To be a successful trainer and be in full harmony with your dog, you have to know the dogs body language. Those who are successful dog trainers are able to read the dog just like a good communicator is able to read a human being. The better you are able to read the dog’s body language, the better you are going to be a dog trainer.

Just like humans and other animals, a dog will show intention by using body language. There are actually 3 parts to keep an eye on. They are the head, tail, and posture. We are going to take a look at the three parts.

It is important to look at dogs ears. Depending on the dog’s mood, he will hold his years in a different position. When the dogs ears are pointed forward it usually means that he is alert to something. Also, take a look at the dog’s mouth. If the dog is making a grin by squeezing its skin in muzzle area and focusing its eye’s on something, it means it is threatening the object of focus.

At the same time if the dog is showing its teeth and sides of the mouth are pulled back showing a smile type grimace, the dog is showing fear or lack of self confidence. These tells can help you interpret what the dog is thinking in his head. Never forget to keep any eye out for body language.

Now let’s take a look at the tail. You can really tell a lot by how a dog uses his tail. There are probably more than 100 emotions that can be interpreted by tail movement. Everything from happiness to sadness comes from a dog’s tail.

Here are a few examples. If the dog puts his tail between his legs, it means it’s embarrassed. Likewise, we all know what it means when a dog is wagging its tail.

Finally, the posture a dog poses is equally important. When a dog is stiff and is standing on its paws, this usually means a dog is threatened and it is not a good idea to approach. In general, when a dog is feeling comfortable and relaxed its musculature does not look flexed.

It is important to keep your attention at dogs posture, face expressions and tail when reading the body language, but more importantly you have to learn to combine all three together to make a full picture of what your dog is thinking and saying to you and other people!

Original Post: Pets Advice Online

How To Read A Dog’s Body Language