Observing Calming and Escalation Signals for Better Communication
Dogs don’t speak our language, but they communicate volumes through their body language, sounds, and behaviors.
Today, I want to give you some clues concerning calming signals (those subtle ways dogs try to de-escalate tension) and escalation signals (signs that things might be heating up). Think of this as a gentle coaching session to help you become a more attuned observer. By noticing these, you’ll gain insights into what’s going on in your dog’s world, which can be invaluable when chatting with a professional trainer or vet. Remember, every dog is unique, and these observations are just a starting point—no two situations are the same, and it’s always wise to consult an expert for personalized advice rather than jumping in yourself.
Why Observing Your Dog’s Signals Matters
Dogs are masters of non-verbal communication.
Calming Signals are like polite “peace offerings” to ease stress and prevent conflicts, while Escalation Signalsare warnings that discomfort or threat is building. Understanding these helps you appreciate your dog’s emotional state, whether it’s during a walk, at home, or meeting new friends.
Ethologists—scientists who study animal behavior—have long highlighted this. Konrad Lorenz, in his classic work “On Aggression”, described how canines use ritualized displays to manage conflicts without full-blown fights, preserving group harmony. Nikolaas Tinbergen built on this by explaining behaviors as evolved patterns that signal intent. Modern research supports these ideas: a 2023 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science showed how dogs use displacement behaviors to appease during play, while a 2021 review in Frontiers in Veterinary Science linked ignored signals to rising stress that could escalate.
As pet owners, your role isn’t to diagnose or fix—leave that to pros. Instead, observe patterns: Does your dog yawn often around strangers? Stiffen up at the vet? Jotting these down can help experts tailor support. No promises of quick fixes here; each dog’s story needs individual evaluation.
Calming Signals: Signs Your Dog Is Trying to Keep the Peace
Calming signals are subtle, often overlooked ways dogs signal “I’m no threat” or release their own tension. They’re like a dog’s way of saying, “Let’s keep things calm.” Noticing them can clue you into when your pup feels uneasy, giving you a heads-up to monitor the situation.
Lip or Nose Licking
This quick tongue flick might happen when your dog feels a bit overwhelmed, like during a close encounter or loud noise. It’s a common appeasement gesture in greetings or tense moments. For instance, you might see it when a visitor bends down too quickly. Research from a 2017 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found this more frequent in unfamiliar dog interactions, helping to reduce tension. A 2023 NIH-linked paper tied it to non-aggressive responses in stressful human-dog scenarios.
Yawning
Not just for sleepy times—an exaggerated yawn can signal stress relief in confined or anticipatory situations, like waiting for a walk amid excitement. You could notice it when voices rise at home. Studies, including a 2023 ScienceDirect review, associate yawning with appeasement that lowers aggression risks.
Shaking Off
Like drying after a bath, this full-body shake resets after stress, such as a noisy encounter. Observe it post-tension, like after a pull toward another dog. A 2024 MDPI study noted it follows stressful events, often as self-soothing.
Head Turning or Looking Away
Averting gaze avoids confrontation, seen in direct stares or approaches. It might occur during resource sharing. The 2017 study highlighted its role in de-escalating unfamiliar meetings. Lorenz viewed it as a submission ritual in canines.
Sneezing
A quick, non-sneeze sneeze clarifies play intent in excitement. Spot it in games like tug. A 2017 Royal Society study on wild dogs showed sneezes aiding group decisions, extending to domestic calming.
Other Subtle Cues
Paw lifting signals uncertainty; blinking softens stares; freezing assesses danger; body curving appears non-threatening; crouching shows submission; ground sniffing diverts tension. These vary by age, breed, and experience—younger dogs might show more anxiety-related ones, while breeds like Huskies draw from wolf-like genetics. Tinbergen explained these as ritualized displacements from conflicts.
Escalation Signals: Signs Tension Is Building
On the flip side, escalation signals indicate your dog feels threatened or frustrated, ramping up defenses. These are like yellow flags—warnings that if unheeded, could lead to more intense reactions. Observing them helps you recognize when to step back and seek advice.
Stiffening Up
The body tenses, weight forward, showing readiness. Common in territorial spots or surprises. You might see it when another dog approaches a favorite spot. A 2021 Frontiers review noted stiffening as an aggression precursor.
Raised Hackles
Fur stands up along the back, appearing larger. Indicates arousal in unfamiliar settings. Observe during walks with strangers. Linked to aggressive buildup in the same review. Lorenz saw it as a bluff in wolves.
Hard Stare
Unblinking eye contact challenges. Seen in disputes over space or items. It could happen with a visitor nearing food. A 2023 MDPI study coded staring as aggressive in threats.
Growling
A low rumble warns of displeasure. In defense or pain. Note it at doors or during handling. The 2017 study observed growling in aggression contexts.
Lip Curl or Baring Teeth
Lip lifts to show teeth. A step up in warnings. Seen in guarding. Lorenz described it as attack prep.
Dominance Signaling: an “urge to prove superiority” through displays like puffing up.
Other Warning Cues
Whale eye (whites showing); snarling (growl with teeth); lunging (forward thrust); snapping (air bite); biting (contact). These progress if calming fails, influenced by breed (e.g., guarding types escalate territorially), sex, age, and history. Kendal Shepherd’s “Ladder of Aggression” frames this progression from mild to severe.
Coaching You to Observe and Share Insights
Think of yourself as a detective noting clues without solving the case—that’s for pros. Watch for patterns: What triggers calming vs. escalation? In what contexts? Jot notes like “Yawns at vet, stiffens with kids.” Share these with a trainer or behaviorist—they’ll appreciate the details to evaluate your dog’s unique needs.
No one-size-fits-all; factors like health, past experiences, or environment play roles. Observing builds empathy, strengthening your bond.
Gentle Reminders for Harmony
Creating calm spaces—routine walks, quiet zones—supports your dog’s well-being. If patterns concern you, reach out to certified experts. You’re doing great by learning—keep observing with kindness.
Bibliography
- Mariti, C., et al. (2017). “Analysis of the intraspecific visual communication in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris): A pilot study on the case of calming signals.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 188, 54-62. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016815911630319X
- Sommese, A., et al. (2023). “Appeasement function of displacement behaviours? Dogs’ behavioural displays during dog-human play.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 260, 105871. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10066101/
- Camerlink, I., et al. (2024). “Shake It Off: Investigating the Function of a Domestic Dog Behavior in Social Contexts.” Animals, 14(22), 3285. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11591167/
- Walker, J. K., et al. (2017). “Sneezes to leave: African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) use variable quorum thresholds facilitated by sneezes in collective decisions.” Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 284(1862), 20170347. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2017.0347
- Cimarelli, G., et al. (2022). “Audience effect on domestic dogs’ behavioural displays and facial expressions.” Scientific Reports, 12(1), 9637. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9192729/
- Lorenz, K. (1966). On Aggression. Harcourt, Brace & World.
- Tinbergen, N. (1952). “Derived activities; their causation, biological significance, origin, and emancipation during evolution.” Quarterly Review of Biology, 27(1), 1-32.
- Shepherd, K. (2009). “Ladder of Aggression.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
- Glenk, L. M., & Foltin, S. (2021). “Recognizing and Mitigating Canine Stress during Animal Assisted Interventions.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, 749080. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8623698/
- Winkler, A. (n.d.). Rivanna K9 Services articles on dog terms