Dog Body Language What Does It Mean?

You can gauge the mental state of a dog from his posture and his facial and vocal expressions. Generally, a stiff stance with jerky movements indicates aggression, uncertainty and fear, while a relaxed posture and smooth movements mean the dog is at ease. A wagging tail does not always mean the dog is at ease. You have to take into account the rest of his body language before deciding whether he is a friend or a foe.
Look beyond the wagging tail and note the dog's hackles ( the top of his shoulder, just behind his neck), his body stance and his facial expressions.

Reading your dog's body language...

Dogs Body Language What it Means

Wagging a raised, stiff tail Implies tention and potential aggression

Wagging a low tail or between his legs Indicates fear or submission

Energetically wagging a tail at half-mast A good sign, nether tense nor depressed

Wagging a tail with a relaxed body stance,
'smiley' face and lolly ears He is looking to play or get kind attention


Hackles raised (hair standing up and bushed
out), legs stiff and eyes fixed On guard and ready to attack if necessary