Reading the Signs — How Dogs Tell Us They’re Uncomfortable

Part 2 of the “Advocating for Our Dogs” Series

One of the hardest parts of advocacy is knowing when to step in. Dogs communicate constantly, but their signals are often quiet — easy to miss if we’re not looking closely. Learning to notice these subtle cues is the first step toward confidently protecting and supporting them.

Subtle Signals Speak Volumes

Before a dog reacts — barking, lunging, or avoiding — they often give early warnings. These might be almost imperceptible if we aren’t paying attention:

• Turning the head away from a person or dog

• Shifting behind you for safety

• Slowing down or freezing while walking

• Lip licking, yawning, or nose touching

• Tail tucking or lowering

• Ears pinned back or shifting positions

These signals aren’t random. They are the dog’s way of saying, “I’m uncomfortable. I’m not ready.” The earlier we notice them, the easier it is to respond calmly and prevent escalation.

Why Ignoring Early Signs Backfires

It’s natural to want to push a dog forward: “They’ll be fine,” “It’s just a greeting,” or “Everyone else is doing it.” But when we ignore those early cues, a dog is forced into situations that feel unsafe. This can escalate into fear, anxiety, or reactive behavior — making it harder for the dog to trust us, the world, and themselves.

Recognizing signals early allows us to intervene before stress turns into a full-blown reaction. It’s proactive advocacy in action.

The Difference Between Stress and Reactivity

It’s helpful to distinguish between early stress signals and overt reactions. Stress signals are often quiet and subtle — the head turns, lip licks, or pauses we just discussed. Reactivity is the more visible behavior: barking, lunging, growling, or bolting.

Think of it like a warning light in a car. Stress signals are the first flash, giving you time to slow down. Reactivity is the engine overheating. The earlier we see the light, the easier it is to prevent damage.

Real-Life Examples

• A dog hesitates as another dog approaches on the trail. The dog pauses, shifts behind you, and glances at you for guidance. Advocacy here might mean stopping, creating distance, and redirecting attention — not forcing an interaction.

• A guest reaches out to pet your dog, and the dog turns its head away or freezes. Advocacy might look like stepping slightly forward, blocking access, or calmly redirecting your dog to a safe space.

• During a walk, your dog slows and sniffs the ground repeatedly near a busy intersection. Rather than pulling them forward, you give them space and move at their pace.

Each of these actions honors your dog’s signals while teaching them that it’s safe to communicate discomfort.

Building Confidence Through Observation

The more you observe your dog, the more confident you become in recognizing their unique signals. Every dog communicates differently — some are very subtle, others more obvious — but every signal matters. Advocacy is about listening to what your dog is actually saying, not what you hope they’ll do.

The Takeaway

At Engaged Dog Training, we see it every day: owners who learn to notice subtle cues gain confidence in standing up for their dogs, and dogs who feel understood become calmer, more trusting, and more willing to engage with the world.

Advocacy begins with observation. By learning to read your dog’s signals, you give yourself the power to intervene before stress escalates, protect your dog from overwhelming situations, and strengthen your bond through trust and understanding.

Because when we see our dog clearly — before they have to “shout” — we empower them, ourselves, and the relationship we share.