Dogs use their bodies and paws to express a diversity of different things. Below are a few examples and what they mean.
Your dog bends with his front legs extended, rears up, and and head is near the ground: This is the standard play-bow and clearly implies that “I want to play!”
Stiff-legged, erect attitude or slow, stiff-legged movement forward: “I am the dominant dog around here!” and “I challenge you.” The dominant dog will use this attitude to show a statement of authority and a willingness to conflict for it.
Body slightly diagonal forward, feet stimulated: “I accept your challenge and am ready to fight!”
Dog rolls on side or exposes underside: “Let us not argue” or “I am not a threat to you” or “I admit that you are the boss here.” This is a subservient reaction to avoid fight. Most dogs follow this attitude in a fairly relaxed and contented manner when they are close to their pack leader. When your dog rolls on his back for a belly rub, he is actually accepting you as leader of the pack.
The dog put his head on another dog’s shoulder or places his paw on the other dog’s back means: “I want you to know who is the boss around here.” These attitude is generally applied by in charge dogs, pack leaders, and dogs that are dreaming to become a pack leader.
Mouthing: This is seen in the dog-human relationship as the dog is taking his owner’s hand in his mouth or, while walking, taking the lead in the mouth. Mouthing can be a critical sign of dominance challenging and points that the dog does not accept the human as pack leader.
The dog lays paw on his owner’s knee: “Look, I am here” or “Show me some affection !.” This attention-seeking signing has many versions. It includes pawing the air in front of their master or slipping their head under the master’s hand.
Uprised hair on the dog’s back and shoulders: This is a sign of anticipated aggression. A ridge of hair standing up down the back is a signal that says “Don’t push me, I am angry!” When the bristling reaches the shoulders it means “I have had it with you” and is a sign of an imminent attack.
Dog sits with one front paw slightly raised: This is another sign of stress but is combined with insecurity. It means “I am anxious, uneasy and concerned.”
The dog is rolling on his back and rubbing it on the ground: This is occasionally preceded by nose rubbing, where the dog pushes his face, and possibly his chest against the ground in a rubbing movement or rubs the face with a paw, from eyes to nose. They frequently take place after feeding or occur as the dog’s owner starts to prepare food.They also can occur before or after a pleasant activities.
Scraping the ground and splitting the turf with the paws: This is usually after the dog has defecated but can] occur at other times. Dogs have glands on the bottom of their feet that provide each with a unique scent. What a dog is saying here is ” I was here and I am leaving my calling card!”
