What body language might indicate a dog feels threatened?

The body language that indicates a dog feels threatened often includes visual cues like eyes darting back and forth and a crouching posture. When a dog is feeling threatened, it may adopt a low, crouched stance as a way to appear smaller and less threatening. This posture can signal fear or submission in response to a perceived threat. Additionally, rapid eye movement may indicate anxiety or wariness, as the dog is alert and assessing its surroundings for potential dangers.

In contrast, relaxed stances and wagging tails typically represent a calm or friendly demeanor, while coming forward eagerly can indicate excitement or playfulness rather than fear. Happy barking is also a sign of a content and excited dog, further reinforcing that certain behaviors like crouching and erratic eye movements are more closely associated with feelings of threat or fear. Understanding these signals is crucial for interpreting a dog's emotional state effectively.