Want to know what your dog is thinking? Learn to read canine body language.

Our dogs are always reading our body language, and they to try communicate to us with theirs. If your words say one thing and your body language says another, your dog will ignore what you say and will respond to what you do.

For example, if you call your dog with your body stiff and your brow knitted, your dog will think he is in trouble. A loose body shows friendliness, in contrast to a tense, frozen posture.

When reading your dog, be aware that ears folded back and tails tucked under show fear, while ears and tails up show confidence. Pay close attention to what your dog says with his body and what you say with yours.

Animal behavior experts Susan and Roland Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.