That’s a bit of advice that I learned but it took time.  Some body language a dog gives you is very obvious and common to a lot of dogs but each dog has a personality of their own.  You should pay attention to your bird dog in exciting, anxious, calm etc. moments. 

Pay careful attention to tail and ear position.  Those two anatomical appendages will tell you many things.  Mouth open or closed, standing tall or crouched means something too.

Here’s some scenarios for you: 

Ears forward, tail high on point, standing tall and leaning forward?  What does it mean?  Extreme interest?  Anxious?  It depends on the situation but that is a close guess.

How about tail down low, ears laid back while on point, crouching?  Frightened?  Negative anxiety?  Worried about what will happen to him?  Probably.

Perhaps your dog has his tail at about 8 p.m. and his ears are just flat on point?  He stands loosely erect.  Uncertainty about what is expected?  Probably.

Then there is ears forward, tail up then the dog leans back while on point?  What is he about to do?  Pounce?  yeah.

How about ears flat, tail down, mouth open, glancing back at you while on point?  Probably has had too much pressure put on him.  Wants to point but unsure if you will do something to him.

Your dog’s posture is an indication of where you are in training and whether you can move forward or go back and review.  It’s that important.

Read your dog and you will be a better trainer, I promise!

Cordially,

Dave