Questions tagged [motion]
What does it mean when a dog's hackles are raised?
Category: Posture
When a dog's hackles are raised, it refers to the involuntary erection of the hair along the back of the neck, spine, and sometimes the tail. This phenomenon is scientifically known as piloerection, and it occurs when tiny muscles at the base of each hair follicle contract, causing the hair to stand...
What does it mean when a dog's body is stiff and tail is wagging in short bursts?
Category: Posture
When a dog's body is stiff and their tail is wagging in short, rapid bursts, it typically indicates a state of heightened arousal or tension. This body language can have multiple interpretations depending on the context, but it generally suggests that the dog is experiencing strong emotions, which c...
What does a stiff, upright posture indicate in a dog?
Category: Posture
A stiff, upright posture in a dog is a significant body language signal that typically indicates heightened arousal, tension, or alertness. This posture can have various meanings depending on the context, the dog's environment, and the accompanying behaviors. Understanding this posture is crucial fo...
What does a relaxed dog's tail wagging pattern look like?
Category: Posture
A relaxed dog's tail wagging pattern is a key indicator of their emotional state and can provide valuable insights into how they are feeling. When a dog is relaxed, their tail wagging is typically smooth, fluid, and natural, reflecting a calm and content demeanor. Understanding this behavior is esse...
What does it mean when a dog's body is tense and rigid?
Category: Posture
When a dog's body is tense and rigid, it typically indicates that the dog is experiencing some form of stress, discomfort, or heightened emotional state. This physical response can be a sign of various underlying causes, ranging from fear and anxiety to aggression or even pain. Understanding the con...
How does a fearful dog's posture change around strangers?
Category: Posture
A fearful dog's posture undergoes noticeable changes when encountering strangers, reflecting its emotional state and discomfort. Understanding these changes is crucial for interpreting the dog's feelings and responding appropriately to prevent stress or potential aggression. Below is a detailed expl...
How does an aggressive dog use its tail to communicate?
Category: Posture
An aggressive dog uses its tail as one of many tools to communicate its emotional state and intentions. While many people associate a wagging tail with a happy dog, tail position and movement can convey a wide range of emotions, including aggression. Understanding these signals is crucial for interp...
What does it mean when a dog's body is turned sideways?
Category: Posture
When a dog's body is turned sideways, it is often a form of body language that communicates specific intentions or emotions. This posture can have multiple meanings depending on the context, the dog's overall body language, and the situation. Understanding this behavior requires observing the dog's ...
How does a fearful dog's posture change when cornered?
Category: Posture
When a dog is fearful and feels cornered, their body language undergoes significant changes as a way to communicate their emotional state and attempt to protect themselves. Understanding these postural changes is crucial for interpreting a dog's feelings and responding appropriately to avoid escalat...
What does it mean when a dog's tail is wagging slowly?
Category: Posture
When a dog's tail is wagging slowly, it can indicate a range of emotions or states of mind, and understanding this behavior requires careful observation of the dog's overall body language and context. Tail wagging is one of the most recognizable forms of canine communication, but it is not always a ...