Reading Dog Calming Signals & Body Language — Never Miss Your Dog's Stress Signs | ブリちょく
Dogs| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Reading Dog Calming Signals & Body Language — Never Miss Your Dog's Stress Signs
How to read dog calming signals (yawning, gaze aversion, lip licking) and stress signs. Understanding canine body language helps prevent problem behaviors and builds a deeper bond.
Key Takeaways
How to read dog calming signals (yawning, gaze aversion, lip licking) and stress signs. Understanding canine body language helps prevent problem behaviors and builds a deeper bond.
Reading Dog Calming Signals and Behavioral Language | Don't Overlook Your Dog's Stress Signs
"My dog suddenly bit someone." "For some reason, it won't stop barking at other dogs." "Sudden house-training accidents." — Dismissing these as "sudden problem behaviors" is, in many cases, actually a mistake. Dogs are constantly sending signals; we humans may simply not be reading them. This article explains the basics of dog behavioral language: how to read "calming signals" and "stress signs."
What Are Calming Signals?
Calming signals (Calming Signals) are a concept systematized by Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas. They are a series of body language behaviors that dogs display when trying to avoid conflict with others (humans, other dogs, or other animals).
These signals are used to calm the other party or to calm themselves.
Representative Calming Signals List
Signal
Appearance
Meaning
Avoiding eye contact
Gaze directed to the side or down
Avoiding threats · Reducing tension
Yawning
Slow, wide yawn
Sign of anxiety · Nervousness
Shaking body
Whole body shivers
Reset · Changing mindset
Sniffing the ground
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These signals rarely appear in isolation; they typically appear in complex combinations.
Everyday Calming Signal Scenarios
When Meeting Another Dog on a Walk
Have you noticed your dog suddenly starting to sniff the ground when another dog approaches? This is a message saying "I don't want to fight."
On the other hand, if the ears are raised, tail held high, and body leaning forward, that's a sign of excitement or alertness. Forcing a dog in this state to approach another dog can lead to attack behavior.
When a Stranger Leans Their Face Close
When humans pet dogs, they often lean their face forward from the front. However, for dogs, approaching with direct eye contact from the front has a meaning close to "threat."
At this time, if your dog shows signals like turning their face away, yawning, or shaking their body, it's a message saying "I'm uncomfortable but enduring it." When these signals are repeatedly ignored, biting behavior may eventually appear.
When Concentration Breaks During Training
When a dog suddenly yawns or shakes their body during training, it's a sign of "I'm tired now" or "I'm confused." Forcing continuation in such situations can lead to aversion to the training itself.
Recognizing Stress Signs
Calming signals are relatively calm "preliminary stage" signals. If continuously ignored, they develop into more pronounced stress signs.
Stress Signs List
Behavioral Signs
- Tucked tail · Tail wrapped around body
- Ears pinned back (flat ears)
- Body appears smaller, curled up
- Trembling · Shallow, rapid breathing
- Increased drooling · Dry mouth
- Raised fur (hackles): Fur standing on end from neck to back
Physiological Signs
- Sweating on paw pads (sweating from stress/fear)
- Excessive grooming · licking behavior
- Digestive symptoms (diarrhea · vomiting · loss of appetite)
Escalation of Aggressive Behavior
When stress or fear exceeds the limit, dogs display aggressive behavior in the following stages:
Calming signals (avoiding eye contact · yawning)
Body stiffens · Fixed gaze
Low growl (growl)
Showing teeth (snarl)
Snapping at air (air snap)
Biting (bite)
In most cases, the biting that feels "sudden" is simply the result of humans not reading the earlier stage signals.
How to Return Calming Signals to Your Dog
Humans can also intentionally send calming signals to dogs. This has the effect of calming a tense dog and deepening the trust relationship.
Calming Signals You Can Practice from Humans
Looking away: When looking at a dog for the first time, look from the side rather than staring directly
Turning body sideways: Stand sideways to the dog rather than facing them straight-on
Moving slowly: Avoid sudden movements and move calmly
Crouching: Instead of looking down from above, kneel to match their eye level
Yawning: Actually yawning can sometimes calm the dog
Relationship Between Problem Behaviors and Calming Signals
Barking · Aggression
Many aggressive barking and attack behaviors are rooted in fear or anxiety. Dogs that have had their calming signals ignored over a long period learn that "sending signals is pointless" and transition to direct aggressive behavior.
Solutions:
- Maintain sufficient distance from attack triggers (stimuli)
- Ensure a safe distance where the dog can send calming signals
- Gradually progress habituation to triggers while associating positive experiences
Separation Anxiety
House-training accidents, destruction, and excessive vocalization during absences may indicate separation anxiety. This also includes cases where dogs become excessively excited when owners return home—the dog hasn't become accustomed to being alone.
Solutions:
- Gradually increase alone time through short intervals (desensitization practice)
- Avoid excessive greetings at departure and return (don't make it special)
- Train the crate as a "safe hiding place"
Behavioral Assessment When Getting a Dog from a Breeder
When getting a dog from a responsible breeder, I recommend referring to behavioral assessments of puppies.
Excessively fearful (strong reactions to sounds/people): Inadequate socialization or genetically nervous temperament
No reaction at all (apathetic · lacking expression): Possible environmental issues
Rich in calming signals: Socially developed communication abilities
Actively seeking contact with humans: Good socialization foundation and trust in people
Conclusion
Dog behavior is never random. Every behavior has meaning, and calming signals are the most fundamental communication tool among them.
Not overlooking small signals like your dog "yawning," "sniffing the ground," or "turning their face away" leads to preventing problem behaviors and building trust relationships.
Learning your dog's language is the shortest route to deepening your relationship with your beloved pet. Starting today, try observing your dog's facial expressions, ears, tail, and body orientation.
