Questions tagged [communication]
What does it mean when a dog’s body is loose and bouncy during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog’s body is loose and bouncy during play, it typically indicates that the dog is relaxed, happy, and engaging in playful behavior. This type of body language is a clear sign that the dog is enjoying itself and is in a positive emotional state. Understanding this behavior requires a deeper...
What does it mean when a dog’s mouth is slightly open during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog’s mouth is slightly open during play, it is typically a sign of relaxation, enjoyment, and engagement in the activity. This behavior is often referred to as a "play face" and is a common expression seen in dogs during friendly interactions. Understanding this behavior requires a deeper ...
What are the signs of a dog feeling playful but intimidated by large dogs?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs communicate their emotions and intentions through body language, vocalizations, and behavior. When a dog feels playful but intimidated by larger dogs, their signals can be subtle and sometimes contradictory. Understanding these signs is crucial for ensuring safe and positive interactions betwee...
How do dogs use their tails to show they are relaxed during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs use their tails as a key communication tool, and tail position and movement can provide significant insight into their emotional state, including during play. When a dog is relaxed during play, their tail will typically exhibit specific behaviors that indicate comfort, enjoyment, and a lack of ...
How do dogs use their body weight to show submission?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs use their body weight and posture as a key part of their communication system, particularly when showing submission. Submission in dogs is a way to de-escalate conflict, show respect, or acknowledge a higher-ranking individual, whether that is another dog or a human. Understanding how dogs use ...
What does it mean when a dog barks repeatedly during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog barks repeatedly during play, it is typically a form of communication and expression of excitement. Barking during play is a normal behavior for many dogs, and it can serve several purposes depending on the context, the dog's personality, and the situation. Understanding why your dog bark...
What does it mean when a dog sneezes during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog sneezes during play, it is typically a form of communication and a sign that the dog is engaging in playful behavior. This type of sneezing is often referred to as a "play sneeze" and is a common behavior observed in dogs during social interactions, particularly when they are excited or h...
How can you tell if a dog is feeling playful versus aggressive?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Understanding whether a dog is feeling playful or aggressive is crucial for ensuring safe interactions with dogs and preventing misunderstandings that could lead to accidents. Dogs communicate primarily through body language, vocalizations, and behavior, and recognizing the subtle differences betwee...
How do dogs use their tails to show excitement during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs use their tails as a primary means of communication, and during play, their tail movements can convey a wide range of emotions, including excitement. Understanding how dogs use their tails to express excitement during play requires a combination of observing their body language, understanding t...
What does it mean when a dog whines during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog whines during play, it can have several meanings depending on the context, the dog's body language, and the situation. Whining is a form of vocal communication that dogs use to express a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. Understanding why a dog whines during play requires car...