Dogs, like humans, have their own emotions, but since they cannot speak, they can only express their feelings through body language. Therefore, if you want to be a qualified pet owner, you must know what different dog body languages represent. Today, the editor from Boqi.com has summarized several common dog body movements. Pet owners, come and take a look.

A dog's ears can rotate; when it hears strange sounds, it will turn its ears toward the direction of the sound and become alert. Sometimes it may even launch an attack toward the sound source. Sounds like the newspaper delivery person passing by the door, the doorbell ringing, or scary sounds from the TV can make the dog raise its ears to listen, bark continuously, and then pounce on the thing it perceives as a threat.

To stop this frantic behavior, you can issue the "stop" command to your dog or use treats to lure it. Remember, scolding is not the best method since it can cause psychological shadows for the dog, making it difficult to get the dog to obey in the future.

If the dog faces the sound source but lowers its ears, it usually means the person approaching is someone the dog respects or a dog with higher status. In any case, the dog will not attack but instead act very friendly, as if saying, "Let's be friends!"

You often hear people say "fear makes the hair stand on end," and this is not only true for humans but also for dogs. When a dog encounters stimuli it cannot cope with, such as thunder or loud airplane noises, it often becomes fearful and raises its fur, making its body appear much larger to psychologically intimidate the opponent. At this time, you should stand up to protect your dog and gently soothe it. When your dog feels protected by you, it will be truly grateful and more obedient to you.

It is said, "The eyes are the windows to the soul," and this is absolutely true. If your dog is staring intently at another dog or person, it is likely a challenge: "What are you looking at? Want to see who's tougher?" When this happens, what are you waiting for? Quickly pull your dog home, or a fierce fight is inevitable.

Besides facing strangers, as the owner, you should also avoid direct eye contact with your dog. If it feels you are "issuing a challenge" and starts barking wildly, then you are in trouble. Dogs are stubborn, especially smaller ones that are timid but aggressive—don’t be fooled by their appearance! However, if you are brave and want your dog to "submit" to you, then make direct eye contact to show your dominance. Ideally, demonstrate through eye contact that you are resolute and invincible. If during this "contest," the dog's eyes dart around and avoid direct gaze, it often indicates a desire to avoid confrontation. Perhaps the dog has recognized your power and is afraid. Don’t think the dog is cowardly—this is actually a sign of submission to you.

Don’t assume that a dog wagging its tail at any time is a sign of friendliness and happiness. Tail wagging only means friendliness and happiness when the dog wants affection from its owner. If facing strangers, and the dog holds its tail upright while wagging vigorously, it means the dog is in a bad mood, warning people "don’t come near me." If the dog stares at a target and slowly wags its tail as it approaches, be alert—attack is likely imminent, so be cautious to "prevent damage!"

Understanding dog language requires long-term exploration and summary. Don’t judge a dog’s mood based on a single body part’s movement. Instead, consider the combination of movements from different parts, facial expressions, eye contact, and vocalizations before drawing conclusions. This way, you can build a unique, effective communication method with your dog, fostering mutual understanding and trust, which benefits basic training.

If a dog faces a stranger while tensing its legs, then opening them and leaning slightly forward as if a runner ready to sprint, making low growling sounds or showing snarling teeth, this is a clear aggressive posture. The dog is likely to attack. If the stranger is not a burglar intruding but a relative or friend, you must intervene immediately to stop the dog from lunging.

These above are some common dog body movements. Do pet owners now understand what they mean?