Dog body language
How to read a dog greeting
Dogs greet in a sequence, and the sequence tells you more than any single wag. A good greeting curves, sniffs, and finishes. A risky one goes straight in, stacks on top, or stalls. This guide walks through each stage: when to let it run, when to step in, and what a pattern of rough greetings may be telling you about your dog.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026
The greeting sequence
The curve, the sniff and the exit.
Comfortable dogs rarely walk straight at each other. They arc in from the side, bodies loose, heads slightly lowered, often glancing away. The sniff tends to start at the face, then drifts along the side to the rear while the bodies sit roughly parallel. After a short, relaxed exchange, one dog shakes off, sniffs the ground or wanders away. That easy exit is one of the best signs you can see.
Trouble usually shows in the shape. A fast, head-on approach with a hard stare puts pressure on the other dog. The T-position, where one dog stands perpendicular and drapes a chin or paw over the other's shoulders, often raises tension quickly. Watch for one dog tucking, freezing, or turning its head away again and again while the other keeps pressing in. Read all of it together, never one cue alone.
- Curved approach, loose body
- Face sniff, then rear
- Bodies side by side
- Someone exits calmly
Stepping in
When to end the hello and walk away.
Leashes complicate greetings, because a tight line pulls a dog into a straight, upright posture it might not choose. Keep slack in the leash, keep moving, and keep the greeting short. Leave as soon as you see the T-position, a hard stare, raised hackles, one dog trying to retreat, or growling. Use a cheerful voice and walk away rather than hauling back on the leash, which can add tension.
If your dog lunges, freezes or snaps during greetings, skip on-leash hellos for now and keep distance while you get help. A professional can watch what your dog does before, during and after an approach. Private Training is built for owners who want a trainer reading alongside them, and Behaviour Rehab works on reactivity at the dog's pace. The consultation is where we work out which one fits.
Asked and answered
The questions people ask us.
Should I let my dog say hi to every dog on a walk?
No. Many dogs are happier passing at a distance, and on-leash hellos with unfamiliar dogs carry real risk. Ask the other owner first, and skip the greeting when either dog looks tense.
What does it mean when a dog puts its head over another dog's shoulders?
That T-position is often a pushy or socially intense move, and many dogs dislike it. Calmly move your dog away before the other dog feels it has to answer.
Why do dogs sniff each other's rear when they meet?
It is a normal part of a dog greeting and gathers a lot of information. A relaxed rear sniff with loose bodies is usually a good sign.
How long should a dog greeting last?
Keep it brief. A short exchange followed by both dogs moving off is ideal, and the longer two dogs stand locked together, the more chance tension builds.
Keep reading
Better greetings start here
If hellos on leash keep going wrong, book a consultation and we will look at what your dog is telling you.
From real owners
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Real Northline dogs