One of the great things to know in order to be a successful dog trainer is to understand how a dog is thinking. While there are many skills that you are going to be required to know, reading a dog spots may be one of the most important traits to learn. The better you can understand the dog’s body language the better you will be able to communicate.

Just like humans and other animals, a dog will show intention by using body language. There are actually 3 parts to keep an eye on. They are the head, tail, and posture. We are going to take a look at the three parts.

It is important to look at dogs ears. Depending on the dog’s mood, he will hold his years in a different position. When the dogs ears are pointed forward it usually means that he is alert to something. Also, take a look at the dog’s mouth. If the dog is making a grin by squeezing its skin in muzzle area and focusing its eye’s on something, it means it is threatening the object of focus.

Also, if the dog is showing teeth and the sides of it’s mouth are pulled back into a grimace, the dog is probably showing some kind of fear and lack of confidence. Use these tells to interpret what the dog is thinking. Again, never stop observing the body language.

Another major factor in dogs body language is its tail! There are hundreds of different emotions which can be shown by dogs tail from playful happiness to deadly sorrow. Make sure to keep a watchful eye on your dogs tail in different situations and you will learn to literally read your dog.

Some of this is common sense. When the dog’s tail is between its legs it means that it may be embarrassed. Everyone knows what I happily wagging tail means also.

Finally, the posture a dog poses is equally important. When a dog is stiff and is standing on its paws, this usually means a dog is threatened and it is not a good idea to approach. In general, when a dog is feeling comfortable and relaxed its musculature does not look flexed.

It is important to keep your attention at dogs posture, face expressions and tail when reading the body language, but more importantly you have to learn to combine all three together to make a full picture of what your dog is thinking and saying to you and other people!