Foster Dog Body Language at a Quick Glance: A Guide to Understanding Dogs

At We Care More Animal Shelter, we believe that every dog deserves a safe, loving home — and that starts with you. Whether you’re looking to adopt a dog or open your heart and home to foster dogs, understanding dog body language is key to building a trusting relationship.

Dogs are also called the domestic dog, a term used to highlight their close association with people.

Dogs communicate how they feel through their posture, eyes, ears, mouth, and tail. Understanding what your foster dog is “saying” not only helps you make them feel more secure and spot signs of stress, but also strengthens the unique bond that has developed over thousands of years between dogs and humans, setting them up for successful adoption.

Why Dog Body Language Is So Important for Foster Families

When you foster a dog, you’re often caring for a pup who has faced change, stress, or even trauma. They may be in a completely new environment — and they can’t tell you how they feel with words. But they can show you with their body. As the person responsible for helping the dog adjust, a foster parent plays a crucial role in interpreting and responding to these signals.

Reading a foster dog’s body language can help you:

• Ease their transition into a new home

• Identify stress or fear early

• Focus on understanding and responding to body language cues as a foster parent

• Build trust — the foundation for a happy forever home

Quick Guide to Dog Body Language

Here are some tips for reading your foster dog’s body language.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what your foster dog’s body language might be telling you:

When handling your foster dog, always support their chest to ensure comfort and safety.

Relaxed and Happy Dog Body Language

This is what we love to see in our foster dogs — calm, content, and starting to feel safe.

Look for:

• Posture: Loose and relaxed, no tension

• Mouth: Slightly open, maybe panting lightly

• Eyes: Soft gaze, normal shape

• Ears: Natural position or gently forward

• Tail: Wagging slowly in wide arcs or held up confidently

Relaxed and happy body language can be observed in foster dogs of any age, though age may influence how these signs are displayed.

Tip: A foster dog wagging their tail in a relaxed way while making eye contact is showing trust. That’s a big step!

Stressed or Nervous Dog Body Language

Dogs that are new to a foster home may show anxiety or uncertainty. These signs tell you they need time, space, and comfort.

Look for:

• Posture: Hunched, tense, or frozen

• Mouth: Tightly closed, excessive yawning, or lip licking

• Eyes: Dilated pupils or wide, “whale eye” (showing whites)

• Ears: Pulled back or flat

• Tail: Tucked between legs or wagging fast and low

A foster dog's sex can sometimes influence the way they show stress or nervousness.

Fostering dogs is about patience. A nervous pup today can be a playful companion tomorrow with your care.

Fearful or Aggressive Dog Body Language

Fear-based behaviors are common in shelter and foster dogs, especially early on. Recognizing these signals helps keep everyone safe.

Look for:

• Posture: Stiff, raised hackles, or trying to look bigger

• Mouth: Teeth bared, lips curled, growling or snapping

• Eyes: Intense stare, no blinking

• Ears: Pinned back or pointed straight ahead

• Tail: Stiff, fast wag or completely tucked

⚠️ If your foster dog shows these signs, give them space and contact the shelter for support or a behavior consult. Never grab a fearful or aggressive dog by the neck, as this can increase their fear or cause injury.

Playful and Excited Dog Body Language

Play is one of the most joyful and rewarding parts of life with dogs, and understanding their playful body language can help you build a stronger bond with your new best friend. When dogs tend to feel playful or excited, their body language is unmistakable: you’ll often see a wagging tail, bouncy movements, and happy, energetic barks that invite you or other pets to join in the fun.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), most dogs—regardless of breed—show similar signs when they’re ready to play. Look for a relaxed, open posture, with ears perked up and a mouth that’s open in a “smile.” Many dogs will perform a classic “play bow,” lowering their front legs and raising their hind legs, signaling to you and other animals that it’s time for some fun.

Large dog breeds, like the Alaskan Malamute, often need plenty of exercise and room to run, so you might see them racing around the yard or leaping with excitement. Smaller breeds, such as the Affenpinscher, may prefer chasing chew toys or engaging in gentle games indoors. No matter the size, every dog benefits from regular play to keep boredom and obesity at bay.

When interacting with other pets or animals, dogs may use playful gestures like bowing, pawing, or spinning to invite play. Female dogs sometimes show their excitement by spinning or leaping, while male dogs might enjoy a bit of rough-and-tumble wrestling or chasing games. Each dog is unique, so take time to observe your pet’s favorite ways to have fun.

Providing your dog—whether a puppy, adult dog, or senior—with plenty of opportunities for play and exercise is essential for their health and happiness. Not only does play help prevent health issues, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your pet, making your relationship even more rewarding.

If you’re fostering or adopting, remember that different dog breeds have different exercise and play needs. Herding breeds, for example, often require more mental and physical stimulation, while some mixed breeds may be content with shorter, more frequent play sessions. Always keep your dog on a leash when out in public, and make sure they have a safe, comfortable room or space to relax after playtime.

By understanding and responding to your dog’s playful body language, you’ll create a fun, supportive environment that helps your pet thrive. The benefits of play go beyond exercise—it’s a chance to connect, relieve stress, and enjoy the many joys of dog ownership.

So why not invite a little more fun into your life? Adopt or foster a dog today, and discover the happiness and companionship that comes from sharing your home with a playful, loving friend.

How to Tell If Your Foster Dog Is Happy

The more time you spend with your foster dog, the easier it becomes to read their emotions. Look for these signs that they’re beginning to relax:

• Tail wagging in big swoops

• Soft eyes and relaxed body

• Ears in a natural position

• Curious behavior and playfulness

This is a huge win! A happy dog is more adoptable — and that’s the goal.

Recognizing happy body language provides the benefit of building trust and a positive experience for both your foster dog and your family.

How to Spot Signs of Stress in a Foster Dog

Even small signals can mean your foster dog is feeling unsure. Pay attention to:

• Frequent yawning or lip licking

• Avoiding eye contact

• Hiding or pacing

• Whale eyes (showing whites of the eyes)

• Mouth clamped shut

• Shaking or trembling

At We Care More Animal Shelter, we provide training, behavior support, and resources to help foster parents address stress in foster dogs. You’re never alone.

Foster Dogs Need Communication and Compassion

Every dog is different — some might warm up quickly, while others take days or weeks to feel at home. As a foster parent, your job is to create a space where they feel safe enough to be themselves.

By observing your foster dog’s body language, you’re giving them a voice. You’ll also help potential adopters understand their needs, quirks, and personality — making it easier for that perfect match to happen.

By sharing these insights, foster parents help promote successful adoptions by raising awareness and increasing the chances of finding the right home.

Want to Make a Difference? Foster a Dog Today.

At We Care More Animal Shelter, our foster program helps dogs transition out of the shelter and into real homes where they can heal, learn, and shine. When you foster a dog, you’re not just helping one animal—you’re saving a life and making room for another dog to be rescued too.

You can search for foster opportunities or adoptable dogs by visiting our shelter's website.

The shelter's website can also lead you to more information about fostering and adoption.

Benefits of Fostering:

✅ You help dogs get adopted faster

✅ You give dogs a chance to decompress and feel safe

✅ You learn about dog behavior and body language

✅ You experience the joy of making a real difference

To start fostering, fill out a foster form, sign the necessary paperwork, and visit the shelter to meet your future foster dog. Make sure your foster dog has access to fresh water, shelter, and safe outdoor areas. Provide high-quality food suitable for their age and size—especially for puppies and large breeds—and avoid foods that could harm their bone and teeth health. Always monitor what your foster dog has ingested to prevent health issues. Some dogs are bred for specific purposes, such as hunting or swimming, which may influence their behavior and activity needs. Ensure your foster dog has proper identification to prevent them from becoming lost. By fostering, you help save dogs and make a positive impact for dogs around the world.

Ready to open your home to a foster dog? Apply to foster now.