Making sense of my dog’s nuanced, conflicting body language

(Or trying to make sense of it, anyway.)

Dogs can’t express their complex inner experiences to us verbally (buttons don’t count for what I’m thinking of here) and this can make caring for them tough. Even though canines “talk” with their body language, I reject anyone who pretends their physical communication is always clear.

My sensitive cattle dog’s body language has been particularly challenging for me to interpret. While I like to think I’m pretty good at it nowadays, reading her subtle signals can still throw me for a loop—especially when they seem to contradict each other.

When am I just overthinking? When do I need to take small shifts seriously? How can I do right by her without also driving myself crazy?

Here are some key reflections as I’ve tried to figure out weird, quirky, lovely Scout.