Dogs communicate constantly, but many of the signals they use are far quieter than people expect. A glance, a shift in posture, or a small movement of the mouth can reveal how a dog feels long before they bark or whine.
Behaviour specialists note that these subtle cues often go unnoticed because owners tend to focus on the more obvious signs, even though the quieter ones can offer the clearest picture of a dog’s comfort or stress. Learning to recognise these patterns helps strengthen trust and reduces misunderstandings in daily interactions.
Experts also explain that dogs use a mix of body language, vocalisation, and learned behaviours to express their needs. A stress yawn, a lip lick, a curved approach toward another dog, or even attention-seeking habits that appear unrelated can all be forms of communication.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Every dog communicates differently, and behaviour can vary with age, health, socialisation, and environment. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Subtle Stress Signals Are Easy To Miss
Animal behaviourist Allie Bender explains that many dogs show stress through small actions such as lip licking or yawning. These gestures are simple to see once you know their meaning, but people often mistake them for normal behaviour or signs of tiredness.
When dogs display these cues during social interactions, they may be trying to say they feel unsure or would like space. Recognising the difference between a relaxed yawn and a stress signal takes practice.
Watch for these behaviours when your dog meets new people or enters unfamiliar environments.
Dogs Communicate While Being Petted
United Kingdom-based dog behaviourist Zoe Willingham notes that many dogs quietly express discomfort when being touched. Sideways glances, head dips, and lip licking can show that a dog is tolerating attention rather than enjoying it.
These behaviours are forms of communication, even though they are easy to overlook during affectionate moments. Your dog may be politely asking for a break without moving away completely.
Pausing the petting and watching your dog’s response can reveal whether they want more interaction or prefer to step back.
A Dog Sitting Against You Can Signal Comfort
Some dogs show connection by sitting with their back against their owner’s legs. Willingham explains that this body position can be a sign that the dog feels safe and is inviting calm interaction.
It does not necessarily indicate dominance; instead, it is a quiet way of asking for gentle contact, such as a chest rub. This posture reflects trust and contentment rather than a need to control the situation.
Responding with soft touch or simply sitting quietly together reinforces this bond and helps your dog feel secure.
Tail Movement Offers Important Context
According to the American Kennel Club, a dog’s tail provides clear clues about its emotional state. A slow, side-to-side wag may show relaxation, while a fast, twitching wag can indicate alertness or tension.
Raised hackles can also signal stress, and a play bow, front legs down and rump up, typically shows excitement and a desire to play. Tail position matters just as much as movement speed.
Observing the entire body alongside the tail gives you a fuller picture of what your dog is trying to communicate in any given moment.
Dogs Use Specific Patterns When Meeting Each Other
When well-socialised dogs greet unfamiliar dogs, their approach often reveals their intentions. Willingham notes that dogs commonly move in an arc rather than walking directly toward each other.
This curved path signals friendliness and reduces tension. A brief sniff afterward acts as a natural canine handshake, allowing both dogs to gather information about each other safely.
Direct approaches can feel threatening to some dogs, so understanding this pattern helps you recognise when your dog is being polite and respectful during introductions.
Some Behaviours May Be Attempts To Get Attention
Bender explains that certain actions that appear unrelated to communication may still serve a purpose. Behaviours like scratching furniture or chewing objects can sometimes be ways for a dog to encourage interaction if those actions consistently attract attention from the owner.
Understanding how people respond to these behaviours helps explain why they continue. Dogs learn quickly which actions bring results, even if those results are not always what the owner intended.
Redirecting your dog to appropriate activities and rewarding calm behaviour can shift this pattern over time.
Dogs Quickly Learn Which Behaviours Work
One example involves a dog repeatedly digging in a leather couch. The owner interrupted the behaviour by distracting the dog each time, which unintentionally taught the dog that digging led to attention or play.
Bender notes that owners do not choose how a dog interprets a response. Instead, dogs learn from whatever outcome consistently follows their actions, whether that outcome was intended as a reward or a correction.
Being mindful of your reactions helps prevent accidentally reinforcing behaviours you would rather discourage.
Eye Contact Reveals Emotional Connection
Eye contact between dogs and their owners can signal trust and affection. Research suggests that mutual gazing releases oxytocin in both humans and dogs, strengthening the bond between them.
However, prolonged staring from a stranger or an unfamiliar dog may be interpreted as a challenge or threat. Context matters greatly when reading eye contact, and your dog’s overall body language offers additional clues.
Soft, relaxed eyes paired with a loose posture usually indicate comfort, while a hard stare with tense muscles suggests caution or unease.
