Understanding dog body language is crucial for building a stronger bond with your pet and preventing misunderstandings. Here are some key points to consider when interpreting your dog's body language:1. Tail-wagging: A wagging tail does not always mean happiness. The speed, direction, and position of the tail can indicate different emotions. For example, a fast, twitch-like wag may indicate a higher level of arousal, possibly in a negative way. A helicopter tail wag usually means happiness.2. Ears: Ears can provide a lot of information about a dog's emotional state. Pointed ears held straight indicate alertness or aggression, while floppy ears hanging slightly forward suggest relaxation.3. Eyes: The whites of the eyes, known as whale eye, can indicate anxiety or stress. A dog looking away and avoiding eye contact may be showing discomfort or trying to calm a situation.4. Mouth: A relaxed dog will have a loose, waggy posture, with either a closed mouth without tension or an active mouth with a relaxed pant. A tense mouth with wrinkles across the forehead can indicate aggression.5. Body posture: A relaxed dog will have a loose, waggy posture, with ears held in their natural position and a soft, relaxed expression. An aggressive dog will have a rigid and tense body posture, with minimal movement and possibly raised hackles (the hair on the back of its neck and back).6. Context: Always consider the context of the situation when interpreting your dog's body language. For example, a growl during playtime may be playful, while a growl during a walk in a new neighborhood may indicate fear.