Signs of aggression include rising of the heckles (shoulder hair) and rump hair. The dogs lips curl back, and sometimes his ears flatten. He may stand on tip toe. His pupils will be contracted and he will stare unblinkingly at his opponent. An aggressive dog may growl and his teeth may be bared.

A dominant Siberian has a curled tail and his ears are held upright.

Submission

If a less dominant dog wants to fight back, he pulls the corners of his mouth back until all teeth are bared and his ears go flat. A more submissive dog stands very still. The submissive dog turns his head to one side. Submissive dogs generally assume a lower stance than the dominant dog.

Different behaviours

Circling and sniffing

The universal dog greeting, it starts nose to nose and proceeds to the other end – if not discouraged your husky could do this with humans as well.

Mounting

Mounting another dog or attempting to mount a person is not usually a sexual behaviour. It is an indication of dominance, who is higher and who has power over the others.

Pawing

A dog who places his paw on the shoulder of another dog is tying to demonstrate his dominance over that dog. This can also be seen when one dog trys placing his chin over the top of the other.

Bowing

A Siberian who crouches down, wagging his tail quickly, wants to play.

Nudging or punching

A husky who nudges or punches with his nose is trying to get you to play with him. It is more dominant than the bowing motion, in that he is demanding your attention and not asking for it by bowing.

Hand holding

A sign of affection, your husky may take your hand in his mouth holding it gently. He is showing you his affection and asking you to trust that he will not bite you. This is a good bonding strategy and allowing him to do so shows that you have faith in him.

Mouth licking

This is a care-soliciting behaviour and is how young puppies seek food from their mothers. The behaviour often persists into adulthood.

Licking or tail chewing

This is often a nervous response, however chewing the base of the tail can also mean he has fleas. If licking behaviour continues for weeks with no apparent cause, especially if carried to the point of raw or bleeding paws, suspect obsessive compulsive behaviour (just like the disorder in human beings). It is important to discuss this behaviour with your Veterinarian.

Head tilting

Generally this quizzical look means he is puzzled or curious about something.

Pawing at his face or rubbing on carpet

This can mean he is just itchy. After a meal huskies will often rub their face against something to clean themselves. Constant rubbing may indicate an allergy.

Knowing your huskys tail

Siberians generally relax and pull sleds with their tails down. Excitement causes their tails to curl up and a dragging tail means he is tired. When a dog wags his tail, hes giving the same message he does when he smiles (most of the times, sometimes it may be because he is nervous). A slower incomplete wag from an erect tail may indicate dominant aggression. A tail held between the legs is complete submission or fear.

Sleeping Styles

Dogs sleep a lot, over 14 hours a day. In cold weather the Siberian does what is known as the Siberian swirl, carefully tucking his tender nose under his furry tail for warmth.

A husky curled snugly close beside you is probably not so much interested in keeping warm (hes hotter than you are) as he is keeping safe. If he’s an alpha dog you may notice that the keeps himself a little distant from you – just a few inches. He wants to be secure, but at the same time he is letting you know that he is perfectly capable of handling anything that comes up.

If your husky prefers to take his ease flat on his back, legs in the air, you may take comfort in knowing that you have supremely confident, friendly dog without a care in the world.

A Siberian laying flat on his stomach, legs sprawled in every direction is probably hot and trying to cool down.

A dreaming dog exhibits the same rapid eye movement found in people, do not disturb a dreaming dog. You may be walking right into his nightmare, the gentlest dog in the world has been known to snap if awakened at the wrong time.