Canine Body Signals

A dog leaning against your legs is not just being lazy — it is a deliberate contact-seeking behavior that signals trust and attachment. Soft eye contact with relaxed eyelids (sometimes called "soft eyes") is the canine equivalent of a smile.

The play bow — front end down, rear end up — is one of the clearest signals in dog language. It means "everything after this is a game, not a threat." Dogs use it with other dogs and with humans. A wagging tail during a play bow confirms the invitation.