So Bode frequently raises his hackles when meeting other dogs. His ears are usually erect and tail is held upright and wagging. I was always under the impression that hackles=aggression, but he doesn't seem aggressive in this state, just alert. Usually once they start playing, hackles go down, though not always.

Can someone decode this behavior for me?

He's probably nervous excited about meeting the new dog. Excited but also unsure how the dog will act so he tries to make himself look bigger by raising his hackles until he knows the dog is friendly and can let his guard down in a sense. My sibe is the same.

Maya also does that.

Huskyluv wrote:

He's probably nervous excited about meeting the new dog. Excited but also unsure how the dog will act so he tries to make himself look bigger by raising his hackles until he knows the dog is friendly and can let his guard down in a sense. My sibe is the same.

Good to know. Thanks Val!