What your dog is trying to tell you?

by Gabrielle Lichterman

A peek at his ears reveals...

His mood One of a dog's cutest features is an instant barometer for wgat he's feeling. For instance, are his ears relaxed and neither pushed forward nor back on his head? He's happy and feeling sure of himself, says psychologist Stanley Coren, Ph.D., author of How to Speak Dog: mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication. If they're floppy ears, are they stuck close to his head? Or, if they're prick ears, are they open, forming a "V"? He's feeling less confident and may be a little worries. Are his ears bending forward? He's unhappy or feeling threatened, so you may want to give him space.

Look at her eyebrows to know...

When she's confused If she's not following your commands, her eyebrows (the distinctive ridge above her eyes), can tell you if it's because she doesn't understand what you want. What to look for? One eyebrow up and one eyebrow down or both eyebrows are lowered, says Cheryl Smith, author of The Rosetta Bone: The Key to Communication Between Humans and Canines. And what does it mean when the both eyebrows shoot up? Like humans, it means she's surprised.

His nose tells you...

When he's jealous If he's using his sniffer to push another person or dog away from you, it's sure sign he wants you al to himself. That's the news from psychologost at the University of Portsmouth in England, who were surprised to discover that, just like humans, dogs suffer pangs of jealousy.

Look to her mouth to find out...

If she's laughing Yes, dogs laugh! According to researchers at the Spokane Country Regional Animal Protection Service in Washington, a dog'slaugh is like a regular pant, only longer and louder. In fact, it's such a distinct sound, their research found it's the one sound that has the power to soothe other anxious dogs.

Watch his tongue to see...

When he's feeling stressed The easy clue: He's flicking his tongue in and out of his mouth or is licking his nose. "Dogs do this when they feel discomfort or unease," Smith explains. For instance, he may do this when you're brushing tangles out of his coat or the vet is examining him.

Tip: An easy dog destressor: A lavender sachet. Researchers recently discovered this sewwt scent, which is known to soothe humans, also instantly relaxes dogs.

When he cocks his head sideways...

He's curious It's one of a dog's funniest expressions, but what he's really trying to ask is, "What was that?" For example, may be he heard a weird noise outside or you said something in a funny voice, says Brenda Aloff, author of Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide.

Tip: Think his head tilt is super-cute? Here's how to get him to do it on command. When he does it on his own, reward him with praise, such as "Good tilt!", then give him a treat. Pretty soon, all you'll need is the command "tilt" to get him to do it.

Looking at her paw tells you...

When she needs more information Think she's trying to shake hands when she sits down and offers one of her front paws without warning? Not necessarily. This is also her way of saying, "I'm not sure what to do now," says Smith. Giving her a command-such as "lay down" or "fetch a toy"-will make her instantly happier.

His tail reveals...

How he feels about what he's approaching When your dog wags his tail to the right side of his rump, he's happy about what he's heading toward, like you or another friendly dog. When he wags it to the left side, he's afraid of what's ahead, reveals a study published in the journal Current Biology. The reason? Each side of a dog's body corresponds to a different hemisphere in the brain that governs these emotions, the researchers say.

Tip: A wagging tail isn't always friendly! If it's a swishy, loose wag that's parralel to the ground, he's happy. But if his tail is high and moving in short fast strokes or is low and moving in very slow strokes, he's anxious or angry, says Jamie Shaw, author of Dog to Dog Communiation: The Right Way to Socialize Your Dog.

When she does this with her body...

She's telling you she loves you It's no secret that when your dog covers your face with kisses she thinks you're the greatest person around. However, there's another way your dog lets you know she loves you: When she bows down while doing a great big stretch with her front or back legs. "There is a 'greeting stretch'," says Aloff. And when she does it in front of you, it's extra special, Aloff says, because it's a greeting dogs save only for those they adore the most.