Questions tagged [arousal]
What does it mean when a dog’s tail is wagging high during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog’s tail is wagging high during play, it typically indicates a heightened state of arousal, excitement, or confidence. Tail wagging is one of the most recognizable forms of canine communication, but its meaning can vary depending on the position, speed, and context of the wag. A high tail...
What does it mean when a dog’s eyes are wide during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog’s eyes are wide during play, it is often a sign of heightened arousal, excitement, or focus. This behavior is part of a dog’s body language and can provide insight into their emotional state. Understanding this expression requires looking at the context of the situation, the dog’s o...
How does an aggressive dog's posture change when it lunges forward?
Category: Posture
When an aggressive dog lunges forward, its posture undergoes significant changes that reflect its heightened state of arousal and intent to attack or defend. Understanding these postural changes is crucial for interpreting a dog's behavior and ensuring safety in potentially dangerous situations. Bel...
How does an aggressive dog's posture change when it snaps?
Category: Posture
When a dog snaps, its posture undergoes distinct changes that reflect its heightened state of arousal, stress, or aggression. Understanding these changes is crucial for interpreting a dog's behavior and preventing potential harm. Below is a detailed explanation of how an aggressive dog's posture cha...
How does an aggressive dog's posture change when it lunges?
Category: Posture
When a dog lunges aggressively, its posture undergoes significant changes that reflect its heightened state of arousal and intent to attack or defend. Understanding these postural changes is crucial for interpreting a dog's behavior and ensuring safety for both the dog and those around it. Below is ...
What does it mean when a dog whines while looking out the window?
Category: Vocalizations
When a dog whines while looking out the window, it typically indicates a combination of emotional and instinctual responses. This behavior can stem from various underlying causes, and understanding the context is key to interpreting what your dog is trying to communicate. Below, I will break down th...
What does it mean when a dog's eyes appear wide and round?
Category: Facial Expressions
When a dog's eyes appear wide and round, it is often a sign of heightened emotional or physical arousal. This expression, commonly referred to as "whale eye" or "half-moon eye," occurs when the whites of the dog's eyes (the sclera) become visible, usually at the corners or edges. This can indicate a...
What does it mean when a dog's ears are slightly back but not pinned?
Category: Facial Expressions
When a dog's ears are slightly back but not pinned, it typically indicates a mild state of emotional arousal or uncertainty. This ear position can convey a range of emotions, from curiosity and attentiveness to mild anxiety or submission. Understanding this body language requires observing the conte...
What does a tail wag with a stiff, upright tail indicate?
Category: Tail Wagging
A tail wag with a stiff, upright tail in dogs is a significant body language signal that can indicate heightened arousal, alertness, or potential aggression. This type of tail position and movement is not the same as the relaxed, side-to-side wagging that typically signifies happiness or friendlines...
What does a tail wag with a stiff body posture indicate?
Category: Tail Wagging
A tail wag with a stiff body posture in a dog is a complex form of communication that requires careful interpretation. While many people assume that a wagging tail always signifies happiness or friendliness, this is not always the case. The combination of a wagging tail and a stiff body posture ofte...