How do you recognize an unfriendly dog? Is it when he growls or isn’t wagging his tail?
It’s true that growling can mean, “Give me space” and the absence of a tail wag may be telling you to keep your distance, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, if you wait for these signs … it may be too late.
The language of dogs is subtle and complex, and it can shift drastically within a blink of an eye. Most dogs — certainly not all — understand what another dog is saying.
But as humans … well, when it comes to understanding what dogs are communicating, most of us might as well be sitting in a room where everyone is speaking Greek. (Pick another language if you happen to speak Greek!) Not only don’t we understand their language, but it all happens so quickly, we can’t keep up.
The 3 signs we’re going to list here do NOT mean a dog is “aggressive” (a term we dislike, but we’ll discuss that another day!). However, these signs DO generally mean a dog wants you — or your dog — to give him space.
Most of us have the strange idea that dogs should be friendly all the time. Think about it: If a perfect stranger came walking toward you with their arms open wide to hug you, isn’t it likely you’d (at the very least) take a step back?
This is what dogs do all the time. “I need some space,” they say in their wonderful, fluid, language that is spoken mostly in silence.
Now this list is not all-inclusive, and the signs need to be taken in the context of the entire situation. Are you angry every time you frown? Maybe you’re frowning because you’re concentrating. You could even be squinting to see something more clearly. Context counts, so keep that in mind.
Closed mouth: The typical “happy, friendly dog” will probably have a slightly open mouth so you can see his pink tongue. Both the mouth and jaw area are soft. A dog who needs space will usually close his mouth and there is a tightness about it. Often you can see the ridges of tension.
Notice how soft this dog’s face and body are. You can practically hear his gentle, relaxed breathing.
Notice how soft this dog’s face and body are. You can practically hear his gentle, relaxed breathing.
Tail above the horizon: Generally, a friendly dog will have his tail below the horizon. It will be low and wagging slowly or maybe quickly. (Notice the Golden’s tail above.) The key is where the tail is positioned. A dog who is aroused — whether in a good way or not-so-good — will typically have his tail above the horizon. How can you tell if this arousal means keep away? Observe whether the tail is loose or stiff. Is it straight up and wagging frantically in tiny movements back and forth? Better to keep your distance. Is the tail high while wagging in a gentle, circular movement? Pay attention and watch for other signs that he may need some distance. Is it straight up like a lightning rod and not wagging at all? Definitely give this dog space! What do you think of the dog’s tail in the photo at the top of this page?
Dogs whose tails curl up over their backs, like this Chow Chow, aren’t as easy to read. You’ll need to look at the base where the tail connects to the body to get a sense of what his tail is saying.
Body tension: Think of the loose, curvy, wiggly body of a puppy. A friendly dog who is inviting you or your dog to say hello will have a soft body with loose, fluid movements. The classic proper greeting between two dogs is when their bodies form a “C” — each dog is positioned with his head at the other dog’s rear. Humans may find this “icky,” but it’s proper etiquette in the dog world! A dog who needs space will be stiff, rigid, his legs may be braced and his body may even look frozen. If you were to imagine picking this dog up, none of his limbs would dangle — they’d appear as if they would remain stiff.
Observe the tension in this dog’s body. His front legs are stiff and braced, his tail is high and straight, and his mouth is closed. He looks alert and possibly concerned, so it’s best to give him space.
So here’s your homework: The next time you’re out walking your dog and another dog is coming toward you, choose just one of the above signs to observe in either the oncoming dog or your own dog. You may notice the signs change as the two dogs get closer.
- Did his mouth close?
- Did his body get a little bit tight and his gait a little less fluid?
- Did his tail go from below the horizon to above?
If you notice any of these signs in either dog, respect what they’re saying and give them space. Walk your dog off the path a few feet and see if the signs of tension go away.
Remember, these signs do NOT mean a dog is “aggressive” or ready to bite. They do mean the dog is probably feeling unsure and uncomfortable. By giving the dog space (and we mean actual physical distance), you can help the dog relax … rather than push him into feeling more stressed.
Being your dog’s advocate will help everyone stay calm … and safe.
Have you ever been surprised by a dog’s behavior, thinking it came out of the clear blue sky? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
DogsHome: Providing shelter, training and love