Calming Signals in Dogs: Understanding Your Dog’s Language

When we talk about dogs communicating, most people think of barking, whining or growling. These are certainly part of how dogs express themselves but they are only one layer of a much larger picture. Dogs communicate constantly through body language, and within this language sits something often referred to as calming signals. These signals are subtle actions and postures dogs use to avoid conflict, show discomfort, or help ease a situation they find tense.

Calming signals are important to understand because they can tell us a lot about how our dogs are feeling in the moment. Many behaviour problems stem from missed or misunderstood communication. By learning to recognise these signals, we give ourselves the chance to respond in a way that helps the dog rather than ignoring their attempts to cope.

This post explores what calming signals are, how they show up in everyday life, and why paying attention to them matters so much. The goal is not to overwhelm you with technical detail but to give you a clear and honest explanation of what is happening when your dog uses them.

What are calming signals?

Calming signals are behaviours that dogs use to defuse tension either for themselves or for others around them. The phrase was first popularised by Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas, who noticed that dogs often use particular body movements when faced with something they find stressful, uncertain, or overwhelming.

Think of calming signals as a dog’s way of saying “I need a moment” or “let’s not make this a big deal”. They can be directed at another dog, a person, or even at themselves. They are not dramatic. In fact, they are usually so subtle that many people overlook them entirely. Yet they are the closest thing we have to hearing what a dog is trying to say before they feel the need to shout with a growl, bark or snap.

Why do calming signals matter?

Every dog has limits. When those limits are pushed, a dog might react with behaviour that we see as undesirable such as snapping, lunging or hiding. Calming signals appear before things reach that point. They are like the early warning lights on your car’s dashboard. Ignoring them does not mean they disappear. It means the dog has to escalate to make themselves heard.

Recognising calming signals helps in two ways. First, it lets us know when a dog is uncomfortable so we can change something about the situation. Second, it builds trust because the dog learns that we are paying attention and respecting their attempts to communicate. This respect reduces the chances of conflict and helps the dog feel safer in everyday life.

Common calming signals

There are many different calming signals and not every dog uses them all. Some of the most common ones include turning the head away, licking the nose, blinking slowly, sniffing the ground, moving in a curve rather than straight on, yawning, sitting or lying down suddenly, or moving very slowly.

Take nose licking as an example. You might notice your dog flick their tongue across their nose during a stressful moment such as when someone leans over them or a loud noise happens. This is not about food. It is a small gesture of unease, a way of saying “I am not sure about this”.

Another common one is turning the head away. If a child runs up quickly to hug a dog and the dog turns their head to the side, this is not a sign of indifference. It is a deliberate attempt to ease the pressure of the situation.

Curving around instead of walking straight at another dog is another key calming signal. In dog language, moving directly towards another can feel threatening. By approaching in an arc, the dog is signalling peace.

Each signal on its own might look trivial but when you start to notice them consistently, you realise they are part of a very rich communication system.

Everyday situations where calming signals appear

Imagine you are out on a walk and another dog approaches quickly. Your dog slows down, starts sniffing the ground, and avoids direct eye contact. These are calming signals aimed at diffusing the tension of a head-on meeting.

Or picture a visitor coming into your house and leaning straight down to pat your dog on the head. Your dog yawns, licks their nose, and turns slightly to the side. This is not tiredness or cheekiness. It is communication. Your dog is asking for a gentler introduction.

Even training sessions can trigger calming signals. If a dog finds an exercise confusing or stressful, you may notice them scratching, sniffing or looking away. This is a clue that the pace or pressure may need adjusting.

How to respond when you see calming signals

The most practical step you can take when you see calming signals is to pause and give your dog more space or time. If your dog is turning away or licking their nose when a stranger reaches for them, you can step in and reduce the pressure by asking the person to stop or slow down. If your dog is curving on a walk, allow them to continue rather than forcing a straight approach.

It is not about rewarding the signal with treats or praise. It is about listening and respecting what is being communicated. Over time, this teaches your dog that they do not need to escalate because you notice their early signals and act on them.

Calming signals between dogs

Dogs often use calming signals with each other and it is fascinating to watch. A well-socialised dog will pick up these signals instantly. For example, if one dog yawns and turns away during play, the other may slow down or pause. If a dog freezes and sniffs the ground, the other may back off slightly.

Problems often arise when one dog ignores these signals or does not know how to read them. This can happen in puppies who are still learning or in dogs who have had limited social experience. In such cases, conflicts can flare up because the subtle attempts to calm the situation go unnoticed.

As owners, watching how dogs communicate with each other gives us valuable lessons in patience and respect. It also reminds us that much of their social world happens in silence.

The challenges of recognising calming signals

One of the reasons calming signals are often missed is because they can look like ordinary behaviours. Yawning is not always stress. Sniffing the ground is not always communication. Dogs yawn when tired and sniff because they are curious. The key lies in context.

If your dog yawns after a long walk and then settles down for a nap, it is probably just tiredness. If your dog yawns when a stranger reaches out to touch them, the meaning is different. Watching the whole picture rather than one isolated action is what helps you interpret correctly.

It also takes time. At first, you might miss most of these signals. But once you start paying attention, you notice patterns and it becomes easier to tell when your dog is trying to say something.

What calming signals are not

It is important not to confuse calming signals with disobedience or stubbornness. If your dog looks away during training, it does not mean they are ignoring you. If they move slowly on a walk, it does not mean they are lazy. These may be calming signals that point to stress or uncertainty.

They are also not a sign of weakness. A dog using calming signals is simply communicating in the way dogs are built to communicate. It is us who need to adjust our expectations and read the message correctly.

Helping your dog feel understood

Recognising calming signals is only half of the picture. Acting on them is what makes the real difference. When you respond by giving your dog space, slowing down, or changing the situation, you are showing them that their communication matters. This does not spoil a dog or make them pushy. It makes them feel safe.

In the long run, this understanding helps prevent bigger problems. Dogs who feel listened to are less likely to resort to barking, growling or biting to get their point across. Instead, they continue to use those earlier, quieter signals because they know you will respond.

Final thoughts

Calming signals are the quiet voice of the dog world. They are not dramatic, but they are deeply meaningful. Learning to see them is like learning a new language, one that allows you to understand your dog’s point of view more clearly.

You do not need to memorise every possible signal. Start with the basics, notice the context, and respect what your dog is telling you. Over time, your eye will become sharper and your dog will benefit from being truly understood.

The aim is not perfection but awareness. Every time you spot a calming signal and respond kindly, you are helping your dog feel safer and making life together smoother.