How Do You Know If Your Dog Is Angry or Just Playing?

When dogs are excited, it’s easy to mistake their playfulness for aggression. When your dog backs or growls, you can’t immediately tell what the bark implies. But, there are signs you can look out for that will help you make the correct judgment.The most recognized giveaway that your dog is being playful is the play bow. This is when your dog lowers their front body by stretching their front limbs forward. The play bow is noticeable before, during, and after play. An actively wagging tail could also be an indicator that your dog is happy and friendly, but recent studies have proved that it’s not always true.

The wag could also mean that the dog is angry, scared, anxious, and a wide range of other emotions. And what about when your dog is angry? For starters, the play bow will be missing. The dog may also adopt a still, rigid posture. A relaxed dog equals a happy dog. So what do you do when you notice that your dog has become aggressive. First, establish what is causing it. Is it fear, possessiveness, defensiveness, or is it a show of power aimed at other dogs.

It could also be a medical condition. Once you know why your dog is angry, then you can work towards calming it. However, in the end, you are the parent, and no one knows your dog better than you. You have a responsibility to familiarize yourself with the different ways that your dog communicates, as that will make for a happy and fulfilling relationship!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay