addition, some breeds such as the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog are born with extremely short tails, or in other breeds, such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, may be born without a tail altogether. Body Dogs' bodies alone can communicate a lot. By increasing the size and tension of their bodies and making themselves look larger, they can communicate confidence, alertness, or even threat. Actions meant to reduce the size of the body, such as lowering to the floor with tail tucked and lowered ears, can communicate stress, fear, nerves, or a desire to avoid conflicts. Stiff-legged, upright posture or slow, stiff-legged movement forward – dominant dog. Body slightly sloped forward, feet braced – challenge to a dominant dog, conflict may follow. Hair bristles on back of shoulders – possible aggression, may also indicate fear and uncertainty. Lowering the body or cringing while looking up – submission. Muzzle nudge – occurs when a submissive dog gently pushes the muzzle of the dominant dog, showing acceptance. Dog sits when approached by another, allowing itself to be sniffed – signals acceptance of dominance but does not signal weakness. Dog rolls on side or exposes underbelly and completely breaks off eye contact – extreme pacifying or submission signal. Dog sits with one front paw slightly raised – stress, social fear and insecurity. It is also recognized as a calming signal. Dog rolls on its back and rubs its shoulders on the ground – contentment. Dog crouches with front legs extended, rear body and tail up, facing its playmate directly – classic "play-bow" to commence play. It is also recognized as a calming signal. Auditory Long-distance contact calls are common in Canidae, typically in the form of either barks (termed "pulse trains") or howls (termed "long acoustic streams"). The long-distance howling of wolves and coyotes is one way in which dogs communicate. By the age of four weeks, the dog has developed the majority of its vocalizations. The dog is the most vocal canid and is unique in its tendency to bark in myriad situations. Barking appears to have little more communication functions than excitement, fighting, the presence of a human, or simply because other dogs are barking. Subtler signs such as discreet bodily and facial movements, body odors, whines, yelps, and growls are the main sources of actual communication. The majority of these subtle communication techniques are employed at a close proximity to