We all communicate in different ways, talking, shouting and swearing (all three if you suffer from tourette’s syndrome). We also communicate with our bodies in various ways, say no more. Obviously the canine species can’t talk, can’t shout and definitely can’t swear so they tend to use body language and they communicate by giving certain signals. You can learn how to interpret your dog’s body language.

Over the centuries, wolves evolved an elaborate system of body language, facial expressions and vocalisations to communicate with each other. Our dogs, we love and cherish also use this method of communication and all of the signals are universally recognised by all dogs. If we can learn to interpret this ‘dog communication’ then we get a better understanding on how our dogs are feeling and we can also observe the posture and listen to it. This will inevitably make us better dog owners, and better equipped to solve any behavioural problems that arise.

Why do we choose dogs as pets?
Well, one of the reasons is because of the remarkable way they communicate with humans. Dogs see us an extension of their own family of canines and can actually, quickly, interpret our own moods and intentions. If we can get a better understanding of how dogs communicate with other dogs, it will serve to stand us in good stead when we try to decipher the message our dogs are trying to convey.

Dogs are excellent at communicating with other dogs through a series of signals; these are notably facial expressions, body postures, noises and scents (not unlike humans). Your dog will use his mouth, eyes, ears and even his tail to express his emotions (not unlike male humans) and if you read the combination of body signals, then, you should be able to work out who is top dog in situations of confrontation.

A dog that wants to communicate braveness or aggression will give the impression of being a larger and more powerful dog. He will stand tall with his ears and tail erect, thrust his chest forward and may raise the hairs around his neck and along his back, commonly called his hackles and he may also wave his tail slowly and growl. You don’t need a behaviourist to tell you that this is an act of bravado or an act of aggression.

On the other hand a less confident dog will appear small and puppy-like. Although adult dogs will chastise puppies, they do not attack them. A submissive dog’s approach to a more dominant looking individual is likely to be from the side, crouching near to the ground with the tail held low, but with an enthusiastic wag. He may also try to lick the hands or paws (depending on human or canine) and the face of either the dominant dog or person. If he is having no luck with the dominant, aggressive dog he might then roll onto his back, exposing his groin and it is not uncommon that some dogs will involuntarily pass a small volume of urine.

Tail wagging is one of the characteristics that is familiar to most people. I certainly recognise that loose, free tail wagging is a sign of pleasure and general friendliness. However, exaggerated tail wagging, which extends to the entire rump, is usually seen in subordinate dogs, oh and, as well as those dogs with very short tails.

However, the tail is also an indicator for other emotions. A slow waving stiff tail, in line with the back, expresses anger and a tail clamped low over the dog’s hindquarters suggests that the dog is afraid. Although, anxious or nervous dogs may stiffly wag their drooping tails as a sign of appeasement.

Through breeding and docking, the normal tail carriage of the dog has been modified through the ages. Breeds, such as the Whippet and the Italian Greyhound naturally carry their tail in the clamped down position, but in general, a tail held at higher than forty-five degrees to the spine expresses interest and alertness.

You can tell a lot about your dog’s mood from the facial expressions that he gives. Your dog (like us) has a vast repertoire of emotions that he may express - anxiousness, excitement, scared and playful to name but four. His ears prick up when he is listening intently, showing that he is alert. However, his ears are flat and held back when expressing pleasure, submission or fear (you couldn’t get much differing emotions than pleasure and fear). Although, to read his mood correctly, you must watch for other body signals at the same time.

The narrowing, or seemingly half closing of a dog’s eyes is indicative to both pleasure and submission, but when his eyes are wide open then the intention is basically out and out aggression.

In the wild, the leader of the pack can maintain control as easy as staring at a subordinate dog. It forms the part of an exciting “staring contest” type game. The two animals will continue to stare out each other until one challenges the other or one lowers his head and turns away. If the staring continues after the submissive dog has looked away, he may begin to feel confused and might bite out of fear. If eye contact has not been broken, the pack leader will reinforce his threat by snarling, growling and he may even attack.

This is why you should not try to outstare your dog, especially if he has aggressive tendencies and is a nervous dog. The resulting action could be an attack. Maybe you will think twice about chastising him the next time they playfully go for you after you have stared at them. Firstly, it’s your fault and secondly, its part of their body language and they can’t help it. Gentle eye contact is a great source of reassurance for your dog and helps strengthen your bond.

Submissive dogs and those of certain breed types, notably Labradors, may give the appearance of smiling when they open their mouth, which shows their teeth in a lop sided grin of friendliness. However, in a snarl of aggression, both lips are drawn right back to expose most of the teeth and may be accompanied by a growl.

A dog will indicate his desire to play by raising a front paw or by performing the play bow, which is often accompanied by a bout of barking to attract attention. Other playful gestures include the offering of a play object, such as a squeak toy or bone (in my case, they offer it and then quickly remove it as I attempt to take it) and by bounding up to another dog or human to invite a chase.

It’s basically all down to watching your dog interact with other dogs, watching and learning. I was always taught that we have two eyes and one mouth and we should use them in that proportion.

One of the best dog watchers around is Desmond Morris. Now in his 75th year he is still busy watching everything from dogs and cats to people and big brother inhabitants.

In 1996 he wrote a book called ‘Illustrated Dogwatching’ and still after seven years it probably remains the best ever book on watching, understanding and explaining why a dog does what a dog does.

It doesn’t profess to be a book about dog training. It explores the development of the special relationship between humans and canines, which began over 10,000 years ago when both early man and wolves lived in packs and formed a firm relationship, with respect for their mutual survivor. The bond became and remains so strong that, whatever changes have occurred in the evolution of man, his canine companion has remained a part of man’s life ever since.

The book uses a question and answer technique to answer such questions as “why do dog’s bark?” and “why does a dog wag its tail?” and there are elements of humour like “why is a cooked sausage in a bun called a hot dog?”.

It is basically an essential guide to explain what makes a dog tick and explains the use of body language in their relationships with other dogs and humans.

Some popular misconceptions and half-truths like “do dogs show remorse” and “does a beaten dog offer its throat to an attacker” are explained and hopefully cleared up.

It is not only an excellent read; there are illustrations on every page.