UC Davis animal behaviorist Emma Grigg has shared a few simple tips on how to decipher signs of stress in your dog’s body language in the UC Davis Magazine.

Leaning away

This can be a sign of fear and stress in dogs. Dogs can lean away from unwanted physical contact. They may also avert their heads but keep their eyes on the person or thing that is bothering them. Grigg says that this is a way for dogs to signal that they want the stressor to stop. They can also be trying to ignore the stressor and pretend it’s not there.

Tensing up

A dog that suddenly becomes still and tense is showing signs of discomfort, irritation, or anxiety. Owners might think this is their dog being stubborn or overly dramatic. A relaxed dog will be much more active and looser, so keep in mind that tension is a sign of discomfort.

Closing the mouth firmly

Grigg says happy dogs have open, relaxed mouths, often with their tongues out. A firmly closed mouth is a sign of discomfort. She notes that this is one of the more subtle signs of stress and is easy to overlook.

Grigg is a co-author of the book The Science Behind a Happy Dog. You can read more about her work as an animal behaviorist on her website HERE.