Questions tagged [hackles]
What does it mean when a dog’s tail is wagging but its hackles are down?
Category: Communication and Body Language
When a dog’s tail is wagging but its hackles are down, it generally indicates a state of mixed emotions or a neutral to positive emotional state. This combination of body language signals can be interpreted as the dog being somewhat relaxed or curious, but not overly excited or aggressive. To full...
What does a dog’s raised hackles indicate?
Category: Communication
A dog’s raised hackles, also known as piloerection, is a physiological response where the hair along the dog’s back, neck, and sometimes tail stands up. This reaction is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which means it is involuntary and not something the dog consciously controls. Rais...
What are common stress signals in dogs during social interactions with other dogs?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs communicate their emotions and stress levels through a variety of body language signals, especially during social interactions with other dogs. Recognizing these stress signals is crucial for ensuring safe and positive interactions. Here are some common stress signals to look for, along with de...
Why do some dogs raise their hackles, and what does it indicate?
Category: Communication and Body Language
Dogs raising their hackles, also known as piloerection, is a common but often misunderstood behavior. This phenomenon occurs when the muscles at the base of a dog's hair follicles contract, causing the fur along the back, neck, and sometimes the tail to stand up. While it is often associated with ag...