Questions tagged [communication]
What does it mean when a dog’s body is low to the ground during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog’s body is low to the ground during play, it is typically a sign of a specific body language cue that communicates their intentions and emotional state. This posture, often referred to as a "play bow," is a common and important behavior in canine communication. Understanding what this po...
How do dogs use their paws to invite play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs use their paws in a variety of ways to communicate, and one of the most common and endearing behaviors is using their paws to invite play. This behavior is rooted in their natural instincts and social communication methods. Understanding how and why dogs use their paws to initiate play can help...
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...
What body language indicates a dog is being submissive?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Understanding a dog's body language is crucial for interpreting their emotions and intentions. Submissive behavior in dogs is a way of communicating that they are not a threat and are seeking to avoid conflict. This behavior can be directed toward humans, other dogs, or even other animals. Recognizi...
Why do some dogs exhibit play bows during interactions?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs exhibit play bows as a form of communication and social signaling during interactions, particularly when they want to initiate or maintain playful behavior. The play bow is a distinctive posture where a dog lowers its front legs and chest to the ground while keeping its hindquarters elevated. T...
How does tail wagging differ between playful and stressed dogs?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Tail wagging in dogs is a complex form of communication that can convey a wide range of emotions, including playfulness and stress. While many people assume that a wagging tail always indicates a happy dog, the reality is more nuanced. The position, speed, and direction of the wag, as well as the do...
How do dogs use eye contact to show submission?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs use eye contact as a key part of their communication, and understanding how they use it to show submission is essential for interpreting their behavior. When a dog displays submissive behavior through eye contact, it is often accompanied by other body language cues that signal their non-threate...
What does it mean when a dog licks another dog’s face during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog licks another dog’s face during play, it is a behavior that can have multiple meanings depending on the context, the relationship between the dogs, and their individual personalities. This behavior is rooted in canine communication and social dynamics, and understanding it requires a cl...
How can you identify stress signals in a dog’s vocalizations?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Identifying stress signals in a dog’s vocalizations requires a combination of understanding canine communication, recognizing specific vocal patterns, and observing the context in which the sounds occur. Dogs use vocalizations as one of many ways to express their emotions, and stress can manifest ...
What are the signs of a dog trying to de-escalate a tense situation?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs are highly social animals with a complex system of communication, and they often use specific behaviors to de-escalate tense situations. Recognizing these signs is crucial for understanding your dog's emotional state and preventing conflicts. Here are the key signs of a dog trying to de-escalat...