(Weekly Series) This week we’re focusing on the mouth. A dog’s mouth is one of the most expressive parts of their body and can give subtle but important insight into their emotional state. A soft, slightly open mouth with a relaxed jaw often indicates a calm and comfortable dog. A tightly closed mouth can suggest focus, tension, or uncertainty depending on the situation.
Lip licking, yawning when not tired, or repeated tongue flicks are often subtle stress signals that can show a dog is processing pressure or trying to self soothe. It’s also important to consider context. A dog may pant from heat or exercise, but panting paired with stiff posture or wide eyes can indicate stress rather than relaxation. Next week we’ll continue the series by breaking down another key part of canine communication.
