Your Dog Taking a Bow - Your dog lowers the front half of its torso into a bow position while keeping its hindquarters elevated. This is the classic sign of a happy, playful dog. Your dog is thinking: "Ooooh, let's play!"
-
Step 4
Uh Oh!Spot a Submissive Dog - Your dog crouches down with its tail hanging down and its ears folded back. This body positioning indicates submissiveness. Your dog is saying: "You're the boss, and I'm letting you know that I know!"
-
Step 5
Watch Out!Respect a Curled Lip and Bared Teeth - Your dog, or any other dog for that matter, bares its teeth and curls its lip, maybe even adds a growl or snarl for good measure. It doesn't take the "Dog Whisperer" to decipher this message: "Watch out!" "I'm Pissed and not a happy camper!"
-
Step 6
Beware!Defer to the Raised Hackles - Although not as ominous and/or obvious as a dog with a curled lip and bared teeth, a dog that presents with raised fur on its back and/or neck is to be respected. This type of body response indicates an overall sense of heightened awareness and/or suspicion. A dog that presents like this is likely to be thinking: "I'm afraid but ready to defend myself."
