Body Language

This is a special post, because it comes directly from something that I did today. I got my self bit by a dog.

This dog was obviously nervous, but sending me signals that he was friendly, so I scratched under his chin and behind his ears. I got too comfortable, and reached over him to scratch his back, and feel his ribs. He was a thin dog, but as a husky I couldn't tell how thin, and I was trying to decide if he was under weight. At this point, I put my self in a bad situation, I leaned over the dog to touch him, and couldn't see his face any more. He didn't like what I was doing, and was probably telling me so with his body language, but I wasn't paying attention. I didn't hear him growl, but one of the other associates says he did. The dog did everything right, and I did everything wrong. Its no wonder he decided to take it a step further. He gave me a warning bite... unfortunately this was a warning bite to my face, and I now have Marcia Brady nose (though it doesn't look so bad now). The dog did not want to hurt me, but more than it didn't wan to hurt me, it wanted to protect it self. He did not bite down, he just opened his mouth, and hit me in the face with his teeth. I feel terrible, because I should know better. I also feel lucky that he didn't want to hurt me, otherwise I might not have a nose any more.
Dogs don't speak, he couldn't tell me that I was making him uncomfortable. They do give us clues about how they feel, and if you learn to read those, you can help your dog feel more comfortable

This dog is anxious, notice how tight his brow is, and how he is forcing his ears down. He is trying to avoid making eye contact with the person taking the photo. His mouth is also very tight. This dog is likely saying, "I am not okay with this situation, but i'm putting up with it anyway." I would let this dog smell me, and based on its reaction I might pet it

This dog is also feeling anxious. Notice his ears, averted eyes, and he's licking his nose, which is often a sign that a dog is trying to calm it self down. Yawning, with eyes averted, is also a sign of anxiousness. A nervous dog might also hold his paw up. 

This dog is actively agressive. His ears are back, his teeth are barred, and he's trying to lunge forward. An agressive dog might also square off his body toward the threat, move his ears and eyes forward and stick his tail straight out. His whole body will appear to be creeping forward, as he pushes his chest out and head forward. This is what we would call "Confident Agressive". The difference between this and a happy dog is very subtle, so it is important to understand. A confident agressive dog is very tense, tail straight out, maybe wagging slowly. A happy dog is relaxed and his tail might wag, but its held low, in a more comfortable looking position. 

This dog is resource guarding. He is doing everything he can to send the message "this is mine, stay away". I woud not pet this dog, because he is so worried about his bone, he would probably bite me to protect it.

This is a happy dog. You can see how relaxed his eyes and ears are. He is curious, and his tail is relaxed and wagging. 

I hope this helps you understand how your dog uses body language to tell you how they feel. 

Lauren