Preventive Vet
Preventive Vet
Newsletter
    • Dog
      • Health & Safety
      • Behavior & Training
      • Grooming
      • The Fun Stuff
      • Helpful Resources
      • Pupstanding Academy Dog Training
      • Sign In: Digital Books
    • Cat
      • Health & Safety
      • Behavior & Enrichment
      • Grooming
      • The Fun Stuff
      • Helpful Resources
      • Sign In: Digital Books
    • Our Store
      • Dog & Cat Books
      • Pet-safe Disinfectant
      • Dog Fetch Stick Toy
      • Puppy Training Online Courses
      • Virtual 1-on-1 Dog Training
      • Resource Guarding Training
      • Separation Anxiety Training
      • Seattle In-Person Dog Training
      • Sign In: Digital Books
    • About Us
      • Who We Are
      • Media Spokespeople
    Veterinary Professionals
    Veterinary Professionals

    Recommended Resources to Decode Canine Body Language

    Knowing what a dog is trying to say with their body language is important for so many reasons! Are they uncomfortable with how another dog is greeting them? Is the way your dog plays with another at the dog park appropriate? Is your dog trying to tell a child to stop petting them? Are they frustrated during a training session?

    By understanding what different body language cues look like, you can keep dogs safe and comfortable, train more efficiently, and build a better bond with your pup. Being able to ‘speak dog’ can help you recognize why a dog is behaving a certain way, which is the first step in changing any unwanted behavior.

    Dogs have a wide range of body language signals, some are simple while others can be quite complex and difficult to catch. It takes time and practice to learn a new language but keep at it! Below is a collection of resources to get you started on the right track in learning about dog body language and why they do what they do.

    Books about Reading Dog Body Language:

    Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog
    canine body language
    by Brenda Aloff

    The Secret Language of Dogs: Unlocking the Canine Mind for a Happier Pet
    secret language of dogs
    by Victoria Stilwell

    How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves
    how-to-behave-so-your-dog-behaves
    by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS

    Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones
    decoding your dog
    by Debra F. Horowitz and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

    The Dog Listener: Learn How to Communicate with Your Dog for Willing Cooperation
    The Dog Listener- Learn How to Communicate with Your Dog for Willing Cooperation
    by Jan Fennell

    The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs
    the other end of the leash
    by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.

    On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
    On Talking Terms with Dogs- Calming Signals
    by Turid Rugaas

    The Secret Language of Dogs: How to Communicate Effectively with Your Dog
    The Secret Language of Dogs- How to Communicate Effectively with Your Dog
    by Heather Dunphy

    Dog to Dog Communication: The Right Way to Socialize Your Dog
    Dog to Dog Communication- The Right Way to Socialize Your Dog
    by Jamie Shaw

    How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication
    How to Speak Dog
    by Stanley Coren

    The Culture Clash
    The Culture Clash
    by Jean Donaldson

    How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language
    How to Speak Dog- A Guide to Decoding Dog Language
    by Aline Alexander Newman & Gary Weitzman

    Video:

    Sitting through conferences isn't always the most fun way to spend the day, but this presentation given by Dr. Sara Bennett at the Purdue Veterinary Medicine 2012 Fall Conference is one we can all really learn a lot from, and does a nice job of explaining the body language cues as they happen:

    Blogs, Links, and Other Resources:

    Eileen and Dogs is a great resource for canine body language information with clear visual examples.

    The Dog Decoder App is a great smartphone app that helps you understand dog body language, and is great for kids and adults!

    QUIZ: How Fluent are You in Dog-Speak?

    The Association of Professional Dog Trainers has put together a list of Dog Park Body Language with links to even more recommended resources at the bottom.

    Our Books, Products & Training

    • Shop Books and Fetch Sticks
    • Shop Apparel & Gifts for Animal Lovers
    • Pupstanding Dog Training Academy
    • Pupstanding App
    • Customer Service
    • Refund Policy

    Professionals

    • Veterinary Professionals

    Contact

    • Contact Us
    • Want to write for Preventive Vet?
    • Want us to review your product or service?
    • Become our affiliate partner
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use

    Preventive Vet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

    © 2025 Preventive Vet. All rights reserved.