Welcome to our second blog on body behavior where today we will talk about how your pup might be telling you they are nervous!
Reiterating from last week’s blog, your dog’s face alone can tell you a lot about what they’re feeling. In some dogs, lip-licking is a sign of self-soothing nervousness and can be compared to when humans bite their nails. “Whale eyes” are another common sign, where the white of a dog’s eyes (sclera) are exposed because they are locked looking at an object but moving their head. It’s important to interpret this regarding the rest of their behavior since whale eyes can also be a sign of overstimulation or feeling threatened. Ears tightly tucked straight back/ flat against their head are another sign of nervousness and submission.
Nervousness can also be demonstrated by a “low body posture” where their head is learning towards the floor, eyes not making contact, and their back is hunched with their tail tucked between their legs. Trembling, panting, hiding, avoidance, excessive drooling, freezing, and growling are some more excessive signs of anxiety where a dog might feel threatened or not safe.
It’s important to analyze your dog’s body to understand what they are telling you. Whether it’s a person, environment, or other animals that is causing them fear or anxiety, it’s important you work with them to help get them over this fear with positive reinforcement or further training!