Communication

Without a sound, two properly socialized dogs meeting for the first time can size each other up in just a few moments. An exchange of glances can tell each canine if they’re going to be friends or enemies. How can dogs do this without a sophisticated verbal language? The answer: facial expressions, body language and posturing. Although dogs signal intent by barks and growls, the message is not complete without the telegraphy of body and facial language. Various parts of the dog’s body are involved in this form of communication. Here is a quick primer in canine body language. Facial Expressions  A combination of facial expressions communicate a dog’s mood and intentions that can be understood by other species, including humans. Here are a few examples of facial communication:
•    Relaxed mood: Soft eyes, lit up, looking – but not staring. Ears forward or flopped, with tips bent over (if anatomically possible). Mouth open, lips slightly back, giving the impression of smiling. Tongue hanging limply from the side of the mouth
•    Anxiety: Eyes glancing sideways or away. Ears to the side of the head or flopped. Teeth clenched, lips firmly retracted. Tongue either not evident or lip licking
•    Intimidating: Eyes staring like searchlights. Ears forward. Teeth bared
•    Fearfulness: Eyes looking forward or away, pupils dilated. Ears pressed back close to the head. Panting/breathing hard through clenched or slightly open mouth. Jaw tense so that sinews show in the cheeks · Stress: Yawning plus other signs of anxiety or fearfulness (as above) Head-Neck Position
•    Head down (“hang dog”): Submission or depression
•    Head in normal mid-way position: Everything is all right
•    Head/neck turned to side: Deference
•    Head held high/neck craning forward: Interest or, depending on other signs, a challenge
•    Head resting on other dog’s back: Demonstrating dominance Torso/Trunk/Upper Limb
•    Tensing of muscles and the raising of hackles: Threat/imminent fightGestures
•    Play bow – head low, rump elevated: The universal sign of canine happiness and an invitation to play
•    Paws on top of another dog’s back: Dominance
•    Looming over: Dominance
•    Rolling over: Submission/deference
•    Urinating by squatting: Deference
•    Urinating by leg lifting: Dominance/defiance
•    Humping: Dominance
•    Backing: Unsure/fearful Tail Position
•    Tail up: Alert, confident, dominant
•    Tail wagging: Dog’s energy level is elevated (excited or agitated)
•    Tail held low or tucked: Fearful, submissive
•    Tail held horizontal and wagging slowly: Caution

Dog communicate with other species as if they are dogs unless and until they learn or are taught otherwise.  Years ago, I had a rabbit that strongly objected to having his tail sniffed by dogs and when a single hop away did not discourage them, he would kick the dog in the face.  Dogs that met him learned quickly not to greet rabbits as if they were dogs.   It is much better for everyone if you carefully supervise your dog around other animals and train it to treat other animals in a manner that they will find mutually safe and respectful.
Dogs also try to communicate with humans like they communicate with dogs.  (Of course, we do the same thing - or else you wouldn't catch so many of us chatting away at our dogs.)  Some of these communication methods are benign or even useful to us if we learn to use them ourselves - like yawning, for instance.  Some methods of dog communication are inappropriate for dogs to use with humans - like nose biting as a greeting - and the dog needs to be trained not to use them.  Dogs will learn on their own what works and what doesn't, but that doesn't mean that you'll like what they decide is effective - like barking.