Dog Behavior While Walking: How to Recognize Signs of Discomfort, Fear, or Submission

February 12 2025, by Michael van Wassem, 4 min reading time

Walking your dog is a great way to spend quality time together, burn off energy, and strengthen your bond. But what if you encounter other dogs along the way? Not every encounter goes smoothly, and it's important to recognize when a dog is feeling uncomfortable. By understanding dog body language, you can prevent stressful situations and make walks more enjoyable for everyone.

Why is it important to understand dog behavior?

Not all dogs are equally sociable or comfortable meeting new dogs. Some dogs find other dogs exciting, while others immediately rush at each other with enthusiasm. As an owner, it's important to recognize when a dog is acting anxious, insecure, or submissive, so you can respond appropriately and prevent any escalation.

Signs a dog is not comfortable

1. Posture and muscle tension

A relaxed dog has a relaxed, supple posture and moves calmly. A dog that feels uncomfortable often exhibits:

• Stiff or tense muscles – The dog stands tense and alert, often with its head slightly lowered.
• Body low to the ground – This can be a sign of submission or fear.
• Freezing – If a dog suddenly stops moving, it could mean he is unsure about the situation.

2. Ear position and gaze

A dog's ears and eyes say a lot about how he feels:

• Ears flattened back – This often indicates fear or submissiveness.
• Ears pushed forward – This can indicate tension or an alert attitude.
• Avoiding Eye Contact – Many dogs turn their heads away to avoid confrontation.
• Dilated pupils – This indicates excitement or anxiety.

3. Tail position and movement

A dog's tail can reveal a lot about its emotions:

• Tail low or between the hind legs – This is a classic sign of fear or submission.
• Stiff, trembling tail – May indicate tension or nervousness.
• Slow Wag – Unlike a loose, happy wag, a slow, stiff wag can indicate insecurity.

4. Mouth and facial expression

Watch the dog's mouth to gauge its emotion:

• Licking lips or yawning – These are stress signals.
• Quickly dragging the tip of your tongue across your nose – Often a sign of insecurity.
• Corners of mouth pulled back – May indicate fear or tension.

5. Behavior during meetings

When you meet another dog, your dog may exhibit different behaviors:

• Looking to the side and turning away – This is a calming signal and means the dog does not want a confrontation.
• Sniffing the ground – Sometimes this is a way to reduce stress and distract.
• Hiding behind the owner – A clear sign that the dog is not feeling well.
• Growling or growling – This is a warning and often means the dog feels threatened.

What can you do if your dog or another dog shows discomfort?

1. Don't force interactions – Never force dogs to meet if either of them feels insecure.
2. Give space – Provide sufficient distance between your dog and the other dog if there is tension in the air.
3. Use calming signals – Look away, turn slightly to the side, and keep your movements smooth to reassure your dog.
4. Avoid direct eye contact – some dogs may find this threatening.
5. Keep the line relaxed – Don’t pull the line unnecessarily, as this can create extra tension.

Conclusion

By learning how dogs express their emotions, you can better respond to their needs and de-escalate situations before they become problematic. Pay attention to body posture, tail movements, ear position, and other subtle cues that can indicate discomfort. By respecting your dog's boundaries and those of others, you ensure pleasant and safe walks for everyone. Check out all products for safe dog walks here.

Do you recognize certain signals in your dog during walks? Share your experiences in the comments!

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