What Your Dog Is Telling You: A Beginner's Guide to Body Language

Dogs talk all day. They just do it with ears, eyes, tails and posture. Learn a few signals and you will notice things you used to miss.

1. A wagging tail is not always happy

Loose, sweeping wags with a wiggly body are friendly. A high, stiff, fast wag means aroused and unsure.

2. Lip licking and yawning

The American Kennel Club lists both as common signs of stress when there is no food around and the dog is not sleepy.

3. Whale eye

When you can see the whites of the eyes as a dog looks sideways, they are uncomfortable.

Do this: give them space.

4. Ears and mouth

Soft ears and a relaxed, open mouth mean ease. Ears pinned back and a tight, closed mouth mean worry.

5. Freezing

A dog who suddenly goes still is thinking hard about what to do next.

Watch out for: a freeze over a bone or bowl. Back off calmly.

6. The play bow

Front end down, back end up. It means "what comes next is just for fun."

7. Turning away

Looking away, sniffing the ground or walking off is a polite "no thank you."

Do this: respect it, and teach children to respect it too.

Where to check all of this, free

• The American Kennel Club's guides to dog body language and signs of stress at akc.org.

• Your veterinarian or a qualified trainer, if you see growling, snapping or stiffness.

This article is general information, not professional behavior advice.