Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling scared or anxious, so they use body language instead.
Many pet owners miss these quiet signals because they’re expecting more obvious signs like barking or hiding.
Understanding these subtle cues can help you create a calmer, safer environment for your furry friend.
This article offers general guidance based on professional dog training insights.
Always consult a certified veterinarian or animal behaviorist if your dog shows persistent signs of fear or anxiety.
1. Lip Licking When Nothing Is Around
Your dog might flick their tongue out quickly or lick the side of their mouth even when there’s no food nearby.
This behaviour often happens during stressful moments like meeting new people or hearing loud noises.
Many owners mistake this for normal grooming, but it’s actually a calming signal dogs use to self-soothe.
Watch for this sign especially in situations your dog usually finds uncomfortable.
2. Excessive Yawning In Odd Situations
Yawning isn’t always about being tired, especially when your dog does it repeatedly in specific contexts.
If your pup yawns during a vet visit or when guests arrive, they’re likely feeling anxious rather than sleepy.
This behavior releases tension and helps dogs cope with uncomfortable feelings.
Notice the timing and frequency to distinguish stress yawns from genuine tiredness.
3. Turning Away Or Avoiding Eye Contact
When dogs angle their body sideways or turn their head away from someone, they’re trying to be polite.
Direct staring can feel threatening in dog language, so avoiding eye contact is their way of saying they need space.
This subtle shift in posture is easy to miss but speaks volumes about their comfort level.
Respect these signals by giving your dog more distance from whatever is bothering them.
4. Freezing In Place Like A Statue
Some dogs go completely still when they’re frightened, hoping the scary thing will just go away.
This freeze response is the canine version of playing dead and often happens before more obvious fear reactions kick in.
Your dog might stop mid-walk or stand rigid with muscles tensed.
Don’t force movement during these moments; instead, remove the stressor or create more distance from it.
5. Showing The Whites Of Their Eyes
Trainers call this “whale eye” because the crescent-shaped white part of the eye becomes visible.
It happens when your dog turns their head away from something while still keeping their eyes locked on it.
This creates a worried, sideways glance that reveals discomfort or fear.
You’ll often see this when dogs are guarding resources or feeling cornered by someone approaching too quickly.
6. Tucking Their Tail Between Legs
A lowered or tucked tail is one of the most recognizable fear signals, yet many people overlook slight changes in tail position.
Even a tail held just a bit lower than usual can indicate nervousness.
Dogs tuck their tails to make themselves appear smaller and less threatening.
Pay attention to your dog’s normal tail carriage so you can spot when something feels off to them.
7. Panting Without Physical Exertion
Rapid, shallow breathing when your dog hasn’t been running or playing is a red flag for stress.
Fear and anxiety trigger the same physical responses as exercise, causing dogs to pant heavily.
This type of panting often looks different from cooling panting because the breaths are quicker and more shallow.
Check the temperature and recent activity level to rule out other causes before addressing anxiety.
