Dogs communicate a lot through their body language. A relaxed posture, wagging tail, and perked ears often indicate happiness, whereas a tucked tail, flattened ears, and hunched posture can signal fear or anxiety.
Like humans, dogs have a range of facial expressions that convey emotions. For instance, a relaxed, open mouth can mean contentment, while a wrinkled forehead or bared teeth might indicate worry or aggression.
The way a dog uses eye contact can tell a lot. Direct, soft eye contact can be a sign of trust and affection, while avoiding eye contact might suggest fear or submission. However, intense staring can be a sign of aggression.
Barking, whining, growling, and howling are all vocal ways dogs express their emotions. The context and type of sound are important; for example, a high-pitched bark may indicate excitement, while growling could signal discomfort or aggression.
Tail wagging is often associated with happiness, but the way a dog wags its tail can mean different things. A slow wag might indicate insecurity, while a tail wagged more to the right suggests positive emotions, and more to the left indicates negative emotions.
Dogs may seek physical contact when they feel affectionate, but they might also do so when they're anxious or seeking comfort. Conversely, a dog that shies away from touch may be scared or uncomfortable.
A dog's energy level can be an indicator of its mood. A playful, energetic dog is usually happy, while a lethargic dog may be stressed, depressed, or unwell.
Changes in a dog’s eating or sleeping patterns can be a sign of emotional distress. For instance, a dog that suddenly loses its appetite or sleeps more than usual might be experiencing anxiety or depression.