【VMC Vets Tips | Understanding Dog’s Body Language – Stressed and Anxious】

Apart from happy and relaxed, let's find out more about our furry friends’ reactions when they feel stressed, nervous, agitated and aggressive:

When a dog is stressed and nervous, it exhibits many behaviours that help relieve the emotions. Yawning is one of the signals of a dog’s fearful response to stimuli. Also, lip licking does not always mean a dog is hungry, but a clear stress signal that appears when it feels nervous or afraid. Besides, the tail tucked between the legs is another sign of fear.

Aggression is a natural fight-or-flight act for dogs who feel they have no alternative way to respond. Aggressive signs and behaviours may present when the dog is agitated or uncomfortable. It stems from fear. Here are some body languages to be aware of a high wagging tail accompanied by stiff movements, narrowed eyes, hard stare, raised hackles, and weight shifted back, etc. The dog may also be growling as a warning sign, with teeth bared and lips curled.

Differences in breeds and physical structure will also affect how dogs use their body to communicate. For example, a pug's tail tightly coils over the back naturally when it is relaxed. While a beagle has a lower tail set in nature, and its tail may hold high over the back when it feels alerted. Besides using your own observation, you can also seek help from dog trainers. They can help develop your skills by understanding what your furry friend tries to communicate through their posture and behaviour.

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