(Hint: They Never Stop—We Just Have to Learn to Listen)
Your dog may not use words, but make no mistake—dogs are always communicating. From the tip of their tail to the tension in their shoulders, dogs are constantly sending messages to the world around them.
Learning how dogs “speak” is the heart of how we build safe, enriching, and respectful experiences. Because when we truly understand what a dog is saying, we can help them feel seen, supported, and secure. This is the culmination of 14 years of study for some of our trainers, and the benefits are amazing.
The first thing to understand is that many dog behaviors like tail wags, jumping up, and running to greet people are often misinterpreted by pet owners.
Body Language: A Dog’s First Language
Dogs communicate primarily through body language, not barking. That means:
A stiff tail isn’t confidence—it could be tension
A lip lick may mean stress, not hunger
A play bow says “let’s have fun!”
Turning away or yawning often says “I need space”
Dogs have 16 different tail wags. Only two of them mean they are happy. The main ‘happy’ wag is ‘low and slow.’
At our daycare, we train our team to recognize these subtle signals and respond appropriately. This allows us to:
Prevent conflicts before they start
Support shy or nervous dogs
Match dogs with compatible playmates
Foster trust in every interaction
Vocalizations: More Than Just Barking
While barking gets the spotlight, dogs use a variety of vocalizations to express themselves:
Whining: Often a sign of anxiety or anticipation
Growling: Not always aggression—it can mean “I’m uncomfortable”
Barking: Can signal excitement, fear, frustration, or alert
Howling: Some breeds use this to express loneliness or join in on sound
We listen to why a dog is vocalizing instead of just trying to quiet them down. That context matters.
Emotional Communication: Dogs Feel, Too
Dogs may not think exactly like humans, but they do experience emotions—and they tell us how they feel all the time. You just need to know the cues:
A wiggly body, loose tail, and soft eyes = joy
Trembling, hiding, or avoidance = fear
Hyperactivity or rough play = overstimulation (not always happiness!)
Quiet, still, or disengaged = emotional shutdown
We treat every dog as an individual with unique comfort zones, boundaries, and needs. By tuning in to their emotional communication, we can help dogs:
Build confidence
Practice calm focus
Trust their caregivers
Listening Builds Trust
When dogs feel heard, their behavior changes. They become more relaxed, more open to learning, and more willing to engage.
At our enrichment-based daycare, communication goes both ways. We give dogs a voice—and we teach them how to listen, too. Through Minds and Manners coaching, we help them:
Read other dogs’ cues
Communicate politely in play
Use calm signals instead of reactivity
It’s not just about getting dogs to obey—it’s about helping them feel safe enough to connect.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Yes—dogs absolutely communicate. The real question is: are we listening?
If you want your dog to be understood, respected, and guided in a way that makes them feel secure, we’d love to meet them.
Book a trial day and let your dog show us who they are. Tell us how we can help improve your relationship with your dog.
We’re listening.