The following is a list of common body signals you will see your dog offer. The asterisk (*) Indicates signals that humans can offer, too.
| Eyes & Head |
| ► Glancing away* (quick glance) |
| ► Looking away* (continuing to look away) |
| ► Turning head*
♦ Slight head turn
♦ 45° or more
|
| ► Lowering head*
♦ Subtle
♦ Dip/lift head
|
| ► Blinking eyes* |
| ► Lowering eyelids* |
| ► Ears down |
| ► Ears down & Back |
| |
| Mouth & Muzzle |
| ► Tongue licks
♦ Tip of tongue only
♦ Multiple licks/swallows
|
| ► Licking at your face |
| ► Nose lick (tongue over nose) |
| ► Panting
♦ Tongue behind teeth
♦ Tongue hanging out (lolling tongue is likely heat-related)
|
| ► Mouth corner wrinkles
♦ Closed-mouth "smile"
♦ Open-mouth "smile"
|
| |
| Body Posture or Action |
| ► Turn away*
♦ Slight
♦ 45° or more
|
| ► Turn side to you or to others* |
| ► Turn back to you or to others* |
| ► Lower/reduce body posture* |
| ► Sitting* |
| ► Lying down |
| ► Curved stance |
| ► Stand sideways* |
| ► Go belly up (not for belly rubs) |
| ► Stretch (play bow) |
| |
| Behavior/Activity |
| ► Paw lift
♦ Slight
♦ Pawing at ____________
|
| ► Scratching at the ground |
| ► Sniffing the ground |
| ► Redirected behavior |
| ► Move away/walk away* |
| ► Submissive urination |
| ► Splitting up* (preventively coming between perceived antagonists) |
| |
| Approach/Movement |
| ► Move slowly* |
| ► Slowing - stopping* |
| ► Move stiffly |
| ► Approach in a curve* |
| ► Approach in a crawl or crouch* |
| ► Sniffing on approach |
| ► Freeze* (remain motionless) |
| |
| Tail |
| ► Wag (vibrate rather than swing) |
| ► Held low |
| ► Tail tip wag only |
| ► Under belly |
| |
| Self-calming or ?? (Consider the context to decide) |
| ►Shaking off (not when wet) |
| ► Sneezing |
| ► Scratching an itch |
| ► Yawning |
|