Dog Body Language
Playful
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Dogs will have loose and wiggly bodies and tails. Parted and panting mouths with tongues hanging out.
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Biting/mouthing is normal, however it should be preceded by a play bow and consensual.
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A play bow will be loose, wiggly, but high, head and front paws low
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Dogs should give each other breaks and there should be a back and forth.
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Vocalizations are normal but should not include excessive barking
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Face licking
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Dogs will often take turns wrestling from top to bottom position
Aggresive
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Aggressive is defined as "intent to harm"; there are many different kinds of aggression. Refer to "Understanding Aggression" for the different kinds.
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A dog is preparing to attack when he/she freezes in position, standing with a wide stance, head low and a closed mouth.
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Dogs may have tense bodies with muscles showing; forward, stiff and upright body posture often with puffed up hair
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Tails may be slow wagging and standing straight up or low to body depending on breed and energy state. *Remember tail wagging is just a transfer of energy (good or bad)*
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Closed or tight mouth or an escalated teeth bared/snapping
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Snarling/growling/snapping and fast forward lunging towards
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Can see a "prey bow" where a dog will stamp its front feet forward this is not the same as a low wiggly loose "play bow" this is a threatening movement .
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WILL NOT give other dog a break, will pin/bite/shake/body slam and ignore yelps or attempts to get away.
Anxious/Fearful
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Can lead to aggression but not always
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"Whale eye" seeing the whites of their eyes. Large dilated pupils
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Dogs may have tense bodies with muscles showing; forward, stiff and upright body posture often with puffed up hair
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Turning head away, hiding behind a person or object, or rolling onto his back to be submissive.
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Fear prompts a dog to put his tail between his legs, to flatten and lay back his ears, to crouch and possibly tremble.
