--- title: "Dog Communication: How to Read Your Pup’s Body Language" id: "224322" type: "post" slug: "dog-communication-how-to-read-your-pups-body-language" published_at: "2018-11-16T17:00:30+00:00" modified_at: "2022-08-23T23:03:41+00:00" url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/dog-communication-how-to-read-your-pups-body-language/" markdown_url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/dog-communication-how-to-read-your-pups-body-language.md" excerpt: "Mark Twain once said, “If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.” In a perfect world, dogs and cats would be..." taxonomy_category: - "Blog" - "Spotlight On: Puppies" taxonomy_post_tag: - "body language" - "petland" - "puppies" - "puppies for sale" --- ![Dog Communication: How to Read Your Pup’s Body Language](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Blog8-1.jpeg)[Home](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/) / [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/blog/) / [Dogs](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/dogs/) / **Dog Communication: How to Read Your Pup’s Body Language** [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Spotlight On: Puppies](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/spotlight-on-puppies/) # Dog Communication: How to Read Your Pup’s Body Language November 16, 2018 · 2 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) ### **Mark Twain once said, “If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.”** ![Image](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Blog8-300x213.jpeg) In a perfect world, dogs and cats would be able to clearly communicate their needs, hopes, and desires. Unfortunately, our world is far from perfect and dogs can’t talk, so as responsible pet owners it’s up to us to become masters in reading doggy body language. Read on to learn a few common telltale dog behaviors we’ve seen in our 45 years of experience at Petland. ### **Happy** A smile is a universal symbol for happiness in any language including for dogs. If your dog is seated or standing with a huge grin and tongue out, he is most likely happy. In our Petland locations, we offer Akita puppies and often see that these loyal friends are eager to please and quickly offer a smile to show they are happy. ### **Suspicious** Dogs can be mistrustful and sometimes with reason. Dogs have the ability to pick up on emotional responses in human that we can miss. A suspicious dog will stand on all fours and lean forward with his ears erect. At Petland, we offer Mastiff pups for sale. While it is rare for a Mastiff pup to be suspicious, as they become older and attached to their owners, they can become protective of their territory and suspicious of intruders. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/) ### **Trusting** Belly up is more than just a request for a good scratch. Dogs only reveal their belly to individuals they trust. This display shows vulnerability and is not to be taken for granted. A dog’s trust is not easily earned so this gesture represents a milestone in your relationship. ### **Playful** The playful gesture can look like a dog bowing, with his hind legs straight forward, his front paws on the floor, and he’s rapidly wagging his tail. The playful position is usually seen in the midst of a game of tug-o-war or frisbee. Playtime is serious business for dogs so don’t be alarmed if your pup jumps from a relaxed position to a playful gesture. This just indicates it is time for fun. #### **Learn more about dog behavior by visiting a Petland store near you.** [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. 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Posted on Google Cathy b Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joey was absolutely a delight to work with! I absolutely loved our conversation. She was very helpful answering questions. Next time I come in, I am definitely going to request joy Posted on Google Chris W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cally was a great sales associate! We appreciate her knowledge showing our girl the dogs! Posted on Google YOOmi R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was GREAT! Very detailed and knowledgeable! And Timmy mini poodle was so sweet and cute!! Our girls loved the visit! Posted on Google Corina G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Maleigha S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was a wonderful help and me and my bf had a great chat with him! Very kind professional and kind to us we loved the dogs too shoutout Chocolate. Posted on Google Grace K Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 👍 Posted on Google Alexander S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blue is SUCH A CUTIE I LOVE HIM SM AGHHH Posted on Google Patrick W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joy was amazing and she was so helpful with information!! ```