October 21, 2026, 6:42 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Dogs communicate constantly, but mostly not with sounds; instead, they use body language. With subtle movements and small gestures, they try to defuse situations and reduce stress. Many owners don’t notice these so-called calming signals or misinterpret them. “We humans often think dogs mainly bark or whine to communicate,” says dog trainer Katharina Marioth. “But communication starts much earlier, very quietly, with small gestures.” PETBOOK inquired about what these signals look like, what they mean, and why it’s so important to read them correctly.
“These Gestures Are Meant to Relieve Tension”
Calming signals are body language signs that dogs use to try to calm a situation. “With them, they are essentially saying, ‘I mean no harm, everything’s fine,'” explains Marioth.
Typical examples include lip licking, where the dog briefly licks its lips, or looking away–sometimes just for a moment. A slight turning of the body or a slightly lowered tail can also be such signals. “These gestures are meant to relieve tension or show: This is uncomfortable for me right now.”
However, not every signal automatically means stress. “When a dog licks its lips, it can also simply mean that it expects food or smells something tasty,” the trainer emphasizes. “You should always consider the situation in context.”
Play Invitation or Calming?
These signals are particularly evident in stressful moments–such as at the vet. “We often see the dog lower its gaze, lick its lips, or slightly turn its body sideways,” says Marioth. “These subtle movements are de-stressing gestures–they show that the dog feels uncomfortable but is not seeking conflict.”
Even gestures that many people interpret as a play invitation, like the play bow, can be a calming gesture. “Especially when meeting unfamiliar dogs, it’s often not an invitation to romp but rather an attempt to reduce tension,” she explains.
What Owners Often Overlook
Many calming signals are so subtle that they quickly go unnoticed in everyday life. “A classic is the slight lowering of the tail,” says Marioth. “I don’t mean it being tucked between the legs, but just held a bit lower–often combined with a gentle sideways movement.”
Also, paw lifting, where a paw is briefly raised, often goes unnoticed. “Yet this is often a very clear sign that the dog wants to relieve some pressure from the situation at that moment.”
How Owners Should React
How to react to such signals depends heavily on the context. “The most important thing is: to notice them at all,” emphasizes Marioth. “And then briefly ask yourself: What just happened?” Maybe the dog only reacted to a noise or smelled food–then there’s no need for concern.
However, if the dog really seems stressed, it helps to “relieve the pressure, for example, by creating distance or briefly leaving the situation.” It’s important not to overreact. “Sometimes people want to immediately comfort or protect the dog, but often it’s enough to just give it some space.”
Calming Signals in Dogs as a Training Aid
The dog’s body language can also provide valuable insights into the training status. “When I bring out the nail clippers and the dog smacks its lips or turns its head away, it’s saying: ‘This is uncomfortable for me,'” explains Marioth. “That’s not misbehavior, but communication–and for me, a great feedback on where I can start.”
In so-called medical training, dogs learn to get used to unpleasant grooming measures. “I show the object, like the brush or scissors, and nothing happens at first. The dog is allowed to look at it and gets a reward for it,” says Marioth.
It’s important to reward directly at the object, not away from it. “Then I take it away again, present it later, and gradually increase it–maybe I just lightly stroke the dog’s fur and reward afterward. This way, it learns: This is not bad.”
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Calming Signals Among Dogs
Calming signals also play an important role in encounters with other dogs–however, owners can hardly influence them there. “In the dog park or on the meadow, you just have to trust that both dogs are socially well-adjusted,” says Marioth. “The best is for the dog to learn to handle such signals as a puppy or young dog–accompanied by a good trainer.” This way, the dog develops the ability to read body language correctly and react de-escalatingly. “That’s real social competence,” emphasizes the expert.
Mindfulness Builds Trust
In the end, it’s all about being attentive. “If we learn to see and correctly interpret these small gestures, we understand our dogs much better,” says Katharina Marioth. “And we can help them feel safe and comfortable.”
Because those who understand their dog’s quiet language not only create more harmony in everyday life but also strengthen the trust between human and animal.
You can see the entire interview with dog trainer Katharina Marioth in the video.
About the Expert
Katharina Marioth is the founder of the Stadthundetraining brand and the KEML principle. She is an IHK- and government-certified dog trainer and behavioral assessor for dangerous dogs in the state of Berlin. In her daily business, she works closely with veterinarians, scientists, and other specialists on dog-related topics. With her knowledge and skills, she secured the title of Dog Trainer of the Year 2023 in the Sat.1 show “The Dog Trainer Champion.”