Now that you know what your dog's stronger personality traits are, you will be better able to communicate with your dog. Following are some common behaviors and what they look like. Since this is a generalized chart, and your dog is a unique individual, he or she may not display all of these traits. But you can use this information to get an idea of what to look for in your dog and what feelings they are showing. As your relationship with your dog grows stronger, it will become easier to know what they are trying to say.
AGGRESSIVE
Ears Back, close to head Eyes Narrow or staring challengingly. Mouth/teeth Lips open, drawn back to expose teeth bared in a snarl. Possible jaw snapping. Body Tense. Upright. Hackles on neck up. Completely dominant position. Tail Straight out from body. Fluffed up. Vocalization Snarl. Growl. Loud bark.
ALERT
Ears Perked-up. Turning to catch sounds. Eyes Open normally or wide. Mouth/teeth Mouth closed or slightly open with teeth covered. Body Normal. Possible standing on tiptoe. Slightly dominant position. Tail Up. Possibly wagging. Vocalization None. Low whine or alarm bark.
DOMINANT
Ears Up straight or forward Eyes Wide open, staring, direct contact. Mouth/teeth Mouth closed or slightly open. Body Very tall posture. May drape head over another dog's shoulders. Hackles may be up. Tail Stiffened and fluffed. Up or straight out from body. Vocalization Low, assertive growl or grunt.
GUARDING
Ears Perked up. Forward. Eyes Wide open, alert. Mouth/teeth Mouth slightly open, teeth bared. Snapping or gnashing of teeth. Body Tense. Rigid. Hackles up. Standing very tall in an aggressive or dominant stance. Tail Rigid. Held straight out from body. Sometimes fluffed. Vocalization Loud, alert bark. Growl. Snarl.
