Dogs have a lot to say—we just need to know how to listen. But a recent study suggests we might be focusing on the wrong clues when interpreting what our dogs (or someone else’s dog) are trying to tell us. It turns out we might be influenced by the situation rather than accurately reading the dog’s specific behaviors.
Let’s face it: understanding our dogs isn’t always easy. It’s not like they can just talk to us. Communication with our dogs involves observing subtle signals and understanding their unique personalities, habits, and routines. A recent study by researchers from Arizona State University, aptly titled “Barking up the Wrong Tree”, highlighted this issue.
Participants watched videos of the researcher’s dog reacting to scenarios like being offered a leash or encountering a vacuum cleaner. Interestingly, people consistently judged the dogs’ emotions based on the scenario rather than observing the dogs’ specific behaviors. For example, dogs reacting to a leash were assumed to be happy, whereas reactions to a vacuum cleaner were interpreted as distress—even though the dogs showed similar behaviors in both cases.
However, a limitation of this study (IMO) was that participants didn’t actually know the dog’s personally. I believe that truly understanding canine emotions goes beyond just visible behavior or immediate context. It involves looking at everything together—including your dog’s specific personality and daily routines.
Understanding Canine Communication
Dogs primarily communicate through subtle visual cues, but some may also use vocalizations—such as barking, whining, or growling—to express their needs or emotions. Interpreting these visual and vocal clues correctly requires considering the full context, including your dog’s personality and habits.
For example, my current dog is particularly vocal. Along with visual signals like sitting near the toy bin when she wants her ball, she communicates her needs through a series of cries and grunts. If a visitor saw this behavior, they might assume she’s hurt or sad, not knowing her toy bin is stored out of sight in a cabinet.
Knowing your dog’s routines, habits, and quirks, along with their common vocalizations and body language, is essential to accurately understanding their messages.
Let’s explore some common signals and how deeper knowledge adds essential context.
Eyes
A dog’s eyes can reveal much about their emotional state. “Whale eyes,” or visible whites around the eyes, typically indicate discomfort or anxiety. For instance, when my small dog encountered a large, energetic dog on a walk, her whale eyes clearly signaled unease.
However, I’ve also seen her exhibit this behavior during playful interactions or when she is confused by a situation, so knowing her typical reactions helps me interpret these signals correctly based on the specific situation.
Ears
Flattened ears can indicate stress, but context matters significantly. A dog might flatten its ears during thunderstorms due to anxiety but also does so affectionately as a sign of submission when greeting someone they care for. Recognizing the difference depends on knowing its usual behavior
Tail Position and Wagging
Tail positions can be ambiguous. A high tail typically means confidence or excitement, such as when my dog enthusiastically greets visitors. However, a stiff, upright tail might indicate tension or assertiveness.
The wagging speed further clarifies emotions: rapid wagging can mean excitement, while slower wagging signals caution or uncertainty.
However, even these signals aren’t absolute and can vary between dogs and situations. For instance, some dogs, like mine, naturally hold their tails high when relaxed, making it essential to consider their typical behavior and overall body language.
A consistently tucked tail almost always signifies fear or anxiety, clearly visible when my dog visits the veterinarian.
Head Movements and Eye Contact
Avoiding direct eye contact or turning the head away often signals discomfort or a desire to defuse tension. For example, a dog that does not want to start a confrontation with another dog will turn their head away from the other dog, giving them a side look instead.
My pup used to turn her head whenever I tried to take her picture. Although the camera did not pose an immediate threat to her, it still made her uncomfortable. Understanding that this behavior signaled her fear allowed me to gradually help her become comfortable with being photographed.
Yawning
Yawning can indicate stress or discomfort rather than tiredness. I notice my dog yawns repeatedly when overwhelmed by something unfamiliar, clearly signaling her discomfort. Recognizing this helps me respond to her emotional needs. Of course, sometimes she yawns simply because she is tired or has just woken up.
Habits and Individual Context
True canine communication involves recognizing your dog’s unique habits and routines. The below photograph of my dog sitting quietly on the step might not communicate much to someone unfamiliar with her. Yet knowing her routine reveals she’s patiently waiting for a cookie—a habit she developed after our morning outings. Similarly, if she softly cries next to an object, a stranger might interpret this as sadness or distress, but knowing her, I immediately understand she’s signaling she needs help reaching something, like a toy that’s stuck.
This kind of individual understanding was notably missing in the study, contributing to participants’ misinterpretations. Without knowing the dog’s specific habits, routines, or personality, accurately decoding their signals can be challenging, leading the subjects to use the only information they were given.
Conclusion
Accurately interpreting canine communication requires a comprehensive approach—combining visual signals, vocalizations, situational context, and personal knowledge of your dog’s habits and personality. By considering all these factors together, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your dog’s true feelings, leading to better communication and a stronger bond.
The Science of Dog Communication Resources: