How to read a dog's body language

Firstly, DO NOT approach a dog without asking it's owner. If it is alone (stray, lost..) make sure to carefully read its body language and move slowly. Don't pet the dog's head first, pet it's body.

A happy dog will have most or all of the following signs:

Tail wagging, calm eyes, body not tensed, ears relaxed or pointed up, panting/mouth open (but not baring teeth) , and it may "bow" by lowering it's body.

An aggressive dog will have these signs, and should NOT be approached. Do not look it in the eyes- this can be taken as a challenge. Dogs showing these signs are most often being defensive.

Snarling/growling, bared teeth, ears flattened, intense gaze, body tense and alert, neck craning forward.

If a dog looks aggressive, DO NOT make eye contact, run away, smile, scream, or turn around. Silently and SLOWLY back away, look at the ground. If the dog lunges, throw your shirt to distract it!

An anxious or nervous dog will show these signs. Keep in mind that scared dogs may/may not be aggressive: for example, my dog shows these signs during thunderstorms but has never shown aggressiveness.

ears back , tail between legs, looking sideways, trying to flee, whining, and licking it's lips/body. If the dog bares teeth/growls, it is being defensive and is scared.

These are the basic moods you should know . Treat strange dogs as if it may be a threat. Dogs are territorial and you must respect them and their space. Treat dogs nicely and they'll be nice back!