Understanding Your Dog's Emotions

A wagging tail doesn't always mean your dog is happy. It just means they're emotionally aroused.

It could be excitement, but it could also be frustration. The real clues are in the speed and

direction. A slow, sweeping wag is a relaxed dog. A fast,

twitch-like wag indicates a higher level of arousal, and not always in a good way.

It's the same with other signals we misread. When your dog yawns, they aren't tired;

they're often stressed and trying to calm themselves. That quick lip lick isn't just about

a tasty treat; it can be a sign of anxiety. Even showing the whites of their

eyes, or "whale eye," means they're feeling anxious or uncomfortable. No single signal