Certified trainers share six ways to tell if a dog is uncomfortable from their body language

Dog hiding behind his paw

As humans, if situations are making us uncomfortable we generally have options. We can talk about it, move away or even make a joke to diffuse any tension. Our dogs, though, have limited options, particularly if they’re on a leash, and their signs of discomfort might be subtle. Dogs can find lots of situations stressful, including meeting new dogs or people, lots of noise, changes in routine or even not being able to find one of their best puppy toys.

Being able to pick up on your pooch’s body language is key to understanding how he’s feeling. If your fur friend is finding a situation uncomfortable, it’s important to be able to recognize that and take some appropriate action before things escalate.