Behaviour
Understanding Canine Body Language
Dogs tell us a great deal before they ever growl. Learning the quiet signals makes everyone safer.
Published 28 October 2026 · The Maltese Rottweiler Club
Dogs communicate constantly through posture, facial expression, ears, tail and movement. Most signs of discomfort are subtle, and they are easily missed.
Early signs of unease
Lip licking, yawning out of context, turning the head away, showing the whites of the eyes, a lowered body or a sudden stillness can all indicate that a dog is uncomfortable.
Respecting the signal
When a dog shows these signs, the kindest response is to give it space and remove the source of pressure. Punishing a warning signal can teach a dog to stop warning — not to stop feeling uncomfortable.
Reading the whole dog
No single signal means one thing. A wagging tail, for example, does not always mean a happy dog. Look at the whole body and the situation.