Learning how dogs communicate with their owners

Dogs communicate with their owners through a combination of body language, vocalizations, and behavior. Understanding your dog’s unique communication style helps strengthen your bond and meet their needs more effectively. Remember, no two animals are the same. They each act and think differently. In addition, as pets age, they may respond differently. Maximus, for example, did not wag his tail as much as he got old and lost much of his hearing and sight. To learn more about senior dogs, see the article “The body language of senior dogs“.

Body language

Just like humans, dogs use body language to communicate. Read along to learn more about how dogs use both verbal and nonverbal communication. We can learn a lot from their tail wagging, ear position and movements, eye contact, and overall posture.

Tail wagging meanings

Dogs use their tails to communicate a wide range of emotions and intentions. Their posture and movements say a lot. A wagging tail usually means happiness or excitement—though a slow, stiff wag can signal agitation. Watching your dog’s tail in combination with their body language helps you understand what they’re trying to tell you. Here are some possible meanings:

🐶 Alert and interested: A raised tail that is still or wagging slightly means the dog is focused or assessing a situation.

🐶 Aggressive or threatened: A stiff, high tail with a slow, deliberate wag can be a warning sign.

🐶 Anxious or insecure: A slow wag with a slightly lowered tail can signal uncertainty or nervousness.

🐶 Excited: A fast, vigorous wag (sometimes with a whole-body wiggle) means excitement and joy.

🐶 Happy and friendly: A relaxed tail wagging at a moderate speed usually means your dog is happy and comfortable.

🐶 Submissive or scared: A tucked tail between the legs indicates fear or submission.

Ear position

Dog ears can take a number of positions and movements to help express what the dog is feeling. These are a the many ways your dog maybe communicating.

🐶 Aggressive or defensive: Ears are pinned back tightly but not completely flattened, signaling potential aggression or a defensive stance.

🐶 Anxious or nervous: Ears are slightly pulled back or sideways, indicating uncertainty or discomfort.

🐶 Curious and alert: Ears are perked up and facing forward, showing interest in something happening nearby.

🐶 Fearful or submissive: Ears are flattened against the head, often paired with a lowered posture or tucked tail.

🐶 Relaxed and happy: Ears are in their natural position (varies by breed), slightly to the side or forward.

Ear movements and communication

🐶 One ear up, one ear down: This can indicate curiosity or confusion, sometimes seen when a dog is trying to understand something new.

🐶 Swiveling ears: Dogs can move their ears independently to detect sounds and show attention to their surroundings.

🐶 Twitching or elicking: Often a sign of irritation, responding to sounds, or shaking off discomfort.

Eye contact

Dogs use eye contact as a powerful way to communicate with humans and other animals. Their gaze can express emotions like affection, trust, anxiety, or dominance, depending on the context.

🐶 Avoiding eye contact: If a dog turns their head away or avoids your gaze, it may indicate submission, nervousness, or a desire to avoid conflict. Some dogs also do this when they feel guilty or unsure.

🐶 Soft, relaxed eye contact: A calm, loving gaze with slightly squinted eyes means your dog feels safe and comfortable with you. This is often seen during bonding moments and can even release oxytocin (the “love hormone”) in both you and your dog!

🐶 Direct eye contact (with a wagging tail or relaxed body): If a dog looks at you directly but has a relaxed posture, they may be seeking attention, food, or trying to read your emotions.

🐶 Intense, hard stare: A stiff, unblinking stare with a rigid body posture can be a warning sign of aggression or dominance. In dog-to-dog interactions, this kind of stare can signal a challenge before a fight.

🐶 Whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes): If a dog turns its head but keeps its eyes on you, exposing the whites of their eyes, it often signals stress, fear, or discomfort. This is common in situations where they feel threatened or uneasy.

Posture

Dogs use their body posture to communicate emotions, intentions, and social status. Their stance, weight distribution, and overall body language can indicate whether they feel relaxed, excited, anxious, or threatened. Here are some common postures.

“Remember, no two animals are the same.”

Vocalizations

Barking

🐶 Dogs bark for various reasons, such as alerting, excitement, or seeking attention. As I’ve written on this before and it’s quite lengthy, see this post.

Whining

Dogs use whining as a vocal form of communication to express different emotions and needs. The meaning behind a dog’s whining depends on the context and body language that accompanies it.

🐶 Seeking attention: Dogs may whine to get your attention, whether they want to play, be petted, or are simply feeling lonely. If whining is for attention, avoid reinforcing the behavior unless it’s for a valid reason (e.g., needing to go outside).

🐶 Excitement or anticipation: Some dogs whine when they’re excited, such as when you grab the leash for a walk or prepare their food.

🐶 Anxiety or stress: Whining, often paired with pacing, panting, or tucked tails, can indicate nervousness or discomfort in stressful situations (e.g., thunderstorms, vet visits). If it’s due to anxiety, provide comfort and a sense of security.

🐶 Pain or discomfort: A dog might whine if they are hurt or feeling unwell. If whining seems unusual or persistent, it could be a sign to check for injuries or visit the vet.

🐶 Apology or submission: Some dogs whine as a submissive gesture when they feel unsure or guilty, often combined with lowered ears and avoiding eye contact.

🐶 Separation anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety may whine, bark, or howl when left alone, showing distress about being away from their owner.

Growling

Dogs use growling as a vocal form of communication, and it can have different meanings depending on the context and body language that accompanies it. While many people associate growling with aggression, dogs also growl for play, warning, or discomfort.

Howling

Dogs howl for a variety of reasons, rooted in both their instincts and their environment. It’s a behavior inherited from their wolf ancestors, adapted to their lives with humans.

Behavioral cues

🐶 Bringing toys: Dogs often bring toys as a way of showing trust and a desire to play.

🐶 Leaning or nudging: Dogs often lean against their owners for comfort and affection.

🐶 Licking: A sign of affection or submission.

🐶 Pawing or jumping: Seeking attention or play.

🐶 Yawning: Can signal stress or mimic their owner’s behavior as a bonding mechanism.

Summary

Dogs communicate with their owners through body language, vocalizations, and behavior, and understanding these signals strengthens the bond between pet and owner. Each dog has a unique communication style that may change with age as we discussed about Maximus. By paying attention to these signals—tone, frequency, and context—owners can better interpret their dog’s needs and emotions, enhancing their relationship. No two dogs are identical, and their communication evolves over time.