How to read dog body language from WOOFipedia by The American Kennel Club
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If a dog is wagging his tail, that always means he’s happy, right?
And if he’s standing totally still, that means he definitely wants to be petted, correct?
If you agree with the two above statements, we hate to break it to you, but you may need a refresher in dog body language. The truth is sometimes a wagging tail can indicate anxiety, and a still, quiet stance often means fear. By knowing what a dog is trying to tell you, you will know how to respond appropriately, whether it’s backing off or accepting a friendly greeting. Start studying with this chart below. (Parents: This is a great tool for kids, who are sometimes too quick to greet a strange dog.)