Calming Signals in Dogs: The Language of Peace
Dogs are often called man’s best friend, but that bond depends on more than just affection—it relies on communication. The trouble is, while humans rely heavily on words, dogs communicate primarily through body language. And when we miss or misinterpret what our dogs are saying, misunderstandings and stress are quick to follow.
One of the most important parts of canine communication is what Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas called calming signals. These are subtle gestures dogs use to avoid conflict, reduce stress, and maintain harmony within the group. Understanding them opens a window into your dog’s emotions and helps you respond in ways that build trust rather than tension.
Human vs. Dog Body Language: Understanding Calming Signals
A classic misunderstanding between people and dogs often comes down to body language.
Imagine this scenario: You’ve just watched a popular Los Angeles dog training TV show that convinced you to play the “alpha” role so your dog knows who’s in charge. You call your dog to sit in an “assertive” tone. Instead of sitting, your dog licks their nose, yawns, and turns their head away.
You interpret this as stubbornness, step toward your dog, and lean over them while repeating the command in a sterner voice. Your dog, who may have started to sit, flicks their tongue again and lies down instead.
What just happened? It may sound surprising, but while you were getting worked up, your dog was actually asking you to calm down.
Why Dogs Use Calming Signals
For animals that live in groups, conflict can be deadly. Injuries slow the pack, weaken its survival chances, and can even mean extinction in the wild. That’s why dogs—and their wild relatives like wolves—developed a sophisticated language of peace.
Calming signals serve three main purposes:
Conflict prevention: Avoiding fights before they start.
Stress reduction: Helping themselves or others feel safer.
Social cooperation: Maintaining harmony within the group.
Dogs use these signals with other dogs, but also with humans—because it’s the only language they know. The challenge for us is to learn to see what they’re saying.
The Vocabulary of Calming Signals
Researchers and trainers have identified around 30 different calming signals. Some are obvious, others subtle, but all are universal: a dog in Japan and a dog in Norway can “speak” the same language. Here are some of the most common ones you’ll see in everyday life:
Turning away: Shifting the head or body to the side when approached too directly.
Lip or nose licking: A quick tongue flick that often means, “I’m stressed” or “Please slow down.”
Yawning: Outside of sleepiness, a yawn can signal stress, boredom, or a need for a change of pace.
Sniffing the ground: Sometimes a “fake sniff” is less about smells and more about self-soothing.
Lifting a paw: A raised front paw shows uncertainty or peaceful intent.
Soft eyes/face: Relaxed eyelids, smooth forehead, and closed mouth communicate friendliness.
Shake off: Like after a bath, shaking releases pent-up stress.
Freezing: Stopping abruptly or standing still to avoid escalation.
Curved approach: Greeting another dog in an arc rather than head-on to reduce threat.
Slow movement: Deliberate pacing or pausing to calm themselves or others.
Play bow: Depending on context, can be both an invitation to play and a way to defuse tension.
Real-Life Examples
Tongue Flicks: “I Feel Anxious, Unsure, or Uncomfortable”
When people lean over dogs, use harsh tones, or when children crowd too close, dogs often flick their tongues. It’s a polite way of saying, “This is too much for me.”
Training Tip: If your dog licks their lips when you ask for a sit, check your body language. Are you looming over them or sounding harsh? Stand tall, keep your tone calm and confident, and reward them when they respond.
Yawning: “I Need a Change of Pace or Less Pressure”
Dogs yawn when hugged too tightly, scolded, or overhandled. It’s both a physical stress release and a way to say, “I’d like something different right now.”
Training Tip: If your dog yawns repeatedly around kids, ask the kids to back off. If they yawn while restless at home, it might be time for a walk or play.
Sitting or Lying Down: “I Am No Threat”
A dog that sits or lies down during tense moments is signaling peaceful intent.
Training Tip: If an unfamiliar dog charges yours, turning your dog away and asking them to sit or lie down can diffuse tension.
Sniffing the Ground: “I Need to Break the Tension”
Sometimes sniffing is just sniffing—but in stressful situations, it’s a way to divert attention and calm nerves.
Training Tip: If your dog suddenly drops their nose when another dog is approaching, don’t drag them forward. Give them time to use this strategy.
Why This Knowledge Matters
Preventing Conflict: Most dog fights begin with ignored calming signals. Recognizing them early helps you intervene before things escalate.
Building Trust: When you respect your dog’s efforts to communicate, they learn you’re a safe partner who listens.
Advocacy: You can step in when your dog is stressed—by giving them space, redirecting, or removing them from a situation.
The Language of Peace
Turid Rugaas once described calming signals as “the language of peace.” That’s exactly what they are: a universal code designed to avoid unnecessary fights and maintain harmony.
When you start noticing these signals, your relationship with your dog deepens. What once seemed like random quirks—a yawn, a head turn, a shake-off—become clear messages. You’ll understand your dog in a way that feels almost like learning a new language.
And just as importantly, you’ll be able to respond in ways that build trust, prevent conflict, and strengthen the bond that makes dogs truly our best friends.
About the Author: Certified Dog Trainer Alexandra Bassett
Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, is the founder and head trainer at Dog Savvy, a private dog training company specializing in game-based dog training and behavior solutions for challenges like dog separation anxiety, leash reactivity, excessive barking, and aggression.
Certified by the Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), Alexandra offers personalized in-home dog training in Salt Lake City as well as convenient online dog training sessions via Zoom for clients worldwide.
👉 Need help understanding your dog’s behavior? Book a consultation or online intro session with Alexandra today and get expert, personalized guidance.