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Dog Language

Reference · 70 terms

Dog Body Language & Behavior Glossary

The vocabulary trainers, behaviorists and vets use to describe what dogs do - defined in plain English and linked to our in-depth guides. Start with the dog body language guide or jump to a letter below.

3

3-3-3 rulealso: rule of threes, 3 days 3 weeks 3 months
A rough guideline for adopted dogs: about 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the household routine and 3 months to feel truly at home. It is a helpful expectation-setter, not a strict timetable, and many dogs need longer. Read the guide →

A

Airplane earsalso: ears out to the side
Ears pulled back and held out to the sides like the wings of a plane. They often signal uncertainty, mild anxiety or appeasement, though some dogs show them during excited, wiggly greetings, so read the rest of the body. Read the guide →
Alert barkingalso: alarm barking
Short, sharp barks that draw attention to something new, such as a knock at the door or a sound outside. Most alert barking stops once the dog has investigated or the trigger is gone. Read the guide →
Appeasementalso: appeasement behavior, appeasement signals
Behaviors a dog uses to reduce social tension and avoid conflict, such as lowering the body, licking the lips, turning away or rolling over. Appeasement signals mean the dog is uneasy and are a request for gentler treatment, not an invitation. Read the guide →
Arousalalso: over-arousal, overstimulation
A dog's overall level of physical and emotional activation, from sleepy to highly excited or alarmed. Both positive excitement and fear raise arousal, and very high arousal makes it harder for a dog to think, listen and make good choices.

B

Barrier frustrationalso: fence fighting, barrier reactivity
Barking, lunging or other intense behavior when a dog is blocked by a fence, window, gate or leash from reaching something it wants. Many dogs who are friendly off leash show barrier frustration on leash or behind a fence. Read the guide →
Belly-up posturealso: rolling over, supine posture, showing the belly
A dog lying on its back with the belly exposed. Depending on the rest of the body, it can mean relaxation, a play move, or an appeasement gesture from a worried dog asking for space. Read the guide →
Bite inhibitionalso: soft mouth
A dog's ability to control the force of its mouth so that play or a warning snap does not cause injury. It is learned largely in puppyhood through play with littermates, other dogs and people. Read the guide →

C

CAABalso: Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
A Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, certified by the Animal Behavior Society. CAABs hold a doctorate in animal behavior or a related field plus supervised clinical experience, and they help with complex behavior problems such as aggression and anxiety. Read the guide →
Calming signalsalso: calming signal
A term popularized by Norwegian trainer Turid Rugaas for subtle behaviors dogs use to reduce tension and avoid conflict, such as yawning, lip licking, turning away, sniffing the ground and moving slowly. They signal that the dog feels some pressure in the situation. Read the guide →
Canine cognitive dysfunctionalso: CCD, dog dementia, canine dementia
An age-related decline in brain function in senior dogs, often compared to aspects of Alzheimer's disease in people. Signs include disorientation, changed social interactions, disrupted sleep-wake cycles, house-soiling, altered activity and anxiety, and a vet should rule out other causes. Read the guide →
CDBCalso: Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
A Certified Dog Behavior Consultant credential awarded by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). CDBCs work on behavior problems such as fear, reactivity and aggression using humane, evidence-based methods. Read the guide →
Classical conditioningalso: Pavlovian conditioning, respondent conditioning
Learning by association, where a neutral event comes to predict something meaningful and starts to trigger the same emotional response. For example, a dog may become excited at the sound of the leash because it predicts walks.
Commissurealso: lip commissure, corner of the mouth
The corner of the mouth where the upper and lower lips meet. A commissure pulled far back often signals fear or appeasement, while a short, forward commissure is more typical of an offensive warning. Read the guide →
Counter-conditioningalso: CC
A training technique that changes a dog's emotional response to a trigger by pairing it with something the dog loves, such as high-value food. It is usually combined with desensitization so the dog stays under threshold.
CPDT-KAalso: Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
A dog trainer certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) that requires documented training experience and passing an exam on learning theory, ethology and training. Certificants must keep their credential current through continuing education. Read the guide →
Cut-off signalalso: cut-off behavior
A behavior a dog uses to pause or end an interaction, such as turning the head away, looking away, sniffing the ground or walking off. Respecting cut-off signals helps keep play and greetings from escalating. Read the guide →

D

Decompressionalso: decompression walk, decompression period
A period of low-pressure time that lets a stressed or newly adopted dog's stress levels settle. It can also refer to calm, sniff-heavy walks in quiet places on a long line. Read the guide →
Demand barkingalso: attention barking
Repetitive barking aimed at a person to get something, such as food, play or a door opened. It develops because the barking has been rewarded in the past, and it improves by rewarding quiet alternatives instead. Read the guide →
Desensitizationalso: systematic desensitization
Gradual, controlled exposure to a trigger at an intensity low enough that the dog stays relaxed, increasing intensity only as the dog remains comfortable. It is the opposite of flooding and is usually paired with counter-conditioning.
Displacement behavioralso: displacement activity, displacement signals
A normal behavior performed out of context when a dog feels conflicted or stressed, such as yawning when not tired, scratching, sniffing or shaking off when dry. Displacement behaviors are useful clues that a dog is uncomfortable. Read the guide →
Dominance theoryalso: alpha theory, pack leader theory
An outdated idea that dogs misbehave because they are trying to rank above their owners, who must therefore act as an 'alpha'. Veterinary behavior organizations reject it as an explanation for most behavior problems and warn that confrontational methods based on it increase fear and aggression. Read the guide →

F

Fear periodalso: fear imprint period
A phase in development when a puppy or adolescent dog seems especially sensitive to frightening experiences. Trainers commonly describe one in early puppyhood and another during adolescence, though the exact timing varies between individuals. Read the guide →
Flooding
Exposing a dog to a feared trigger at full intensity, without a way to escape, until the visible reaction stops. It is not recommended because it can deepen fear or produce shutdown that looks like calm.
FRAPsalso: zoomies, frenetic random activity periods
Frenetic Random Activity Periods: sudden bursts of fast running, spinning and play, often after baths, toileting or in the evening. They are normal in healthy dogs and usually release pent-up energy or excitement. Read the guide →
Freezealso: freezing, stillness
A sudden stop in movement where the dog goes stiff and still, often holding its breath. Freezing can signal that a dog is assessing a threat or is about to escalate, so it is a cue to stop and give space. Read the guide →

G

Growlalso: growling
A low, rumbling vocalization that most often means 'back off' or 'I am uncomfortable', though dogs also growl in play. Growls should never be punished because they are an important warning before a snap or bite. Read the guide →
Guilty lookalso: guilty face
The lowered head, averted eyes, flattened ears and tucked tail people often interpret as guilt. Research suggests this display is mainly a response to the owner's scolding or tense behavior rather than evidence that the dog knows it did something wrong. Read the guide →

H

Hard starealso: fixed stare, hard eyes
A direct, fixed, unblinking look, usually paired with a stiff body and closed mouth. It is a warning signal and often appears shortly before a dog escalates to a growl, snap or lunge. Read the guide →
Head tiltalso: tilting the head
Turning the head to one side, often in response to sounds or familiar words. It may help a dog locate or process sounds; a persistent tilt with loss of balance is a medical sign that needs a vet. Read the guide →
Helicopter tailalso: circular tail wag
A loose, wide wag in which the tail circles like a propeller, often with the whole rear end wiggling. It is typically a friendly, happy greeting signal. Read the guide →

L

Ladder of aggressionalso: canine ladder of aggression
A model, popularized by veterinarian Kendal Shepherd, showing how dogs escalate from subtle signals like yawning and turning away through freezing, growling and snapping to biting. When early signals are ignored or punished, dogs may skip steps. Read the guide →
Leaningalso: leaning on people
A dog pressing its body against a person's legs. It usually signals a wish for contact, comfort or reassurance, not dominance, though some anxious dogs lean more when worried. Read the guide →
Learned helplessnessalso: shutdown
A state in which an animal stops trying to avoid or escape unpleasant events because it has learned its actions make no difference. A shut-down dog can look calm or obedient while actually being highly stressed.
LIMAalso: least intrusive, minimally aversive
Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive: an ethical guideline for trainers and behavior consultants that favors the most positive, least invasive effective method. It is endorsed by professional bodies such as the IAABC and CCPDT. Read the guide →
Lip lickingalso: tongue flick, nose licking
A quick flick of the tongue over the lips or nose when no food is present. It is a common sign of mild stress or uncertainty and is one of the classic calming signals. Read the guide →
Luring
Using a treat or toy held near the dog's nose to guide it into a position, such as a sit or down, which is then rewarded. Lures are usually faded quickly so the dog responds to a verbal cue or hand signal alone.

M

Marker signalalso: clicker, marker word, bridge
A distinct sound, like a click or a word such as 'yes', that marks the exact moment a dog does the right thing and predicts a reward. Markers make training clearer and faster.
Meta-signalalso: metasignal, play signal
A signal that changes the meaning of the behaviors that follow it. The play bow is the classic example: it tells a partner that the chasing and mock biting that come next are play, not a real attack. Read the guide →
Mountingalso: humping
Clasping another dog, person or object with the front legs and thrusting. It is often linked to excitement, play, stress or attention-seeking rather than sex, and is seen in both male and female dogs. Read the guide →
Mouthingalso: nipping, play biting
Gripping or nibbling with the mouth without intent to harm, very common in puppies and playful dogs. It is guided toward toys and gentler pressure with reward-based training, not punishment. Read the guide →

N

Noise phobiaalso: noise aversion, sound sensitivity
An intense, often worsening fear of sounds such as fireworks, thunder or gunshots. Signs include trembling, hiding, panting, pacing and attempts to escape, and a vet can discuss medical support alongside behavior work. Read the guide →

O

Operant conditioningalso: instrumental learning
Learning through consequences: behaviors that are followed by something the dog wants become more likely, and behaviors followed by something unpleasant or by losing something good become less likely. Modern humane training relies mainly on the reinforcement side.

P

Piloerectionalso: raised hackles, hackles up
The involuntary raising of hair along the neck, shoulders, back or tail, driven by the sympathetic nervous system. It signals arousal, which may be fear, excitement or uncertainty, and is not by itself a sign of aggression. Read the guide →
Play bowalso: bowing
A posture with the front end lowered, elbows near the ground and rear end up. It is an invitation to play and a meta-signal that the rough-looking behavior that follows is meant in fun. Read the guide →
Play facealso: relaxed open mouth, play mouth
A relaxed, open-mouthed expression with soft eyes, often seen during play. It signals friendly intent and contrasts with the tight, closed or snarling mouth of a tense dog. Read the guide →
Positive reinforcementalso: R+, reward-based training
Adding something the dog values, such as food, play or praise, right after a behavior to make that behavior more likely. It is the foundation of modern, humane dog training recommended by veterinary behavior organizations.

R

Reactivityalso: reactive dog, leash reactivity
An overreaction, such as barking, lunging or growling, to everyday triggers like other dogs, people or vehicles. It is usually driven by fear, frustration or excitement and improves with distance management, desensitization and counter-conditioning. Read the guide →
Resource guardingalso: possessive aggression, food guarding
Behavior used to keep others away from something a dog values, such as food, toys, resting spots or people. Signs range from stiffening and eating faster to growling and biting, and it is best addressed with trading and counter-conditioning, never by taking things away. Read the guide →
Role reversalalso: turn-taking
Swapping roles during play, such as chaser becoming chased or the dog on top moving underneath. Frequent role reversal is a hallmark of healthy, mutual play. Read the guide →

S

Scent rollingalso: rolling in smells, rolling in poop
Rubbing the shoulders, neck and back on strong-smelling things such as feces or carcasses. It is a normal canine behavior whose exact purpose is still debated, with theories including scent masking and carrying information back to others. Read the guide →
Scleraalso: whites of the eyes
The white outer layer of the eye. Visible sclera in a crescent shape, called whale eye, is a common sign of stress or discomfort in dogs. Read the guide →
Self-handicapping
When a bigger, stronger or older dog deliberately holds back during play, for example by lying down, softening bites or letting the other dog win. It keeps the game fair and fun for both partners. Read the guide →
Separation anxietyalso: separation-related distress, isolation distress
Distress when a dog is left alone or separated from a particular person, shown by behaviors such as vocalizing, destruction at exits, house-soiling, pacing and drooling. It is a panic-like response, not spite, and is treated with gradual absence training and veterinary support where needed. Read the guide →
Shake-offalso: shaking off
A full-body shake, like shedding water, performed when the dog is dry. It often follows a tense or exciting moment and seems to help the dog reset. Read the guide →
Snarlalso: lip lift, showing teeth
Lifting the lips to expose the teeth, often with a wrinkled muzzle and a growl. It is a clear warning that the dog wants the other party to stop or move away. Read the guide →
Socialization windowalso: critical period, sensitive period
The sensitive period, roughly from 3 to 12-14 weeks of age, when puppies most readily learn that new people, animals, places and experiences are safe. Positive exposure during this window has a lasting effect on adult behavior. Read the guide →
Soft eyesalso: squinty eyes
Relaxed eyes with a normal or slightly squinted shape, a gentle gaze and regular blinking. Soft eyes are a reliable sign of a calm, comfortable dog. Read the guide →
Splittingalso: splitting behavior
Walking between two dogs, people, or a dog and a person to interrupt an interaction the dog perceives as tense. Turid Rugaas described it as one of the calming signals. Read the guide →
Stress yawnalso: yawning when stressed
A yawn that occurs when the dog is not tired, often during handling, greetings or vet visits. It is a common sign of mild stress or conflict. Read the guide →
Submissive grinalso: appeasement grin, smiling dog
An expression in which a dog pulls its lips back horizontally to show the front teeth, usually during a wiggly, low greeting. Despite showing teeth, it is a friendly, appeasing signal, not a snarl. Read the guide →
Submissive urinationalso: appeasement urination, excitement urination
Leaking urine during greetings or when a dog feels intimidated, often while crouching or rolling over. It is not a house-training failure, scolding makes it worse, and calm, low-key greetings plus a vet check help. Read the guide →

T

Thresholdalso: under threshold, over threshold
The point at which a dog can no longer cope calmly with a trigger and starts to react. Below threshold a dog can notice a trigger and still learn; over threshold it cannot, so behavior work is done below threshold. Read the guide →
Trigger stackingalso: stress stacking
The build-up of several stressors in a short time, so that a dog reacts strongly to something it would normally tolerate. Stress hormones can take time to settle, so a calm day after a stressful one helps. Read the guide →
Tucked tailalso: tail between the legs
A tail held low and curled under the belly between the hind legs. It usually signals fear, anxiety or appeasement, though it can also be a sign of pain. Read the guide →

V

Velcro dogalso: clingy dog, shadow dog
A dog who follows its person from room to room and prefers to stay close. It is often normal attachment or breed tendency, but sudden clinginess can signal illness, anxiety or age-related change. Read the guide →
Veterinary behavioristalso: DACVB, board-certified veterinary behaviorist
A veterinarian with advanced specialist training in animal behavior, such as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. They can diagnose medical contributors, prescribe medication and design behavior treatment plans. Read the guide →

W

Whale eyealso: half-moon eye
When a dog turns its head away but keeps its eyes on something, showing a crescent of white sclera. It commonly signals discomfort, anxiety or guarding and is a cue to give the dog space. Read the guide →
Whiningalso: whimpering
A high-pitched, often nasal vocalization dogs use to ask for something or to express excitement, frustration, anxiety, appeasement or pain. Context and body language reveal which, and new or persistent whining deserves a vet check. Read the guide →