A guide to canine communication

I often find myself sitting quietly in my garden, watching dogs communicate with such beautiful clarity. It's rather remarkable, isn't it?

Our furry friends are constantly talking to us and to each other – not with words, but through an intricate language of subtle movements, positions, and expressions.

Today, I'd love to share some gentle insights into understanding what your dog is trying to tell you. After over two decades of working with our four-legged companions, I've learned that they're remarkably honest communicators – we just need to learn their language!

The tale of the tail

Let's start with something we all love to see – the wagging tail. But did you know that not every wag tells the same story?

A tail held high and wagging slowly might signal your dog is alert and assessing a situation, while that wonderful, loose, whole-bottom wiggle we all adore typically means pure joy and relaxation.

I remember working with a lovely Golden Retriever named Bessie who would give the gentlest of tail wags – just the very tip – when she was contemplating something new.

Her owner initially thought she was worried, but we discovered together that this was simply Bessie's way of saying, "How interesting! I'm thinking about this."

What’s in a look?

Our dogs' eyes can tell us so much about how they're feeling. Soft, almond-shaped eyes with occasional gentle blinking often signal a content, relaxed dog.

You might notice your dog averting their gaze – this is actually quite polite in dog language, a way of saying "I mean no harm" or "I need a little space."

What we don't want to see is the hard, fixed stare – something I always gently point out to owners as it can indicate tension or discomfort.

Body posture: The bigger picture

One of the most beautiful things about dogs is how their whole body tells their story. A relaxed dog carries themselves in a soft way – their muscles are loose, their movements fluid.

A happy dog meeting a friend might do what I call the 'elastic band' – bouncing forward to say hello, then curving away, then coming back again. It's rather like a lovely dance!

When a dog is feeling uncertain, they might make themselves smaller, lower their body, or turn away slightly.

This isn't necessarily fear – often it's just them processing their environment. I always encourage owners to give their dogs time and space when they show these signals.

Reading the room: Context matters

Something I've learned over my years of working with dogs is that context is everything. A tail wag in the garden with family might mean something quite different to the same wag in a new environment.

That's why I always encourage my clients to observe their dogs in different situations – it's rather like learning different dialects of the same language.

A gentle reminder

Remember, every dog is unique. While these guidelines are helpful, your dog will have their own special way of communicating with you.

The joy is in learning their individual language!

Take time each day to simply observe your dog. Notice the subtle changes in their expression, the way they hold their body, how they respond to different situations.

This quiet observation can be quite meditative for both of you – a lovely way to strengthen your bond.

If you're ever unsure about what your dog is trying to tell you, it's always best to err on the side of giving them space and time. They'll thank you for listening to their quieter signals.

Sandra x

If you'd like to learn more about reading your dog's body language, why not join us for our next 6-week enrichment course? We'll explore these concepts in detail, with plenty of practical examples and gentle guidance.