Understanding Canine Behaviour: It's Not Always What It Seems

By Nikita Golab, Canine Hydrotherapist

Dogs are constantly communicating with us – through their posture, facial expressions and movements. Every behaviour a dog displays serves a purpose, even if it's not immediately obvious. Unfortunately, human interpretation doesn't always align with what the dog is truly expressing. What might look like stubbornness, excitement or aggression could actually be discomfort, confusion or fear.

Before labelling a behaviour as "problematic", it's important to step back and consider what the dog might be trying to communicate.

Pain: The First Thing to Rule Out

When a dog's behaviour suddenly changes, the first question to ask is: "Could my dog be in pain?"

Dogs are remarkably good at masking discomfort, and behavioural changes are often the earliest clues that something isn't right.

Common Examples Include:

• A dog who growls or snaps when touched may be experiencing pain in that area

• A normally friendly dog who withdraws from interaction might be unwell or sore

• A dog who stops jumping, climbing stairs or playing as usual may have joint or muscular discomfort

Even subtle shifts – such as restlessness, reluctance to eat or changes in sleep patterns – can indicate physical discomfort. Always start with a veterinary check before addressing a behaviour issue. Once pain is ruled out or treated, the behaviour often improves on its own.

Reading the Language of Dogs

Canine communication relies heavily on body language. Understanding the signals dogs use can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce stress for both dog and owner.

The Tail: More Than Just a Mood Meter

One of the most common myths about dog behaviour is that a wagging tail always means a happy dog. In reality, tail movement should always be interpreted in context:

• Loose, full-body wags often indicate relaxation and friendliness

• Slow or stiff wags may suggest uncertainty or caution

• Fast, high, tight wags can signal tension, arousal or agitation – sometimes preceding a defensive response

• Low, tucked tails are often signs of fear or anxiety

In short, a wagging tail simply means the dog is emotionally aroused – but that emotion could be happiness, excitement, fear or even irritation.

Subtle Signals: Early Warnings of Stress or Discomfort

Dogs rarely move straight from calm to reactive behaviour. They often give early warning signs long before a growl, snap or bite. Recognising these subtle cues allows us to intervene appropriately and give the dog space or reassurance before stress escalates.

Common signs of discomfort or anxiety include:

• Lip licking (when no food is present)

• Yawning (outside of tiredness)

• Turning the head or body away

• Showing the whites of the eyes ("whale eye")

• Tense facial muscles or a closed mouth

• Lifting one paw or freezing briefly

These are all ways a dog might say, "I'm not comfortable". When these signals are ignored or misunderstood, the dog may feel they have no choice but to use more overt communication – such as growling or snapping – to make themselves heard.

Looking Beneath the Behaviour

Every behaviour has a cause. Whether it's physical pain, fear, frustration, confusion or environmental stress, dogs behave in ways that make sense to them. By viewing behaviour as communication rather than disobedience, we can respond more appropriately and compassionately.

If Your Dog's Behaviour Changes or Becomes Concerning:

• Rule out medical issues with your vet

• Observe body language for clues about emotional state

• Seek professional support from a qualified trainer or behaviourist who uses kind, science-based methods

Final Thoughts

Behaviour is never "just behaviour" – it's information. Dogs do not act out of spite or stubbornness; they act to express a need, a feeling or a response to their environment. By learning to read their signals and understanding the potential causes behind their actions, we can strengthen our relationship with our dogs and support their well-being more effectively.

After all, behaviour isn't something to be "fixed" – it's something to be understood.

Need support understanding your dog's behaviour? Our team at Northern Canine Therapy Centre takes a holistic approach to canine wellbeing, considering both physical and emotional health in every session.