Your dog may not be able to speak, but his body language is full of important information. By taking the time to learn to read your dog's body language, you will be able understand what he is trying to tell you.

One of the most important things to remember about dog body language is that it is always changing. A dog's body language can shift rapidly, depending on their mood and what they are trying to communicate. As such, it is important to take note of both individual body language cues as well as how they change over time.

Tail Position

One of the most common dog body language cues is the position of the tail. A dog who is feeling happy and relaxed will usually have his tail down, or at least halfway down. A dog who is feeling scared or threatened may have his tail between his legs. And a dog who is feeling aggressive may hold his tail high and stiff.

Ears

The ears are another important area to pay attention to when trying to read your dog's body language. Ears that are held up and forward usually indicate that a dog is interested in something or someone. Ears that are laid back flat against the head may mean that the dog is feeling scared or submissive. And ears that are twitching or flickering can often be a sign that the dog is feeling agitated or even aggressive.

Eyes

The eyes are also very important in dog body language. A dog who is feeling relaxed and happy will usually have soft, relaxed eyes. A dog who is feeling scared may have wide, fearful eyes. And a dog who is feeling aggressive may have hard, staring eyes.

Mouth

The mouth is another key area to watch when trying to understand dog body language. A dog who is feeling happy and relaxed will usually have a loose, open mouth. A dog who is feeling scared may have his mouth closed or partially closed. And a dog who is feeling aggressive may have his mouth open and his teeth showing.

Overall Posture

Finally, it is also important to pay attention to the overall posture of a dog when trying to interpret their body language. A dog who is standing tall with his head held high is usually feeling confident and dominant. A dog who is crouching low to the ground may be feeling submissive or fearful. And a dog who has a stiff, rigid body may be feeling aggressive.

By taking the time to learn to read your dog's body language, you will be able to better understand what he is trying to tell you. This can help you to respond in a way that is appropriate for the situation and can help to prevent misunderstandings between you and your dog.