Wag Signals

How to play

Look at the whole dog: ears, eyes, mouth, body and tail. Then choose what it is most likely saying, by tapping, clicking or pressing 1 to 4. A fact card after each dog explains the signals and links the source.

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What this game teaches

• A relaxed dog has a loose body, a relaxed open mouth, ears in a natural position and a loose wag (RSPCA, ASPCApro).
• A play bow, with the chest down and bottom up, is an invitation to play (ASPCApro).
• A low body, tucked tail, ears back, yawning, lip licking, looking away and a raised paw can mean a dog is worried (RSPCA, ASPCApro).
• A stiff body, raised hair, stiff high tail, wrinkled nose or showing teeth are warnings to give the dog space (RSPCA).
• A wagging tail alone does not always mean a happy dog: speed, height and stiffness matter (ASPCApro).

Real dogs mix signals and every dog is different. If a dog looks worried or warns you, calmly give it space, and ask a vet or qualified behaviorist about behavior worries. Read more in dog behavior explained.