Dogs really are man’s best friend, with roughly over a quarter of the population owning one. They can be a joy to be around and can even help people when they are feeling down. However, dogs do not have the same advantage as humans when it comes to communication. The only way they know how to communicate with you is through their barks and body language. Here are a few body language tips you can look out for in your pet pooch.

When your dog is happy, overall he will appear more confident. They will stand tall with their tail high in the air. You may also notice that the tail will be wagging a lot too. Your dog’s mouth will appear to be slightly open, and some people even swear that their dog is smiling at them.

A playful dog will have a lot of the same type of body language as a happy dog. Although you may also notice that their tail will wag more rapidly, and sometimes it’s almost as if their bum is wiggling too.

If your dog is scared you may notice that their stance is tense, and he may even start to shiver. Your dog’s tail might curl up between their legs, their ears will sometimes become pinned back to their head, and on occasions they may also bear their teeth and even growl.

An aggressive dog, is one which you certainly do not want to be around, so it is important you realise the body language of one. If your dog is aggressive, he will almost certainly be showing you his teeth, and growling at you. They will have their head straight, ears pinned back, and narrowed eyes.

If you own a dog, or are planning to get one, then it is vital you understand a dog’s body language so you learn how to communicate well with them.