Dog signals translated; what is your pooch trying to tell you?

The happy go lucky dog

When your dog is feeling happy, you sure can tell. Your pup’s overall body language will be relaxed or he or she may jump around with delight and have a seriously waggy tail. Your dog’s eyes will communicate gentleness and they may even give you a cheesy grin. Keep in mind though, a wagging tail doesn’t necessarily mean a dog is happy; this can also be a sign of stress. Make sure you look out for other signals too. 

The curious canine

Cats aren’t the only ones that are curious. Dogs love understanding more about the world and may do a little bit of investigating if something sparks their interest. They may lean forward with keen attentive eyes and do a bit of sniffing to suss out the source of their interest. Curious dogs may trot back and forth between you and the thing that has caught their attention, indicating that they want to show you what they’ve found. In all likelihood they’ve probably figured out where you’ve hidden Webbox treats! 

The fearful pooch

A tail between the hindlegs is a clear signal that your pooch is feeling scared. Other signs include making themselves smaller, or rolling over to show their belly (which is a sign of submission). Your dog may also yawn when they’re feeling scared. This is actually a coping mechanism rather than a sign of tiredness so keep an eye out for it! If your dog gives you these signals, try to remove them from the situation that’s making them fearful or respect their space if this happens in the home. 

The playful pup

It’s no surprise that dogs just love to play. When they bow before you, with their chest leaning towards the floor and their tail in the air, this is usually an invitation to get the party started! Dogs tend to initiate playful games with other dogs but they may even do this with humans too if the mood strikes. When your dog is in a playful mood they may wag their tail at a much quicker pace than usual, or go bounding off in a random direction. Perhaps worth keeping an eye on this if you’re outdoors as you don’t want your pup running off!

The hot tempered dog

Some dogs just aren’t the most patient of creatures. It’s important that you understand your dog’s signals if your pet is feeling angry as this enables you to deal with the situation appropriately. Generally, an angry dog may appear to be very stiff, with raised hackles and their tail pointing upwards. Some dogs growl as a warning signal so if you hear this, respect their space and back off, rather than chastise your dog. A growl is a dog’s way of letting you know that they’re not happy with the situation and can sometimes be a warning that a dog is about to bite. 

The chilled dog 

A chilled out dog is pretty easy to spot. Their tail will be down and relaxed and their mouth might be open slightly with their tongue exposed. A relaxed dog can be seen lounging in their favourite spot in the house, or pottering around from room to room without any particular intent. This is the perfect time to serve up a Webbox Naturals main meal! 

Ultimately, dogs are complex creatures and even if they’re showing signs of happiness and contentment, it’s always important to respect their boundaries. Does your dog give you signals about their mood? Connect with us on social media and tell us your stories!