Understanding your dog’s behaviour

Dogs can make us happier, less stressed and spending time with your dog can even lower anxiety and blood pressure.

A dog really is our best friend and they give us so much back, so as owners it is important to understand their behaviours so that we give them space when they need it, play when they want it and help them feel safe and loved.

Dogs can experience a range of emotions including happiness, anxiety, fear and anger and they communicate these mainly through different parts of their body. This includes their tail, ears and eyes to signal how they are feeling.

You know your dog better than anyone,  but here are a few important tips to help further understand your dog’s behaviour so everyone can interact safely.

What does a happy dog look like?

• Relaxed body posture, smoot hair, mouth open and relaxed ears in natural position, wagging tail, eyes normal shape.
• Inviting play with bottom raised, smooth hair, high wagging tail, eyes normal shape, ears in natural position, may be barking excitedly.
• Weight is distributed across all four paws, smooth hair, tail wagging, face is interested and alert, relaxed mouth and open.

 

What does a worried dog look like?

These dogs are telling you that they are uncomfortable and don’t want you to go near them.

• Standing position but body posture and head position is low, tail is tucked under, ears are back, and dog is yawning.
• Lying down and avoiding eye contact or turning head away from you, lip licking and ears are back.
• Sitting with head lowered, ears are back, tail tucked away, not making eye contact, yawning, raising a front paw.

What does an angry or unhappy dog look like?

Dogs exhibiting these behaviours are not happy and want you to stay away or go away. It is best not to approach them at all.

• Standing with a stiffened body posture, weight forward, ears are up, hair raised, eyes looking at you – pupil’s dark and enlarged, tail is up and stiff and wrinkled nose.
• Laid down, cowering, ears flat, teeth showing, tail down between legs.
• Standing with their body down and weight towards the back head is tilted upwards, mouth tight, lips drawn back, teeth exposed, eyes staring, ears back and down, snarling.

A supplient can help your pet both short and long-term. Nutracalm is a fast acting natural calming supplement to help stressed and anxious pets but if you’re worried about your dogs behaviour and notice a sudden change in behaviour, speak to your vet who is best placed to offer advice.