Understanding Canine Body Language: Calming Signals and Stress Signals Every Dog Guardian Should Know
Dogs are constantly communicating with us. They may not use words, but they speak clearly through their body language. Learning to recognise calming signals and stress signals can transform your relationship with your dog, prevent behavioural issues, and help your dog feel safe, understood, and supported.
Many behaviours that people misinterpret as “disobedience” or “stubbornness” are actually signs that a dog feels uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or unsure.
When we learn to listen, we can respond in ways that build trust and emotional security.
What Are Calming Signals?
Calming signals are subtle body language cues dogs use to:
• Calm themselves down
• Calm others (dogs, humans, or animals)
• Avoid conflict
• Communicate discomfort or uncertainty
These signals are your dog’s polite way of saying:
“I’m feeling uncomfortable. Please slow down.”
They often appear early — before a dog escalates to growling, snapping, or shutting down.
Recognising these early signals allows us to intervene supportively.
Common Calming and Stress Signals in Dogs
Lip Licking or Tongue Flicking
This is one of the most commonly missed signals.
What it looks like:
• Quick flick of the tongue out and back in
• Often happens when being approached, handled, or spoken to
What it means:
• Mild stress
• Uncertainty
• Attempt to self-soothe
What to do:
• Pause interaction
• Give the dog space
• Soften your voice and body posture
• Avoid leaning over or staring directly at the dog
Turning the Head Away
What it looks like:
• Dog turns their head to the side or looks away from you
What it means:
• Avoiding confrontation
• Feeling uncomfortable
• Trying to calm the situation
What to do:
• Respect their signal
• Stop approaching
• Allow them to approach you instead
Yawning (When Not Tired)
What it looks like:
• Slow, exaggerated yawn outside of sleep time
What it means:
• Stress release
• Emotional tension
• Overwhelm
Common situations:
• Vet visits
• Training sessions
• New environments
What to do:
• Reduce pressure
• Slow the situation down
• Offer reassurance calmly
Freezing or Becoming Very Still
This is a serious signal that often gets missed.
What it looks like:
• Sudden stillness
•Body becomes stiff
• Stops moving or interacting
What it means:
• High discomfort
• Fear or uncertainty
• Dog is assessing safety
What to do:
• Immediately stop what you're doing
• Give space
• Do not force interaction
• Allow the dog to move away
Freezing often happens before growling or snapping if the warning is ignored.
Whale Eye (Showing the Whites of the Eyes)
What it looks like:
• Whites of the eyes visible
• Dog looks sideways while keeping head still
What it means:
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Feeling threatened or pressured
What to do:
• Reduce intensity of the situation
• Turn your body sideways
• Avoid eye contact
• Create space
Lip Tightening or Closed Mouth
What it looks like:
• Mouth suddenly closes
• Lips become tight
What it means:
• Discomfort
• Increased tension
A relaxed dog usually has a soft mouth.
What to do:
• Stop interaction
• Assess what may be causing stress
Moving Away or Avoidance
What it looks like:
• Dog walks away
• Turns body away
• Hides behind objects or people
What it means:
• Clear communication: “I need space.”
What to do:
• Allow the dog to leave
• Never force interaction
• Respect their choice
This builds trust.
Shaking Off (Like They're Wet)
What it looks like:
• Full body shake, even when dry
What it means:
• Stress release
• Nervous system reset
Often seen after:
• Vet visits
• Training sessions
• Social encounters
This is actually healthy stress release.
Why These Signals Matter
Dogs rarely “bite without warning.” Most dogs give multiple calming signals first.
When these signals are ignored repeatedly, dogs may escalate to stronger communication such as:
• Growling
• Snapping
• Barking
• Shutting down emotionally
Growling is not bad behaviour. It is communication.
Punishing these signals teaches dogs to suppress communication — which increases bite risk.
Listening to early signals keeps everyone safe.
What Your Dog Needs From You
When you notice calming or stress signals, your role is to help your dog feel safe.
This includes:
Reduce pressure
• Stop petting
• Stop approaching
• Pause training or cease using that particular trainer or training style
Create space
• Move away slightly
• Allow your dog to leave
Soften your presence
• Turn sideways instead of facing head-on
• Avoid direct staring
• Move slowly
Speak calmly
• Use soft, reassuring tones
• Avoid loud or high-energy reactions
Advocate for your dog
• Prevent strangers from forcing interaction
• Protect their emotional boundaries
How to Help Your Dog Feel More Comfortable Long-Term Build Trust Through Choice
Allow your dog to choose interaction.
Consent builds confidence.
Let them come to you.
Create Predictable, Safe Environments
Dogs feel safer when life is predictable.
Provide:
• Consistent routines
• Calm environments
• Safe resting spaces
Avoid Flooding or Overwhelm
Too much exposure too quickly can increase anxiety.
Instead:
• Introduce new experiences gradually and with choice
• Pair with positive associations
Support the Nervous System
A calm nervous system creates emotional resilience.
Support includes:
• Quality species-appropriate nutrition
• Species-appropriate enrichment
• Adequate rest
• Calm leadership
The Most Important Thing to Remember
Your dog is always communicating.
Calming signals are not misbehaviour.
They are communication, self-protection, and emotional expression.
When we listen and respond compassionately, we create dogs who feel safe, confident, and deeply bonded to us.
And safety is the foundation of all wellbeing.
Further Information/Resources
These are just some of the more common calming signals. If you want to learn more, read On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas or watch Learn The Language of Dogs free workshop.
