Dog Postures

This is something I wrote for my personal site several years ago and I think it is probably the most important information I have to share. This information was based on information in "The Intelligence of Dogs" by Stanley Coren. Re-reading it now, I notice that some of the terminology is inaccurate and flawed. However, I'll leave it for now and hopefully get it re-written in the near future.

As a general rule there are 7 postures that can tell a person how a dog is feeling:

1. The Play Posture.
This is characterized by the dogs front end being down and his back side being up. The tail is erect and most likely waging. The ears will likewise be erect and the dogs mouth may be open with his tongue exposed.

2. Relaxed Posture
This is indicated by the ears up and relaxed (not forward) and the tail down and relaxed. The mouth may again be slightly opened with the tongue exposed.

3. Alert Posture
This is seen in the ears being up and forward, the mouth being closed and the tail being held straight out but not bristled. The legs are tense and the dog leans slightly forward. You may also observe the dog raising and lowering his head. This indicates an unsure submissiveness with the lowering of the head and curious alertness trying to catch sight and/or scent of the intruder. Be sensitive to this dog's posture and approach slowly if you must approach at all.

4. Dominant Posture
The most obvious trait in this posture is the bristling hair most noticable in the shoulder area and the tail which will be raised. On closer inspection (take my word for it and don't approach this dog) the hair is raised all over the body. The dog's nose is wrinkled in this posture and the teeth are bared. The dog's ears are raised and forward and his stance will be slightly forward. The dog will probably be barking or growling but may not be.
DO NOT APPROACH THIS DOG! TURN SLIGHTLY SIDEWAYS TO THE DOG AND BACK AWAY SLOWLY WITHOUT LOOKING THE DOG IN THE EYES. EYE CONTACT IS CONSIDERED A THREAT OR CHALLENGE.

5. Defensive Posture
Just like people, no matter who you are or how you act there will be someone who doesn't like you.
This is seen in the dog's body being lowered, the ears back and the tail between the legs. The most obvious trait in this dog is also the hair being raised. When a dogs hair is on end he should be avoided at all cost. This dog can turn to dominance or aggression in an instant in an effort to protect itself.

6. Scared Posture
Looking at this dog you will notice the dog may not look directly at you for very long if at all, the body is lowered, the ears are back and the tail is down, again in an effort to make himself look as small and unopposing as possible. The dog make lick you and the corners of the mouth are back. The dog may also raise a paw. This is not always a trick the dog has learned, I believe it is a submissive gesture that makes it easier for the "antagonist" to turn the dog over into a totally submissive posture.

7. Submissive Posture
This is the most obvious because the dog will be on his back or side with the top legs raised exposing his belly and throat. This dog too will avoid eye contact, the tail will be between the legs, the corners of the mouth pulled back and ears and hair will be down and back. Dogs identify themselves by scent and to identify himself there may be an expulsion of urine. If you have a dog that does this, don't scold him because it reenforces your dominance and is actually encourageing the behavior. You should have a well behaved dog and maintain your authority, but the dog should feel confident and relaxed around you.