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Dog communication comes in a variety of forms. Dogs use certain movements of their bodies and body parts and different vocalizations to send signals to other dogs, animals and humans. There are a number of basic ways a dog can communicate. These are movements of the ears, eyes and "eyebrows", mouth, head, tail, and entire body, as well as barks, growls, whines and whimpers, and howls.
Interpreting animal body language
It is important to note that whilst many gestures and actions have common, stereotypical meanings, researchers regularly seem to find that animal communication is often more complex and subtle than previously believed, and that the same gesture may have multiple distinct meanings depending on context and other behaviors. So generalizations such as "X means Y" are often, but not always accurate. For example, even a simple tail wag may (depending on context) convey many meanings including:
Excitement
Anticipation
Playfulness
Contentment/enjoyment
Happy self-confidence
But also:
Anxiety
Questioning another animal or a human as to intentions
Tentative role assessment on meeting another animal
Reassurance ("I'm hoping to be friendly, are you?")
Uncertainty/apprehension
Submissive placation (if worried by a more dominant animal)
Combined with other body language, in a specific context, many gestures such as yawns, direction of vision, and so on all convey meaning. Panting may mean "Too hot"; it might also mean either emotional anxiety or happiness too. Thus statements that a particular action "means" something should always be interpreted to mean "often means" something. As with human beings, who may smile or hug or stand a particular way for multiple reasons, many animals reuse gestures too.
Descriptions in this article are therefore best viewed as common generalizations, to which a more experienced observer will be able to add further detail or understanding.
Ethology is a science which studies animal behavior.
Dominance and submission
One of the most common communications between dogs, and from dogs to their human companions, is the display of either dominance or submission. Most dogs and wild canines live in groups, or packs, with an established hierarchy. Dogs will, usually, submit to any dog that is more dominant than they are. There are innumerable ways a dog can show their dominance or submission, depending on situation, the amount of difference in social rank, and each dogs' own personality. Dominant dogs are more confident, while submissive dogs are more insecure. Both of these traits show in almost every communication signal a dog gives.
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