Wondering how your dog is feeling?

A dog’s body language and behaviour can cue you into how it’s feeling – happy and relaxed, or nervous and fearful. Learn to read the signs and you’ll know whether your pet is happy to proceed.

Happy and relaxed

• “Smiling”, open mouth, or a “big, cheesy grin” Tongue relaxed, may be lolling out. 
• Eyes and ears are relaxed and soft, or eyes are squinty
• Body movements are loose and wiggly
• Tail is low and waggly
• Head high, curious manner

Nervous or fearful

• Cowering or pacing
• Tenseness – ears back, hard eyes, mouth closed, stiff body
• Pulling or leaning back from perceived threat
• Licking lips, panting, yawning when not hungry or tired
• “Whale eyes” – the whites of the dog’s eyes show because it has turned its head away from what it is looking at
• Aggressive responses like lunging, barking