Understanding Your Dog's Body Language

What Tum Taught Us About Dog Communication

Dogs can't talk, but they're incredibly expressive. Learning to read their body language transforms your relationship.

Tail Position

High and wagging fast: Excited, happy. Low and tucked: Scared or submissive. Stiff and horizontal: Alert, possibly assessing a threat. Note: a wagging tail doesn't always mean happy — speed, height, and direction all matter.

Ear Position

Forward and perked: Interested, alert. Flat against head: Fearful or submissive. Relaxed and slightly back: Content and comfortable.

Eye Contact

Soft eyes with slow blinks: Trust and affection. Hard stare: Challenge or threat (don't stare back at unfamiliar dogs). Whale eye (showing whites): Stressed or anxious — give them space.

Body Posture

Play bow (front down, rear up): Let's play! Rolling over: Either submission or "belly rub please" depending on context. Freezing in place: Processing something — could go either way, be attentive.

Stress Signals

Yawning (when not tired), lip licking, panting (when not hot), shaking off (when not wet) — these are calming signals. Your dog is telling you they need a break or the situation is too much.

Tum's favorite signal? The head tilt. It means "I'm listening" — or "did you say treat?"