Body Language at a Glance

To help you interpret this all-body communication, here's a brief glossary of basic dog gestures and posture.

Head

Head high: self-confident and interested in what he sees, hears and smells
Head high, neck arched: confident; displaying superior rank over another dog
Head high, tilted to side: interested and curious
Head and neck horizontal, body stiff, slight crouch, leaning forward: ready to escape; may snap or bite if cornered
Head horizontal or lower than horizontal, turned to one side, cheek turned upward: showing the desire to appease
Head horizontal or lower than horizontal, body curved so head and tail face same direction: cornered, fearful, and feeling self-protective. The dog is likely to snap or bite if approached
Head drooped, nose down or tucked toward chest, eyes averted, slight crouch: lacking confidence, showing submissive difference to a higher-ranking individual

Ears

Lifted, openings facing forward: strong interest
Lifted only partway, openings forward: interested but not yet eager to approach
Lifted halfway, openings sideways: interested but worried
Lowered, openings down or turned backward: worry, desire to escape
Lowered, plastered to sides of head: alarm or fear. The dog desires to escape but may be afraid to move; may snap or bit if approached when cornered

Eyes

Hard, intent stare that does not break away: dominant, may be predatory or aggressive
Eyes averted: submissive, may be fearful
Eyes that move toward and away from a person or animal: fearful or anxious

Body Posture

Skulking posture, dog stays close to the ground: submissive, fearful, may be fear-aggressive
Standing tall, stiff, rising up on paws, leaning forward: confident, curious, and excited but may be aggressive or predatory
Bows with front legs extended, head down, and rump in the air: playful and friendly, initiating interaction
On back, belly exposed: submissive, may be fearful

Tail

Above horizontal

Tail high, stiff, and still: assessing the situation for danger; ready for conflict
High and wagging stiffly like a metronome: displaying dominance and willingness for combat
High and wagging stiffly in a short arc: willing to interact in a friendly manner with a dog of similar rank if the other dog doesn't start combat, indicating possible sexual interest
Waving gently in a wide arc: friendly, interested, and enthusiastic

Horizontal

Tail high, stiff, straight out behind dog: interested, assessing the situation, and will likely follow or give chase if the object of interest retreats or flees
Tail still: interested but not yet ready to move forward
Tail horizontal with tip drooping: undecided whether to approach or retreat

Below horizontal

Wagging gently: friendly but lacking confidence
Tucked and wagging: lacking confidence and rank but is not combative; he will allow a slow approach but may panic and flee if rushed
Tucked and still: fearful, will retreat if approached and may bite if cornered
Tail tucked tightly, dog lying on side or back, possibly also urinating: showing full submissive to a higher-ranking individual