Your Dog’s Love Language: Understanding Dog Behavior

Ever wish your dog could talk? I often find myself wishing that my dogs, Mac and Goose, could explain what they are trying to tell me. They have so much to say, yet deciphering their silent language is not always easy. Do you feel like your dog experiences big emotions too? Learning to read your dog’s body language—and even that of other dogs—can help you create a happier home and reduce stress for both you and your pet.

Why Understanding Your Dog's Body Language Matters:

Dogs communicate through their body language. Whether it is a wagging tail or a playful stance, they are letting us know what they are feeling. This helps us know whether our dogs are feeling unwell, need extra space or require a change in their routine. The more we understand how dogs communicate, the more we can begin to understand their messages.

Recognizing Common Signs of Stress:

Even the most well-behaved and laid back dogs can feel stressed. When you see your dog indicating signs of stress, you help your dog calm down and be more comfortable. Some common indicators of stress are:

Obvious Signs: These might include barking, growling or even cowering. If your dog suddenly backs away or starts trembling, it could be a sign that they are feeling overwhelmed.
Subtle Signals: Often called “calming signals,” these include behaviors like yawning, lip licking, or blinking. You might notice your dog avoiding direct eye contact or even gently scratching themselves when they are stressed.

By being aware of these signals, you can better manage situations that may be causing your dog anxiety, when it is due to a noisy or unfamiliar environment or an unexpected visitor.

Safe Ways to Approach a Dog

When your dog is feeling a bit on edge, or you are meeting a pup for the first time, how you approach them can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help dogs feel safe and relaxed:

Give Them Space: Instead of rushing in, allow the dog to come to you. This shows respectt for their personal space and helps build trust.
Keep it Gentle: Avoid looming over a dog or making sudden movements. A calm sideways (or even backwards) approach is often more comforting.
Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can sometimes feel like a challenge. Instead, try a soft gaze or blinking slowly to show you are friendly.
Petting: Begin by gently touching the side of their head or shoulder; this less invasive approach is usually more welcoming than reaching over their head.

Decoding the “TEMP” of a Dog’s Signals

A simple way to remember the key parts of a dog’s body language is the “TEMP” method:

Tail: Look at the position and movement. A tail that is wagging in a circular motion usually means they are happy and excited, while a tucked tail could signal fear.
Eyes: A relaxed, soft face indicates comfort but wide, staring eyes or averted looks may show stress.
Mouth: An open mouth is usually a good sign that a dog is relaxed. Conversely, a closed or tight mouth might mean a dog is uncomfortable.
Posture: You can tell a lot about a dog with the way they are standing. Notice whether a dog is standing tall and stiff or wiggly and relaxed. When a dog’s hackles are up, this is usually an indication that the dog needs more space.

By keeping an eye on these signals, it will help you solve the puzzle of how a dog is feeling in different situations.

Creating a Stress-Free Environment for Your Dog at Home

There are plenty of everyday scenarios that can stress your dog, from a busy household to loud noises outside—especially here in Greensboro, where landscapers, traffic, and neighborhood activities can create a lot of stimulation. Here are some ways to help your dog feel secure:

Maintain Routine: Dogs thrive on predictability. From a regular dining time to set commands, a consistent routine helps them feel safe and understand what to expect.
Watch for Changes: Be alert to any shifts in behavior, such as increased barking or hiding. These might be signs that your dog is feeling anxious.
Positive Reinforcement: When you notice your dog is giving calming signals, acknowledge them with a gentle word or treat. This positive feedback can help them feel more at ease and help the calming behavior become a habit.
Safe Spaces: Create a cozy, quiet corner (or crate) where your dog can retreat when the world feels a bit too overwhelming.

The Big Picture of Dog Language

When you respond to your dog’s cues, you show them that you understand their needs. This leads to a more confident pet who feels safe in their home and the world around them.

Top Tails of Greensboro

At Top Tails of Greensboro, we may not be fluent in dog language, but we strive to learn and understand it. This helps us know our limits and boundaries with each dog, ensuring they are as comfortable as possible. By providing pet sitting services in the comfort of your pet's own home—where they remain surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and sounds—we create an environment that reduces stress. We are currently welcoming new dog walking, pet sitting, and cat sitting clients in Greensboro, NC. Get started in our online system here or reach out via call/text at (336) 355-0812 or email andrea@toptailsofgreensboro.com. Existing clients may book services by logging into their client profile.

By Andrea Pollina

Andrea is the founder of Top Tails of Greensboro LLC, a professional pet sitting and dog walking company in Greensboro, NC. She is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid and a member of Pet Sittters International. Learn more about Andrea here!