calming signals in dogs: interpreting body language correctly

What do calming signals mean in dogs?

calming signals are subtle appeasement signals expressed through body language, which dogs use to reduce tension, avoid conflict, and calm themselves or another individual. The term comes from Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas, who described around 30 such signals in her 2006 book – including turning the head away, licking the nose, yawning, slowing down, sniffing the ground, lifting a paw, approaching from the side, and averting the eyes.

The central idea: dogs actively use these signals to prevent escalation. They send them to other dogs, to people, and sometimes also to themselves. calming signals are therefore a concept within dog-dog and dog-human communication – embedded in the broader field of body language and stress communication.

Background and scientific classification

From a scientific perspective, the situation is nuanced. Rugaas (2006) presented a heuristic model that is largely based on observation – it has never been comprehensively validated in peer-reviewed research. A frequently cited study by Mariti et al. (2017) did confirm that many of the behaviors described by Rugaas occur more often in social dog contexts before approaches. However, other research groups criticize the inconsistent operationalization: what truly appeases, and what is simply stress?

Beerda et al. (1998) had already defined key behavioral and hormonal indicators of stress in dogs in a methodologically sound, peer-reviewed study: panting without heat, licking, paw lifting, yawning, and lowering the body. Many of these behaviors overlap with Rugaas’s calming signals – meaning they are indicators of both stress and appeasement. Current reviews (Csoltova & Mehinagic 2020) classify them as ambivalent signals: they indicate tension and may have a calming effect, without the two functions being clearly separable.

Vitomalia’s position

At Vitomalia, we use calming signals as a heuristic model, not as textbook truth. In practice, the concept helps make dog owners more aware of their dog’s subtle body language – and that has clear value. At the same time, we caution against overinterpretation: not every yawn is appeasement. Not every nose lick is a message. If every signal is linked to a fixed meaning, the bigger picture is easily missed.

What we recommend: always read signals in context, combine several indicators, and include the situation and the dog’s history. What we reject: rigid lists interpreted without behavioral analysis, and training approaches that suggest dogs speak a universal calming signal language.

When do calming signals become relevant in dogs?

The concept becomes relevant in encounter situations, in training, with reactivity, in multi-dog households, and in early puppyhood. Those who recognize calming signals early can often prevent escalation before growling begins. These signals are also valuable early warning signs at the veterinarian’s office, during dog encounters on the Leash, and in stressful everyday situations.

Practical application

1. Train observation: Film your dog in normal everyday situations. Compare relaxed moments with tense ones.
2. Read signals in context: A yawn after waking up is tiredness; a yawn before an encounter may indicate tension.
3. Group signals together: At least two to three matching indicators – turning the head away plus nose licking plus slowing down – are more meaningful than a single signal.
4. Respond instead of ignoring: If your dog responds with appeasement, give them distance. Increasing pressure is contraindicated.
5. Mirror your own body language: People can also turn away, slow down, and reduce eye contact – dogs respond to this.

Common mistakes and myths

• "Every yawn is a calming signal." Incorrect. Yawning also occurs with tiredness, oxygen metabolism, or as a simple displacement behavior.
• "calming signals reliably calm the other individual." Not guaranteed. The effect depends on the recipient’s readiness to perceive and respond. Young or insecure dogs often read signals less reliably.
• "If my dog scratches, they want to appease." Possible, but not necessarily. The list can only provide orientation – it does not replace behavioral analysis.
• "calming signals are scientifically proven." Partly. The individual behaviors are documented as stress indicators. The overall theory as a communication system has so far only been partially confirmed.

Scientific status in 2026

Research confirms that many of the behaviors described by Rugaas are genuinely observable and correlate with socially tense situations (Mariti et al. 2017, Csoltova & Mehinagic 2020). What remains open is whether dogs use these signals intentionally or whether they are primarily displacement behaviors that secondarily fulfill a social function. The body of research suggests a mixture. In practice, the concept is useful as an observation framework – but as a causal explanatory model for dog communication, it is too limited.

Frequently asked questions

Are calming signals the same as stress signals?

They overlap strongly. Many behaviors are both – a stress indicator and a potential calming signal. The context determines the function.

How many calming signals are there?

Rugaas describes around 30. A smaller selection has been well studied scientifically: licking, yawning, lifting a paw, turning the head away, and sniffing the ground.

Should I teach my dog calming signals?

No. Dogs have these behaviors innately. But you can learn to read them and respond accordingly.

What should I do if my dog frequently shows calming signals?

Frequent occurrence suggests chronic tension. Identify triggers, reduce stressors, and, if in doubt, seek behavioral analysis.

Related terms

• body language in dogs
• stress in dogs
• reactivity
• aggression in dogs
• socialization
• loose leash walking
• displacement behavior

Sources and further reading

1. Rugaas, T. (2006). On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals. Dogwise Publishing, 2nd edition.
2. Beerda, B., Schilder, M. B. H., van Hooff, J. A. R. A. M., et al. (1998). Behavioural, saliva cortisol and heart rate responses to different types of stimuli in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 58(3-4), 365-381.
3. Mariti, C., Falaschi, C., Zilocchi, M., et al. (2017). Analysis of the intraspecific visual communication in the domestic dog: A pilot study on the case of calming signals. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 18, 49-55.
4. Csoltova, E., & Mehinagic, E. (2020). Where do we stand in the field of dog welfare? Recent advances and remaining open questions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 545.
5. Siniscalchi, M., d'Ingeo, S., Minunno, M., & Quaranta, A. (2018). Communication in dogs. Animals, 8(8), 131.