Questions tagged [communication signals]
What does it mean when a dog's body is tense but tail is wagging?
Category: Posture
When a dog's body is tense but its tail is wagging, it can indicate a complex emotional state that requires careful interpretation. This combination of body language signals is often misunderstood, as many people assume that a wagging tail always means a happy or friendly dog. However, the context o...
How can you tell if a dog is inviting play versus seeking space?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Understanding whether a dog is inviting play or seeking space is crucial for interpreting their body language and ensuring positive interactions. Dogs communicate primarily through body language, and recognizing these signals can help prevent misunderstandings or conflicts. Below is a detailed expla...
Why do some dogs raise one ear higher than the other?
Category: Facial Expressions
Dogs raising one ear higher than the other is a common behavior that can be attributed to a variety of reasons, ranging from natural anatomy to communication signals. This phenomenon, often referred to as "ear asymmetry," is not usually a cause for concern but can sometimes indicate underlying issue...
What does it mean when a dog’s tail is wagging but its ears are twitching?
Category: Communication and Body Language
When a dog’s tail is wagging but its ears are twitching, it can indicate a mix of emotions or signals that the dog is trying to communicate. Understanding this behavior requires looking at the context, the dog’s body language as a whole, and the specific movements of the tail and ears. Here’s ...