What is one of the main ways dogs interpret human behavior?

Dogs primarily interpret human behavior by observing body posture and facial expressions. This ability allows them to gauge emotions, intentions, and reactions from humans. For example, a relaxed body posture and a smiling face can signal friendliness, while tense body language or avoidance of eye contact may indicate discomfort or fear. This social sensitivity is critical for building a bond between dogs and humans, as they rely heavily on visual cues to understand how someone is feeling.

While vocalizations and barking can convey certain messages, they are less effective for nuanced communication compared to visual cues. Responding to smells is important for dogs but is more about their interaction with the environment rather than direct interpretation of human behavior. Physical strength, while a characteristic of dogs, does not play a role in their understanding of human emotions or intentions.