Decoding Your Dog’s Calming Signals: Key Signs to Know

Dogs and humans speak very different languages, and often it feels like the dog is expected to adapt to human behaviour without us understanding theirs. While many people recognise basic dog signs like a wagging tail or raised hackles, dogs actually use a rich and subtle language to communicate their mood and emotions.

One crucial aspect of dog communication is their use of calming signals: behaviours aimed at asking another dog or person to pause, relax, or back off to avoid conflict. These signals can be submissive, inviting calm, or ways for your dog to manage their own stress. Understanding these calming signals can deepen your insight into your dog’s feelings and personality.

By learning to spot these often-overlooked signals, you can better respond to your dog's emotional needs and strengthen your bond.

Turning the Head

Avoiding direct eye contact or turning the head away from someone is a key calming signal. Unlike human behaviour where turning away might suggest ignoring someone, in dog language it often signals submission and a request for peace. Dogs instinctively avoid face-to-face greetings as these can be seen as challenges or dominance displays.

Averting the Eyes

If your dog won’t meet your gaze or breaks eye contact, they’re likely trying to calm the interaction. Direct eye contact in dogs can be perceived as a threat or challenge, so looking away is a polite way to reduce tension and express non-aggression.

Freezing

When approached by another dog or person, many dogs will momentarily stand still, allowing the other to investigate first. This freeze is a calming signal indicating, "You go first," as a gesture of peaceful intent and respect.

Licking Their Own Nose

Lip or nose licking, outside of eating contexts, serves as a calming gesture. It signals uneasiness and is an invitation to others to lower the intensity of behaviour around them.

Mock-Bowing

During play, one dog may bow with its front legs stretched forward. This "play bow" is a friendly gesture and a calming invitation to ease interaction, signalling that play is safe and no aggression is involved.

Lying Down

Lying down with belly or neck exposed is a vulnerable position communicating submission and peacefulness. It's a way of saying, "I am not a threat," which encourages calm and friendly behaviour from others, including humans.

Yawning

Dogs use yawning as a stress-relief signal and to calm situations. Unlike humans, yawning in dogs often means, "Please calm down," helping to diffuse tension and break stand-offs in a gentle way.

Curved Posture

Dogs often hold a curved or relaxed body posture instead of a tense, head-on stance when greeting others. This body language is designed to avoid appearing threatening and keeps encounters polite and non-confrontational.

Scratching

Unexpected scratching during social interactions can be a tension-release behaviour. It distracts the dog and others from potential conflict and serves as a calming signal to diffuse situations without showing full submission.

Other Common Calming Signals

• Lip licking and lip smacking
• Heavy panting or breathing
• Shaking off, like after a swim or rain
• Displacement behaviours, such as sniffing the ground
• Turning the body away to avoid direct confrontation

Recognising these signals helps prevent misunderstandings that can escalate stress or aggression, creating a safer and more trusting environment for your dog.

Responsible Dog Ownership and Calming Signals

Understanding calming signals is part of being a responsible and empathetic dog owner. It promotes respectful interactions and can alert you to when your dog feels overwhelmed or anxious. If your dog frequently shows calming signals, review their environment and interactions to reduce stress. Supporting your dog's emotional health includes providing safe spaces, gentle socialisation, and positive reinforcement training.

Learning your dog’s language also helps you recognise when intervention or professional advice is needed, especially in cases of anxiety or aggression. Remember, patience and kindness reinforce trust and improve your dog’s confidence over time.

For those interested in welcoming a new dog into their homes, consider adopting from reputable sources, such as reputable cockapoo breeders. Ethical breeding and adoption practices help ensure the wellbeing of dogs and support responsible ownership.

Common Questions About Dog Calming Signals

Why does my dog turn their head away?

Quick Answer: Your dog turns its head to signal submission or to avoid confrontation, requesting calm in the situation.

This behaviour is a polite canine way to reduce tension and show non-aggression. When a dog turns its head away, it is often an invitation to others to lower intensity. This differs from human norms where turning away might be perceived as rudeness but is a respectful communication in dog language.

What does it mean when a dog licks their nose?

Quick Answer: Nose or lip licking is a calming signal indicating stress or unease, asking others to relax.

This behaviour is common when dogs feel uncertain or overwhelmed. It is a non-verbal way to soothe themselves and communicate to others that they want to de-escalate tension. Recognising this can help owners provide a calmer environment or reduce stimuli causing stress.

How can I help my dog feel less stressed?

Quick Answer: Provide a safe, quiet space, offer positive reinforcement, and watch for calming signals to intervene early.

Respecting your dog’s calming signals means giving them time and space to feel secure. Avoid forcing interaction when they show signs of stress and help them build confidence through calm, positive experiences. Professional training or advice can assist if stress is frequent or severe.