Understanding Dog Communication: Expressions Unveiled

Innate Habits of Dogs

Dogs are inherently social creatures, which means they possess instincts to respect leaders and protect their peers. Once they join human households, it's natural for them to follow the commands of the head of the family. They can easily differentiate between family members who feed and care for them, as well as those who play with them. They may fear or be wary of individuals taller than them, but towards those of similar stature or kind, they exhibit a strong curiosity and a desire to protect. Dogs also fiercely defend the position of the alpha, and if the family宠溺狗狗， allowing it to hold a higher status, training can become more challenging.

Sniffing and Smelling

Dogs have an olfactory sense that is several times more acute than humans. Sniffing is not only a fundamental way of life for them but also a primary means of communication. When they go outside, they begin to sniff around, exploring every corner. This behavior is not just about foraging; it's a common practice. When they meet unfamiliar dogs, they will sniff each other as well. The anal glands secrete anal gland fluid, which is usually released along with feces. When a dog is tense, excited, or afraid, the glands will release a scent, allowing dogs to identify and communicate with each other. This is similar to marking territory with urine.

Body Language

Happy Body Language:

Dogs express happiness by vigorously wagging their tails, jumping high, and sometimes even "smiling" with wrinkles on their nose, their upper lip pulled back to show their teeth, eyes halfclosed with a gentle, soft gaze, ears pulled back, their mouths slightly open, and a soft humming sound coming from their nose. Their bodies twist gently, their fur lies flat without standing on end, their tails flick gently, and they show affection towards humans.

Angry Body Language:

When angry, a dog's facial expression is almost identical to that of happiness, but with wide, sharp eyes and ears pulled back diagonally. They usually do not open their mouths, instead emitting a hissing threat. If a dog dislikes someone, it will first turn its back and walk away, and if approached further, it may react with aggression.

Sad Body Language:

A sad dog will lower its head, have dull eyes, and lean towards its owner, looking up with a pleading gaze.

Fearful Body Language:

A fearful dog will have its tail down or tucked between its legs, ears pulled back, fur standing on end, wide eyes, and tremble. It may freeze or move its limbs uneasily or retreat.

Waiting Body Language:

A dog waiting will wag its tail, stand calmly, and stare directly at its owner, expressing its anticipation.

Respectful Body Language:

When showing respect, a dog will lower its head, bring its ears close together, and cower, indicating submission.

Desiring to Be Close Body Language:

To show a desire for human interaction, a dog will hold its tail high and wag it, stand with its ears upright, nod its head, arch its body, and sometimes even extend its front paws, inviting play.

Apologizing by Turning Over

When scolded, a dog, though unaware of the specific offense, will roll over to show submission and apologize.

Submitting:

Puppies may treat humans as adults and use the bellyup position to show respect.

Playing the Baby:

Adult dogs may expose their bellies to act like a baby, and female dogs under six months old may frequently exhibit "sudden urination," which is also a form of playfulness.

Submitting:

When a lowerranking dog meets a higherranking dog, it may expose its belly, which can calm the higherranking dog, even if it was initially aggressive.

The Tail as an Indicator of Emotions

The tail is a rich source of information about a dog's inner thoughts. By observing the tail and its movements, we can understand what a dog is thinking. For example:

When meeting a preferred mate, the tail will stand at a right angle and vibrate slightly.

When angry, the tail will hang down.

When happy, the tail will swing from side to side.

When afraid, the tail will be tucked between the legs.

When sick, the tail will hang loosely.