Five Insights into your Golden Retriever’s Special Body Language

What do all of Daisy and George’s six new puppies have in common? A singular small white blaze on their foreheads! These almost two week ago pups have the softest silkiest coats and the cutest puppy wrinkles. While they spend the majority of their time eagerly eating and contentedly sleeping, someday these puppies will be mature adult golden retrievers. As they mature, dogs communicate verbally and non verbally. A dog’s special body language can tell you a lot about their state of mind and possible/likely behavior.

The verbal communications (barks, whines, and growls) are often the ones we are most aware of. But what are some key nonverbal communications that your dog will use/exhibit? Understanding these nonverbal signals can eliminate a lot of unnecessary misunderstanding between you and your dog. Here are 5 general insights for reading your dog’s body language.

(1) Tail wagging is the most common nonverbal canine communication. Dogs wag their tails when emotionally engaged. This can be positive or negative engagement. The speed and the direction of the wags can tell what is happening. Long slow side to side (sweeping) wags indicate a relaxed dog. A faster more upright tail wag communicates agitation or uncertainty. Most experts agree that a helicopter tail wag (your dog’s tail spinning in a circle) expresses happiness.

(2) The hair on your dog’s back communicates feelings. Raised hackles show intense emotion. This can be negative (aggression) or simply indicate strong interest. Either way, it visual cue you should pay attention to.

(3) Your dog’s posture can also tell you something about their mood. A cowering or hunched dog is usually expressing fear or stress. When a dog rolls over on it back, it can be communicating relaxation or submission/anxiety. A dog that shifts its weight forward is showing interest and/or possible aggression. When a dog places its chest on the ground with front paws extended and its back end up in the air, it is universally recognized as a playful posture.

(4) Your dog’s facial expressions are visual communication cues. Unlike humans, dogs do not yawn out of boredom or fatigue; rather, they yawn when stressed. This is most likely a mechanism that helps them relax! Lip-licking also expresses uncertainty or discomfort. A dog’s smile carries a completely different meaning. When a dog bares or shows most of its teeth, this display is a warning and is often accompanied by a growl.

(5) Your dog’s eyes can be the hardest communication signals to read. Soft or relaxed eyes indicate a calm state. Hard or cold eyes can reveal aggression or fear. When your dog looks away or “refuses” to make eye contact, it is probably uncomfortable or stressed about something.

It is wise to pay attention to all of these special body language cues and develop a better understanding of your dog’s emotional needs. If you have questions about interaction with your puppy, the training process, or are interested in an upcoming litter, please reach out.

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