If you’re able to read your dog’s body language, chances are good you and your pet will have the makings of a beautiful relationship.

Like all relationships in life, communication is definitely the key to success.

My dogs Abbey and Mollie have different personalities. But I have learned to "read them" both very well.

Here are some general observations that apply to most all breeds. See if they don’t apply to your favorite dachshund, cocker or shepherd.

1.Hostile tail-wagging. Wagging tails don’t always mean friendliness. Here’s an example: You’re at the dog park and yours is off-leash. Another curious dog comes up to say "hi." Ears are perked up and tail is wagging. But this dog is communicating aggression. The wagging tail is stiff and held high. You can see that the eyes appear emotionless and stare into your Fido’s eyes. You also observe that the dog’s hackles (fur ridges) on his back are raised. Even without growling or showing its teeth, a dog behaving like this is not a playmate for your dog. Take your dog from the scene quietly and leave quickly.

2. Friendly tail-wagging. On the other hand, a friendly dog’s tail will moves in wide sweeps, hanging down. His ears are down and fur is smooth along shoulders and back. The dog makes no move or effort to look you or your dog in the eye. Then there is the usual sniffing pattern with your dog–first nose to nose, then the genitals. You can let this friendly dog smell the back of your hand, and probably pet it if you wish.

3. "Play" position. After spotting another dog, let’s say your dog suddenly bounces down on its chest and elbows with its ears flattened and its rear end in the air. My border/aussie shepherd Mollie does this all the time with me and our other dog Abbey. But unless the other dog’s owner recognizes your dog’s body language, he or she may speedily take their dog away. Obviously, they have misinterpreted your dog’s behavior as aggression. Some other common behaviors of dogs that want to play include jumping excitedly, barking, grinning and wagging its tail, running around in circles, and rolling over.

4. Submissive postures. Sometimes a dog will lie on its belly with its ears flattened and the fur along its back flat and smooth. It looks away and may roll over onto its back. Is it afraid–a coward, a wimp? In most cases not–it may well only be showing submission. It is probably saying, "I am recognizing that you are the boss (pack leader)." Or it could be telling the other dog, "I’m not into power–I don’t want to fight." A dog that avoids confrontation in this manner usually makes a good city dog.

5. Signs of fear. If a dog is frightened, its body is lowered, with tail hanging low or tucked between the legs. You’ll also usually witness its head is down, ears are laid back, and hackles (fur on back) raised. The dog may instinctively crouch close to the ground to protect its belly. Because a scared dog can quickly become a biter based on that fear, you best course is to stand still. Keep your hands by your sides and do not look the animal in the eye. Never corner or turn your back on it. Simply speak to the dog in a calming voice. Unless it gets over its fear, relaxes, and shows friendliness or submission, it’s best to move away quietly.

Observe these signals over the next couple of weeks and see if they don’t help you better understand your dog. Abbey and Mollie give a nodding "woof."