One of my favorite examples of body language communication comes from my time working with great apes. Like many animals, when a chimpanzee becomes defensive, they stand tall and their hair sticks straight out, making them appear larger. What made this moment memorable, however, wasn’t the chimp’s behavior—it was the reaction of one of the keepers. I can’t recall what was said, but the keeper instinctively straightened their shoulders and “puffed up.” In that moment, we realized just how similar human and animal responses can be.
People and pets communicate every day, often without words. One of the clearest ways this happens is through body language, and learning to recognize these signals can strengthen trust and understanding.
Pets use their bodies to express how they’re feeling. A dog with a loose posture and wagging tail is typically relaxed or happy, while a stiff body, tucked tail, or pinned-back ears may signal fear or discomfort. A cat that slowly blinks is showing trust, while flattened ears or a flicking tail can mean they need space.
People communicate in much the same way. Relaxed shoulders, calm facial expressions, and gentle movements can help pets feel safe. On the other hand, tense posture, quick movements, or raised voices may signal stress and cause pets to become anxious.
By paying attention to body language—both ours and our pets’—we can respond more thoughtfully, deepen understanding, and build stronger, healthier relationships.
I would love to hear about a time when you were able to see the connection between body language and communication.
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Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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