How to Understand A Dog's Body Language

Introduction: The ability to understand a dog's body language can spell the difference between a safe interaction and a violent dog attack. Read the signs and understand what posture the dog is taking before moving forward.

Step 1: When it is fearful, a dog's body language will appear distant with it's rear end lowered and tail pointed down and it may look away from a human.

Step 2: When aggressive or angry, a dog's body language will appear with it's feet spread apart in a fighting posture with tail parallel to the ground and ears close to the head.

Step 3: When a dog is curious or excited it may dance side to side with it's tail wagging,with it's mouth open and ears pointed straight upward.

Step 4: Understand that a dog's body language can change instantaneously, and with the change so will it's demeanor.

Step 5: A dog's body language will change in direct reaction to the manner in which a human approaches it. Strange behavior in humans will usually result in odd dog behavior in response.

Tips: Before attempting to pet a dog you are not familiar with, present a closed hand for it to smell. This way if it does decide to bite, your fingers are protected.

Warnings: Never "corner" a dog, always leave the dog and yourself an escape route in case things go wrong.

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