Dog communication uses most of the senses, including smells, sounds and visual cues. Pheromones, glandular secretions, barks, whines, yips, growls, body postures, etc., all serve as effective means of communication between dogs. Unlike in people, canine body postures and olfactory (scent) cues are significant components of dog language and vocal communications are less significant. People are listeners; dogs are watchers. Another major difference between human and canine communication is the type of information communicated. Language enables humans to communicate very specific messages. Dog communication involves the use of characteristic body posturing and shows emotional states, but not always specific intent or actions. Communication between dogs and people does not occur through a tangible “language” so the messages that are shared across species tend to be more general in nature or can be missed or misinterpreted. For family members who want to understand their dog’s behavior, recognition of these body signals can serve as a useful tool for interpreting “dog language.” Just like people, some dogs are better communicators than others. Things to watch for when dogs communicate are primarily body language and posturing, including position of the head and neck, position of the ears, tail position and activity, raised hair over shoulders or back, position of eyes and ears, facial expressions, and vocalization.
Have you ever watched your dog at the park. seemingly having a full-blown conversation with another pup? The way they circle each other exchange glances. and suddenly burst into play or walk away – it’s almost like they’re having a chat! This made me wonder do dogs actually talk to each other?
The answer is a resounding yes – but not in the way we humans communicate Dogs have developed a sophisticated, multi-layered communication system that goes far beyond what meets the human eye (or ear). As a dog owner for over 15 years, I’ve witnessed countless “conversations” between my furry friends, and the science behind it is fascinating!
The 6 Ways Dogs Communicate With Each Other
Dogs don’t need words to have meaningful exchanges. Their communication system is complex and nuanced, involving several different channels:
1. Body Language: The Primary Language of Dogs
Body language is the backbone of canine communication. Every shift in weight, posture, or muscle tension conveys valuable information to other dogs. Once you start noticing it, you’ll see dogs “talking” all the time!
Key body signals include:
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Tail position:
- High and stiff: confidence, arousal, or potential aggression
- Tucked or low: fear or submission
- Loose wag: relaxed and friendly
- Fast wag with wiggly butt: excitement or greeting
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Posture:
- Standing tall with forward-shifted weight: asserting dominance
- Crouched body with ears back: uncertainty or appeasement
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The Play Bow (front down, butt up): This universal doggy signal means “Let’s play!” It’s an invitation, not aggression, even when followed by pouncing or zoomies.
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Hackles raised: When the hair on a dog’s back stands up, it signals high excitement, fear, or anxiety – not always aggression.
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Turning away or yawning: These “calming signals” tell another dog, “I’m not a threat” or “Please calm down.” Dogs use these to de-escalate tension.
Interestingly, research has found that dogs can even distinguish emotions by observing left- or right-asymmetric tail wags. A tail wagging more to the right indicates relaxation, while wagging to the left suggests uncertainty or wariness.
2. Facial Expressions & Eye Contact
Dogs use their faces to signal intent, though these cues can be subtle and easy for humans to miss.
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Eye contact: Among dogs, prolonged eye contact is generally confrontational. Brief glances or turning away are calming signals.
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Whale eye (showing the whites): A sign your dog feels cornered or anxious.
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Mouth position:
- Relaxed mouth with loose lips: the dog is at ease
- Tense lips or snarl: discomfort or perceived threat
- Submissive grin: Some dogs show teeth as a friendly gesture
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Ear position:
- Relaxed: neutral or unconcerned
- Flattened/pinned back: concern or discomfort
- Perked forward: alertness and interest
Dogs can convey different emotions through facial expressions:
- Relaxed: Soft eyes, ears forward, mouth open
- Anxious: Eyes looking away, ears to the side, teeth clenched
- Intimidating: Staring eyes, ears forward, teeth shown
- Fearful: Dilated pupils, panting, tense jaw
3. Scent & Chemical Signals: The Invisible Conversation
To us humans, scent is subtle. To dogs, it’s EVERYTHING! Dogs live in a world of smells, with an olfactory system that puts ours to shame.
Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors (compared to our measly 6 million) and a special Jacobson’s organ (vomeronasal organ) that detects chemical signals like pheromones. This connects directly to their brain, helping with social communication and mating behaviors.
Ways dogs use scent to communicate:
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Urine marking: Not just peeing on a bush – it’s targeted social messaging! Dogs leave chemical messages via urine that convey sex, reproductive status, territory, and emotional state.
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Sniffing rear ends: Weird to us, but it’s like checking an ID card for dogs. The anal gland secretions carry individualized scent profiles that tell other dogs important information.
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Pheromones: Dogs release pheromones that express emotions such as fear, stress, and happiness, which influence other dogs’ behavior.
When your dog stops to sniff a fire hydrant, tree, or lamp post, they’re gathering intel about who’s been in the neighborhood – whether it was a male or female dog, young or old, and even if they were healthy!
4. Vocal Communication: More Than Just Barking
While not as nuanced as body language, dogs use vocalizations to express themselves, especially when visibility is limited. The tone, pitch, and rhythm all matter in doggy conversations.
Common vocal cues include:
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Barks: Dogs bark to alert, protest, invite play, or express frustration
- Rapid, high-pitched barks: excitement
- Slow, low-pitched barks: potential threat
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Growls: Not just warnings! Dogs also growl during play
- Low, rumbling growl: “Give me space”
- Play growl (with wagging tail): Part of roughhousing
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Whining/yelping: High-pitched whines usually suggest distress or submission, while a yelp often follows pain or surprise
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Howling: A form of long-distance communication, more common in certain breeds
Studies show there are thousands of different barks that dogs use to communicate! Different pitches and volumes indicate their level of emotion.
5. Tactile Communication: When Touch Becomes a Message
Physical contact between dogs isn’t random – it often serves a clear communicative function.
Common forms of tactile signaling:
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Paw slap: A greeting that shows trust between dogs
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Muzzle nudging/licking: Dogs may gently nudge another’s muzzle to show deference or initiate bonding
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Rearing on hind legs: A sign of affection
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Leaning or body contact: Among bonded dogs, leaning against each other reduces stress and strengthens social bonds
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Playful biting: A sign of play, where dogs are careful not to bite sensitive areas
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Resting head on another dog’s back: This signals dominance
6. Social Intelligence: Reading the Room
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of canine communication is its flexibility. Dogs don’t just send signals – they read the social environment and respond accordingly.
Well-socialized dogs know when to yield and when to assert themselves. Much of dog communication is about preventing conflict through small, subtle exchanges like a lip lick, head turn, or yawn.
Dogs can also adapt their communication style depending on the personality of the other dog – a skill that comes with proper socialization!
When Dogs Don’t Understand Each Other
Dog communication isn’t perfect. Misunderstandings happen, especially between:
- Different breeds: A French Bulldog’s flat face or a Husky’s intense stare can confuse others.
- Different energy levels: A hyper Labrador might overwhelm a mellow Shih Tzu.
- Poorly socialized dogs: Dogs raised alone may not know how to play or read warning signs.
Breed-specific limitations can impact communication too. Selective breeding has reduced the social signaling capacity of several breeds. For example:
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs have reduced facial mobility
- Dogs with erect ears or short tails have lost some communicative functions
As a pet parent, it’s up to you to supervise interactions and step in before things go south. Watch for stiff bodies, fixed stares, and escalating tension.
How Puppies Learn to “Talk”
Puppies aren’t born knowing how to communicate with other dogs – they learn through play and feedback. They test boundaries and read responses, learning bite inhibition, calming signals, and social rules.
Well-socialized puppies exposed to different dogs during critical developmental periods tend to become better communicators as adults. This is why puppy socialization is so important!
Can Dogs Understand Each Other’s Barks?
Yes, but context matters! While barking is less nuanced than body language, dogs respond differently to variations in pitch, repetition, and tone. They learn to interpret these cues based on experience.
Is Tail Wagging Always a Sign of Happiness?
Nope! This is one of the biggest misconceptions about dog communication. Tail wagging simply means arousal, not necessarily joy. A loose, sweeping wag usually signals friendliness, but a high, stiff wag with a rigid body can mean the dog is alert, tense, or even agitated.
Why Understanding Dog Communication Matters
Understanding how dogs communicate helps us:
- Prevent dog fights before they escalate
- Support shy or fearful dogs
- Read when our own dogs are uncomfortable
- Foster healthier relationships between dogs
The next time you’re at the dog park, don’t just listen – observe. You’ll start to see the fascinating conversations that have been happening all along!
So, Do Dogs Really Talk to Each Other?
The answer is clearly yes – just not with words. Dogs have developed an intricate, multi-sensory language system that serves them well in their social interactions. While they may not chat about the weather or gossip about the neighborhood cats, they’re constantly exchanging meaningful information through body language, scents, sounds, and touch.
By learning to recognize these communication signals, we can better understand our four-legged friends and help them navigate their social world more successfully. And who knows? Maybe one day technology will help us translate all those woofs and wags into human language!
What do you think your dog is saying to their canine friends? Have you noticed any unique ways your pup communicates? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
Why does my dog look guilty?
Often, submissive or appeasement signals are misinterpreted by owners to be indicative of “guilt” following an undesirable behavior. In truth, dogs that display submissive postures towards their owners are likely responding to discernible human body language or past association with punishment and are attempting to lessen predictable forthcoming punishment based on previous experience. Simply put the dog is saying “don’t hurt me.” This is similar to human relationships; often when we argue with others they may be sorry, apologetic and maybe even offer a gift of flowers or other kind gesture. Closer discussion reveals that while the person is willing to do anything to make the fighting stop, they may not be accepting blame or even understand the underlying reason for the conflict. This is appeasement: a gesture which communicates a desire for the threat to stop. Don’t assume that your dog knows that he did something wrong just because he lays down and rolls over on his back; in fact, he probably has no idea what you want he just hopes this grand canine gesture of appeasement will work.
How does my dog display appeasement or “submissive” signals?
Appeasement body signals are intended to communicate a reduction of a threat. These body postures are a dog’s way to help stop or lessen oncoming aggression or punishment by a more confident, bold, pushy or assertive dog. Dogs first exhibit passive submission signals as puppies when being groomed by their mother. The most subtle signal is the avoidance of direct eye contact (aversion of the eyes). This is a very significant gesture since the opposite of which (a direct stare) communicates a threat. It signals that the dog is putting itself at risk by not visually following a circumstance that could change rapidly.
Yawning and nose-licking are considered to be ambivalent behaviors, meaning that the dog is cautious, concerned, stressed, anxious, or has the potential to respond with aggression if the situation escalates or persists. In addition, dogs may also lower their ears, head and neck and may twist their neck sideways to look away. They may flick their tongue and often hold their tail low or between the legs. They may wag their tail but will often stop wagging or freeze when touched. These postures are often described as “appeasement” behaviors because they communicate a desire for the threat to stop and no desire for confrontation. In dog language, these postures are very clear and logical signals.
Progression of submissive signals includes: low crouching, raising a front paw, lying down, and rolling over to expose the abdomen. This behavior developed from puppyhood when a pup would present to an adult in the group. Puppies need an opportunity to learn and practice the skill of canine communication with friendly, social adult dogs. Rolling over is often a sign of extreme submission and may involve urination. Submissive rolling can be a sign of fear and/or deference and should not be misinterpreted as stubbornness or solicitation of petting. Some dogs have learned to enjoy petting on the belly and will present the abdomen to invite this attention; to determine the dog’s motivation, you have to look at the other signals he is displaying. The ultimate goal of submissive posturing is to decrease any sign of perceived threat. Other dogs read these signals as a reason to be calm and relax.
Dogs Talk to Each Other | Here’s How!
FAQ
How do dogs talk to each other?
Turns out dogs do have their own language they use to talk to each other! Like us, dogs use their body language and other actions to send signs to fellow dogs to speak. Here are a few of the most common signs in “dog language.” There are many different signs on your dog’s face that indicate their feelings to you or other dogs
How do dogs communicate with other dogs?
Studies show there are thousands of different barks that dogs use to communicate. Different pitches and volume indicates the level of emotion in the dog. So all in all, your dog is communicating with other dogs all the time! Just by watching your dog, you can figure out what they’re saying to other dogs and learn more about them every day!
Do dogs hear different messages from other dogs?
Dogs hear different messages in barks from other dogs, according to Willingham, who adds that there’s a distinct difference between a high-pitched “play” bark and a low, deep “stay away” bark. Dogs use barking to express feelings, desires, and warnings. For example, Willingham says different barks might mean: Why does this matter for pet parents?
Can dogs understand other dogs’ messages?
Wilkinson says that as long as a dog enjoys appropriate and positive social interactions from an early age, they can generally understand another dog’s messages. That said, dog communication can still be a little tricky, since one movement can convey different emotions.
Do dogs speak louder than humans?
While verbal communication reigns supreme among humans, body language and scent cues often “speak louder” with our furry friends. While dogs are adept at understanding human nonverbal behavior, unfortunately, humans aren’t as proficient at reading their dogs, Hatfield says.
Do dogs use words?
Dogs may not use words but they do talk to each other and their humans. Their communication mainly takes place through body language. A dog can say a great deal by where they place their ears and tail. However, vocalizations and scents also play a role in canine communication.
Can two dogs talk to each other?
Do dogs understand what they say to each other?
How long does 1 hour feel to a dog?