Dog Calming Signals
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: calming signals are small gestures (yawning, lip licking, looking away, sudden sniffing, curving) that a dog uses when it feels uneasy or to defuse tension. The term comes from Norwegian trainer Turid Rugaas. They must always be read in context: a yawn can also just mean tiredness. When you see them, ease the pressure: give space, look away, offer a way out.
What is a calming signal?
Popularised by Turid Rugaas, calming signals are subtle behaviours that communicate unease and help keep a situation from escalating. A pilot study of dogs interacting (Mariti et al., 2017) found that these signals appear mostly during close contact, more often with unfamiliar dogs, and seem to reduce aggression in the other dog.
The main signals to know
Yawning
Outside tiredness, often a sign of tension, e.g. at the vet or during an unwanted hug.
Lip or nose licking
A quick flick of the tongue, not around mealtimes: a common sign of unease.
Looking or turning away
It avoids face-to-face contact to show it isn't looking for conflict.
Shaking off when dry
As if drying off, after a stressful or exciting moment: it "lets go" of the tension.
Curving
It circles round instead of coming straight on: a polite, non-threatening approach.
Slowing down, freezing
It moves in slow motion or freezes to lower the tension.
Sudden sniffing
Just as a dog or person approaches: a way of "changing the subject".
Sitting, lying down, paw lift
Making itself small or showing hesitation to calm things down.
Why context changes everything
A yawning dog is always stressed.
FALSEIt may simply be tired. A yawn becomes a signal when it shows up in a tense situation, alongside other signs.
A dog licking its nose may just be hungry.
TRUEYes, around mealtimes that's often the case. Repetition and the situation make the difference.
You should tell off a dog that turns its head away when called.
FALSEIt may be telling you your tone or posture feels intimidating. Soften your voice and crouch side-on.
The key: look at the whole body (ears, tail, posture, mouth) and at how often the signals repeat. To go further: reading eyes and greetings and decoding posture, mouth and tail.
How should you respond?
- Ease the pressureStop what's happening (persistent stroking, handling, a too-close encounter).
- Make spaceStep back, turn side-on, look away yourself.
- Offer a way outLet it move away if it wants. On a walk, cross the road or turn round.
- Speak softlyA calm voice, no scolding. Never punish a calming signal.
On walks, a loose lead helps it communicate freely: a dog held short and tight can't curve away. A multi-position lead lets you give it more length when meeting others.
Frequently asked questions
What are dog calming signals?
Yawning, lip licking, looking or turning away, shaking off when dry, curving, slowing down, sudden sniffing, sitting or lying down, lifting a paw.
Who described calming signals?
Norwegian trainer Turid Rugaas popularised them in her book on calming signals. Scientific research on the topic is still limited.
My dog yawns when I stroke it, what should I do?
Pause and let it come back to you if it wants. If it doesn't, it simply preferred not to be stroked just then.
Do calming signals mean a bite is coming?
Not necessarily, but they are often the first signs of discomfort. If ignored, they can give way to stronger signals: stiffening, growling, then biting.
Sources
- Rugaas T. (2006). On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals. 2nd ed., Dogwise.
- Mariti C. 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.