Body Language
Pay attention -- I'm talking to you
Wolves and dogs communicate through body postures and facial expressions. Among the easiest emotions to
read are aggression, fear, playfulness, and submission.
Aggressive wolves and dogs stand tall with ears pricked, and head held high. They bare their
teeth, and erect the fur along their spine to make themselves look bigger. They may give a menacing growl
or a furious bark.
Submissive, frightened wolves and dogs lower their bodies, flatten their ears,
tuck their tails, and close their mouths. Whimpering, or even silent, they may roll onto their backs and
lie there, belly up.
We might be most familiar with playfulness! When wolves or dogs want to play, they raise their rear
and lower their forequarters in a kind of "play bow." This posture is a mixture of aggressive and
submissive poses.
