Dogs are friendly creatures loyal to their pack. Having their own "language" is essential to help express their emotions and understand one another. As a pet owner, it's important that you somehow fathom what your dog is trying to tell you. Apparently, dogs cannot speak, which typically creates a communication gap between dogs and their owners, but that shouldn't be the case. 

How canines communicate is based on a system of body language and vocalisation. Much of the information is sent through different body signals — including tail wags and facial expressions — and sounds, such as barking, whining and growling.

The point of knowing how a dog's mind works is to help owners build a better connection with their pets and ensure their wellness and sanity. Put another way, your dog's signals can give you a lot of useful information, such as when they are hungry, tired, sick or anxious about what's going on. Once you receive those pieces of information, it will be easier for you to respond accordingly. This guide helps you interpret some of the most important messages that your dog is trying to deliver to you.

Happy and Approachable

A happy and approachable dog usually has a relaxed body posture, with its ears up, tail down or wagging, eyes in normal shape, mouth open and tongue slightly exposed. Dogs stay calm when nothing seems to be unusual or disturbing around, especially within their immediate environment. When an energetic dog is happy, it will even invite you to play by raising its bottom, wagging its tail, and barking excitedly. However, it's always best to approach new dogs with caution, even if they seem relaxed. Avoid attempting to rush them into a greeting, as it might cause stress and anxiety.

Bored

When a dog is bored, its choices to create its own fun won't probably match yours. Dogs feel bored when they are left at home alone, without any companion to play with or show affection to. Your dog might want to tell you they're bored and lonely when they bark incessantly, pant without physical exertion, dig up your lawn or chew on your slippers or furniture. 

Stressed and Anxious

Your dog may be stressed or anxious when its body posture and head position are lowered, tail tucked under, ears back and pupil dilated. Sometimes, it involves whining, sweating through its pads and panting rapidly. Dogs feel such emotions when they are under social or environmental stress. Those signs tell you that your dog is uncomfortable and it's not safe to go near them. 

If your dog feels scared and anxious, you must take them away from the stressor. Find a safe and quiet place where your dog can recollect itself and then try to comfort them with treats to create a sense of normalcy. You might also want to consider supplements like CBD, which is thought to help lower anxiety and stress by interacting with various receptors of the complex endocannabinoid system found in all mammals. However, make sure to talk to your pet's veterinarian about the use of this supplement and whether your dog needs strong CBD or low potency options.

Hungry 

It might be hard to determine whether or not a dog is hungry because there's an old cliché about dogs being obsessed with food. As many believe, dogs will eat everything you put in front of them even if they've just eaten. Dogs show hunger by begging with their puppy eyes. Sometimes, they will follow you around to attract your attention and once they do, they will shoot a glance at their bowl to make you realise it's empty. 

However, be mindful of giving them too much food or treats, as it could result in obesity. To tell the difference between a dog's genuine hunger and simple greed, you must know your dog's proper calorie intake. Choose high-quality dog food to satisfy their hunger for a longer period.

Dominant Aggressive 

A dog shows dominance and aggressiveness when it stands with stiff legs, raises its tail and hackles and opens its mouth in a C shape. It is easy to determine a dog's anger because it is clearly shown on its face. For example, you'll notice the vertical wrinkles on its nose and forehead, curls on its lips, visible teeth and the ears that spread slightly to the side. Aggressive dogs do not just express their social dominance and confidence but it is also an act of threatening, which means they may attack if challenged. Be more aware of how other dogs or individuals may act around them and try not to press them too hard to avoid the possibility of biting. 

You may have an obvious conversation with your dog, but to them, it's like trying to understand a foreign language. They can only decipher the best way they know, so be gentle when it comes to communicating and building a relationship with your four-legged friend. 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.