Your dog may narrow his eyes and stare at you to indicate that is feeling aggressive. [2] X Research source He may also avoid eye contact with you to show that he is submissive or showing deference to you. Your cat’s ears may go back if he is feeling particularly anxious about something. Dogs and horses will prick their ears up and slightly forward to indicate concentration. Your dog may hold his mouth slightly open, without showing his teeth, to indicate that he is relaxing, cooling off by panting, yet alert. [3] X Research source
When your dog is holding his tail at a position that is either level to, or slightly lower than, his body, he is showing that he is feeling friendly. [5] X Research source Your horse can use his legs to buck and show that he is feeling playful. However, bucking could also convey uncertainty.
If you have a small pocket pet, such as a guinea pig, you may notice that he is particularly fidgety if he is feeling irritable or agitated. If your cat is lying on his back, he may be conveying two different things: relaxation (usually accompanied by a purr) or anger (usually accompanied by a growl). [7] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Your horse can also sigh, which can indicate feelings of relief or relaxation. [9] X Research source Younger horses (foals, weanlings) may clack their teeth in the presence of older horses so that the older horses do not hurt them.
You will also hear your cat purr, which usually means that he’s feeling relaxed and contented. However, a purr may also be your cat’s way to comfort himself. [12] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Your cat may howl or yowl if he is in distress, such as if he is stuck somewhere. If he is an older cat and has dementia, he may make these noises when he is disoriented. [13] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Growls are often your dog’s way of letting you know to keep your distance. However, they can also be signs of contentment—similar to a cat’s purring. Read your dog’s overall body language to determine what your dog is trying to say with his growl. Your dog may give a long and sustained howl if he’s feeling lonely or suffering from separation anxiety. In addition, he may howl more than usual if he is injured or feeling unwell. [16] X Research source
Your guinea pig may start chirping to indicate aggression or anger. Give him some space if he chirps when you are playing with him.
Talking with your pet can also help soothe him if he is feeling anxious or fearful. Giving your pet verbal praise when you are training him is also very helpful.
Getting up and walking away from your cat without saying anything is a way to let him know that you do not approve of his behavior. [19] X Research source Be mindful of non-verbal communication that your pet may not like. For instance, your dog may not want you to rub his tummy. If he growls or tries to move away from you, give him some space.
Making the unwanted behavior less desirable and making the correct behavior more desirable often works to dissuade your pet from misbehaving. For example, if your cat is scratching up your furniture, putting double-stick tape on the furniture will make it less desirable for him to scratch on. [20] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Sprinkling catnip leaves on the scratching post will make it more desirable for him to scratch on.
