Researcher M. Boch and her team used MRI to discover that the brains of dogs and humans process body postures in remarkably similar ways. (Functionally analogous body- and animacy-responsive areas are present in the dog (Canis familiaris) and human occipito-temporal lobe—Communications Biology, June 27, 2023)

This discovery sheds light on how dogs and humans perceive and understand each other and their surroundings.

The study found that nonverbal cues, such as yawning and licking the lips, which people often find amusing, are actually calming signals in dogs.

Understanding these signals can improve interactions between people and dogs

Veterinarians have divided dogs' basic emotions into several categories.

                       Happiness, satisfaction:

            

▫️ Body is relaxed
▫️ Ears and tail are in a natural position
▫️ Tail wagging
▫️ Neutral facial expression
▫️ facial muscles are relaxed
▫️Corners of the mouth slightly turned up, as if the dog is smiling
▫️Licking the person

                        &       Playfulness:

▫️Sudden, jerky body movements
▫️A happy expression with the mouth partially open
▫️The dog jumps up at a person, another dog, or an object
▫️Special "invitation" gestures to play

 

                        &     Agitation:

▫️The body is aroused, “ready to act”
▫️Ears or tail raised
▫️The dog is looking at a person or object that is the source of its excitement
▫️Mouth open; the animal may be barking

 

                        &     Fear, panic:

▫️The animal does everything it can to make itself look "small"
▫️The dog has lowered its tail or tucked it between its hind legs
▫️It has flattened its ears back against its head
▫️The animal is trembling
▫️Its muscles are tense
▫️The animal is yawning excessively and intensely
▫️Licking its nose or a part of its body

 

                        &        Warning ❗️❗️❗️ :

▫️The dog appears focused
▫️The animal has pricked up its ears and is looking ahead
▫️Head and neck are held upright
▫ ️The tail is stiff and motionless
▫️The gaze is fixed on a specific object
▫️The mouth is usually closed
▫️Growling or barking

    

                        &         Aggression, anger:

▫️Ears raised and pointed forward
▫️Tail raised and stiff &                 
▫️The dog shows its teeth and wrinkles its muzzle
▫️Growling or quiet, threatening barking

Every animal is unique and may express these emotions in complex ways, creating a new emotional spectrum. To learn your pet’s body language, you should closely observe its behavior and emotions in various situations. This will help you begin to trust and understand each other better.

Among the recommended reading, Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend stands out, as it provides visual explanations of canine body language, which is particularly useful for dog owners.

The book “ Why Does My Dog Do That!?” by the American Kennel Club helps explain the reasons behind certain dog behaviors.