Body Language Flashcards
Does it mean a dog is happy when they wag their tail?
Not always, tail wags mean a dog is happy but can also mean a dog is agitated
What does a happy tail wag look like?
The tail is low and relaxed
The entire body may be wagging out of excitement
They will look overall happy (mouth is slightly open, face is relaxed, entire body is at ease)
What does an agitated tail wag look like?
The tail is high and quickly moving back and forth
What are hackles and what does it mean when they are raised?
Hackles are the hair along the back of the neck
An evolutionary reaction, to make the dog look bigger to enemies
May also raise is dog is excited/playful
What are some shows of agression?
The dog is leaning forward, most of their weight is on the front legs
Flattened ears, growling slowling, showing teeth
Often stares directly at victim
What does a submissive dog (a dog who wants to avoid conflict) look like?
They keep their head low, sometimes lowering all the way down to the ground
May either not look directly in eyes or may stare
If extra submissive, dog may lay on their back and even urinate
What does a “play bow” look like? What does it mean?
Chest on the ground, hindquarters in the air, tail wagging furiously and they jump from side to side
This means the dog wants to play fight
Humans may initaite play fighting by getting on the ground and play bowing
What are some differences between play flighting and normal fighting?
Play fighting most likely includes “play bowing” and is most likely not harmful
If a dog is actually fighting they will have stiff posture with sharp and delibrate movements
