Dogs communicate constantly — not through words, but through a sophisticated system of body language signals. Among the most important and often overlooked are calming signals: subtle behaviors that dogs use to communicate peacefully, reduce tension, and signal that they mean no harm. First described by Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas, calming signals are a key to understanding what your dog is really telling you — and becoming a better communicator yourself.
What Are Calming Signals?
Calming signals are behaviors that dogs use to reduce social tension — both their own and that of others. They function as a kind of canine diplomacy, helping dogs navigate social situations without conflict. Dogs use them with other dogs, with people, and with a wide variety of environmental stressors. Understanding them changes the way you read your dog’s behavior and helps you communicate in ways your dog understands.
Turid Rugaas identified over 30 distinct calming signals in her observations of dogs. They serve several functions: signaling peaceful intent, diffusing tension from another dog or person, calming themselves when anxious, and inviting play or interaction. Many of these signals are brief, subtle, and easily missed — which is why so many dogs are misread as “stubborn,” “distracted,” or “misbehaving” when they are actually communicating discomfort or trying to de-escalate a situation.
A key insight from the calming signals framework is that these behaviors can go in both directions: dogs use them and dogs respond to them. Humans who learn to use some of these signals — like turning sideways or looking away — can communicate more effectively with dogs, particularly those that are anxious or unfamiliar.
The Most Common Calming Signals
Looking away / turning the head is one of the most frequently observed signals. When a dog turns their head to the side to avoid direct eye contact, they are often saying “I’m not a threat” or “please calm down.” You may see this when you stare at a dog, when two unfamiliar dogs meet, or when a dog is scolded.
Turning away / curving the body is a more pronounced version — the dog physically turns their body sideways or curves in an arc rather than approaching head-on. Dogs that approach other dogs in a direct straight line can seem threatening; a curved approach communicates friendliness and reduces confrontation. Experienced dogs often naturally arc when greeting unfamiliar dogs.
Yawning is commonly seen when a dog is stressed, confused, or trying to signal non-threat. Dogs often yawn when people lean over them, raise their voice, or move unpredictably. A yawn in this context is not tiredness but a calming gesture. Lip licking or tongue flick — a quick flick of the tongue over the nose or lips — serves a similar function, often seen in response to tension, discomfort, or an approaching stranger.
Sniffing the ground while in an otherwise tense situation is a classic signal. Dogs may suddenly become intensely interested in a patch of ground when feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or when another dog approaches too quickly. Freezing — briefly going still — can be a signal asking for space and time to process. Sitting or lying down can be a dog’s way of saying they are not a threat and would like the tension to decrease.
Slow movement is a subtle but powerful signal — a dog that moves more slowly or stiffly is often communicating uncertainty or trying to appear non-threatening. Play bow — front end lowered, bottom up — is a widely recognized signal inviting play and signaling friendly intent. Blinking and soft, squinting eyes communicate relaxed, peaceful intent, in contrast to wide, hard staring eyes which can signal threat.
Why Calming Signals Matter in Training
Recognizing calming signals has practical implications for how you train and interact with your dog. If your dog is repeatedly yawning, lip-licking, looking away, and sniffing the ground during a training session, they are telling you the session is stressful or confusing — not that they are “blowing you off.” Pushing through these signals can undermine the dog’s trust and make training more difficult.
If another dog approaches yours and your dog starts sniffing the ground or curving away, they are attempting to de-escalate. Allowing dogs to use these signals without interruption — rather than pulling them away abruptly or forcing a face-to-face greeting — supports healthier canine social interactions. In dog parks and group settings, a dog that is constantly lip-licking, yawning, or trying to move away may be overwhelmed and benefit from time out from the social pressure.
You can also use calming signals yourself. Turning sideways when approaching an anxious dog, avoiding direct eye contact, crouching down (rather than bending over), and moving slowly can all make a nervous dog more comfortable with your presence.
Calming Signals vs. Stress Signs vs. Aggression
It’s important to place calming signals in the context of the broader spectrum of canine communication. Calming signals are early, low-intensity communication. If they are repeatedly ignored, a dog may escalate to more obvious stress signals — heavy panting, tucked tail, whale eye (showing white of the eye), pinned ears, and shaking — and eventually to threat signals — growling, snapping, and biting.
Understanding this escalation ladder helps explain many dog bites that “came out of nowhere.” The dog was communicating discomfort through calming signals and stress signals for some time before reaching the point of a snap or bite — but those signals weren’t recognized. Learning to read the full range of canine body language, starting with calming signals, is one of the most impactful skills a dog owner can develop.