This week we’re focusing on the overall body. A dog’s full body posture is one of the most reliable indicators of how they are feeling because it combines everything into one picture. A loose, wiggly body with fluid movement often reflects a relaxed, socially open dog. A stiff, frozen, or very still body can indicate uncertainty, high arousal, or that a dog is assessing a situation carefully. A forward weight shift may show interest or confidence, while a backward shift or hesitation can suggest discomfort or a desire to increase distance.
One of the most important things to remember is that behavior happens in sequences. Dogs rarely communicate with just one signal. Instead, their entire body tells a story that we learn to read over time. Next week we’ll continue the series with another key part of canine communication.
