Body Language

Dogs communicate their emotions, needs, and intentions through their posture, facial expressions, and movements. Here are a few examples of interpreting what your dog may be communicating through their body language: 

Happy and Relaxed:

• Posture: Loose, relaxed body and wagging tail (at mid-level or higher, depending on the breed).
• Facial Expression: Open mouth (may look like a “smile”), relaxed ears (neutral position), and soft eyes.
• Behavior: Playful gestures, such as the “play bow” (front legs stretched out, rear end up).

Aggression or Warning: 

• Posture: Stiff body, tail held high and rigid, or fur raised along the back (piloerection).
• Facial Expression: Direct stare, wrinkled muzzle, showing teeth, or growling.
• Behavior: Lunging, snapping, or barking in a low, threatening tone. 

Excitement: 

• Facial Expression: Open mouth, bright eyes, and ears forward.
• Behavior: Spinning, playful barking, or rushing toward something of interest.
• Posture: Bouncing or jumping, tail wagging rapidly. 

At Colonial Village Labradoodles we love to help our clients better connect with and understand their dogs. Check out our website or contact us for more information on your dog’s behavior and training at CVL! 

Multi-generational Australian Labradoodles are a cross between many different parent breeds. The breed originated in Australia in the 1980s with the intent of creating an allergy-friendly service dog for the blind. Australian Labradoodles are a combination of a Poodle, Labrador Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, and Irish Water dogs. These breeds were hand-selected for specific breed qualities to create the ideal service dog for those with allergies. Since then, the breed has continued on and spread across the world. Australian Labradoodles are now considered their own breed with its own breed clubs (ALAA and WALA).