Our furry, fluffy and drooling friends have a completely different outlook on the world, that’s for sure. However, they have to rely on their physical attributes and physical displays to send us messages and let s know what’s happening with them. Read below to find out just what your pet is trying to tell you and what the behaviors mean. Some may even surprise you…
This Is What Your Dog’s Behaviors Really Mean
On Hind Legs
There are a multitude of meanings to this behavior. The first is that they may want to show affection, they’re huggers too you know. Hind legs can also display playfulness when in an environment with other dogs. They are most likely playing unless growling or being aggressive in any way.
On Hind Legs
Furniture Chewing
Chewing on well anything can be a nightmare with puppies. When these puppies grow up it can mean something very different. It does not mean that they are misbehaving dogs or naughty.When older dogs chew on different objects it simply means that they need more physical activity- take your pet for a walk. Chewing means it is workout time or playtime.
Furniture Chewing
How They Bark
Dogs bark for a whole bunch of different reasons. When their bark is loud and frequent it may be signaling something urgent in nature, potential danger may be near and they are in turn alerting you. It is important to note that loud barking can signal pain if perhaps they are hurt or something. On the other hand, shorter and softer barks indicate playfulness.
How They Bark
Bringing You Toys
Just because your dog has presented yo with a toy does not necessarily mean that they want to play. Although the theory suggests that this is the case and they aim to please you, it can mean other things. Your dog believe it or not wants your respect, they consider you the alpha. Additionally, other theories pertain it to the fact that they trust you, in this sense, your dog wants to bring you something valuable. It does not mean that he wants you to enjoy his precious present.
Bringing You Toys
When Dogs Yawn
This one is a rather ambiguous one. Dogs yawn when they feel at ease and a sense of safety or security. This constitutes as a sign of submission for dogs. If your pup or dog starts yawning time after time it is simply a symbol of relaxation and them feeling comforted, quite a sweet gesture. On the contrary, this can also signal anxiety and anticipation. In the vet’s rooms when a pet yawns multiple times this can be a symbol of their stress. They may also do this before playtime or a walk in order to contain their excitement. Of course, just like us humans they yawn when they are tired too.
When Dogs Yawn
Like A Caterpillar
Admit you think it’s cute when your fluffy friend wiggles a little, kicks up their legs and has a little roll around on their back. Sometimes your dog is doing this to scratch themselves or curb an itch, other times it may be that they do it just to get your attention. Show them love, they just want to cuddle and kiss you.
Like A Caterpillar
Before You Go
Leaving your pet at home leaves some major parent-guilt, no-one wants to leave their baby at home for their day job. It has become common for people to utilize doggy daycares, make them feel less guilty. Those puppy eyes and sad face are enough to tell us why. Whether it is sad or calm there is no need to fear your dog knows that you are near, and will be back in no time. The face symbols trust rather than sadness.
Before You Go
Pacing Back And Forth
Pacing can be because they are bored, excited or nervous. Dogs enjoy pacing just as humans do. However, when moving around in circles it is probably letting you know that they want to play. That’s why dogs chase after one another when they first come in to contact, to signal playfulness and excitement!
Pacing Back And Forth
Pointing Their Snout
That sequence when a dog halts and points it’s snout towards something, potentially lifting a front paw too, is extremely common amongst hunting breeds. However, almost all dogs do this. “Dogs are just dogs, and there are certain behaviors that probably any dog that’s a dog can do…. You’ll see a sporting dog who circles like a herding dog, and you’ll get some herding dogs who point,” said Dr. Ellen Vindell.
Pointing Their Snout
Showing Discomfort
As much as yawns express comfort and security they do have an additional meaning. When a dog publicly yawns it can mean that they are really overtired and are longing for that much-deserved nap. Being on the lookout of this behavior when your dog is in an unfamiliar place is truly a must due to it potentially meaning they are anxious.
Showing Discomfort
Tilting Their Heads
Many people, we may be amongst them, speak in a higher pitch when it comes to talking to their dogs. Your dog may often tilt their head and make out as if they are trying to understand you but they are actually masters of responding to body language and vocal cues. Dogs internalize everything from instructions to criticisms. They are so smart that they may even recognize words and may possibly be waiting for those that result in treats and walks. An additional theory suggests that they do that for better listening comprehension.
Tilting Their Heads
Sniffing Around
Dog noses are a truly remarkable thing, they contain 220 million olfactory receptors in comparison to a human who has 5 million. Meaning dogs smell a thousand times more distinctly than we do. Thus, when your dog is sniffing around they can be observing a few things like assessing danger or following prey. Notice, they stay quiet and focused when doing this. They are able to sniff out a difference between people and other dogs and even smell the difference between identical twins.
Sniffing Around
Flipping Up Tongues
These animals are so much brighter than we thought, they do this cute tongue flip as an apology. They stick their tongue out and flip it up to let you know they’re sorry. Of course, it can also be their way of trying to smooth things over with an innocent look. I mean they know we simply cannot resist such face…unless they’ve made a number one on the floor then we are not so forgiving.
Flipping Up Tongues
Just Like Yoga
Dogs unlike us humans are constantly stretching. Why? This is for their muscles. Sometimes it may be to show love and affection. Upon arrival home don’t think that your dog has just woken up- this is their way of letting you know they are happy to see you and excited that you are home.
Just Like Yoga
Exposing Their Belly
Showing off their belly can be a sign of playfulness, a sign for a little pat but it also means they respect you and fall submissive to you. Rub that belly and reassure your pup. They will do it over and over because they want this reassurance. Dogs also display this behavior when being attacked by other animals too, maybe as a sign that they do not want to fight.
Exposing Their Belly
Tucking Their Tail
This can be a sign of distress as animals tend to tuck their tales between their legs when feeling scared, ashamed, guilty, nervous, or uncertain. The only way to know for sure is to assess the situation but be sure to comfort your animal if they do this and make them feel as secure as you can. Give your pet a treat and a chat and they will be just fine.
Tucking Their Tail
Raising Their Paws
This action can be your dog letting you know that they would really like to play or they need something from you. Majority of the time this behavior is seen amongst pups and younger dogs. A pup will put its paws out when wanting to feed from its mother. Thus, when they do this they are yearning for affection and love just as much.
Raising Their Paws
Using Their Tails
We all know that a dog wagging their tail is a symbol of excitement and joy to see their owner. On the contrary, this can also mean submissiveness when their tail hangs a little lower. When your dog does this it is a good time to be affectionate with them. The high wagging on the other hand is pure happiness.
Using Their Tails
Dragging Their Bum
When your dog starts dragging their bum it is generally a sign for some concern as this may mean they have an impacted anal sac that needs releasing. It is really uncomfortable for them and some breeds are more susceptible to it. You should take them to the vet as soon as you can because it is rather discomforting and painful for your pet.
Dragging Their Bum
On Your Feet
Although this may be a tad irritating for you when your pet is constantly on top of you, they mean only the best. Your furry friend is showing you loyalty and love, they simply want to be as cuddled and near to you as possible. This behavior was inherited from their ancestors as dogs generally run in a pack.
On Your Feet
Leaning On You
When chilling with your dog, or dawg. You should be flattered if they lean on you. It is the same as them hugging you, not a sign of laziness but just them wanting to connect. It is beneficial to allow your dog to do this and express themselves in their own way for you. Next time don’t push them away but embrace it.
Leaning On You
Tackling You
Getting tackled by your dog is not the most ideal situation in some instances. In fact, you may have been hurt by this before, it is not your pet’s intention to harm you in any way. They are simply so excited to see you and have to let you know. I mean, they have been waiting the whole day for your return.
Tackling You
Flicking Ears
This is the sign that your dog is listening and is common amongst an array of animals. When they do not know exactly what the sound they are hearing is it is their instinct to figure it out. When this happens let them be so they can make out what it is they are hearing. So sweet just how attentive and curious they are.
Flicking Ears
Licking Themselves Clean
It is no fun fact that dogs lick themselves clean and when dirty they will certainly try to lick themselves clean instantly. Licking, however, can also mean they are injured. If your furry friend is licking his paws and legs a bit excessively you should take a visit to the vet for sure, If somewhere close to their joints it is a bit more urgent.
Licking Themselves Clean
Snarling And Showing Teeth
Dogs are moody just like us and express this in different ways. When wriggling their muzzle it is a symbol of aggression. Snarling and showing teeth should be taken as a sign to remove your pet from whatever they possibly have focused their attention on. This is a sign that they are ready to pounce.
Snarling And Showing Teeth
Investigation Time
When walking your dog it is inevitable for them to suddenly stop and raise one foot up. I is not that they have injured themselves in any way but are rather stabilizing themselves to figure out what it is they have just seen. Their brains are flowing and their senses are on high-alert, hence they sniff a lot when searching for something.
Investigation Time
Straightened Tail
A dogs tail shoots up when they come in to contact with another dog or animal, they are excited and it is also a symbol f confidence. However, if their tail remains up and shaky it can mean that they may be feeling challenged or territorial. As content and happy dogs usually have their tale at the same level as the body.
Straightened Tail
The Side Tongue
Everyone loves a dog that sticks their tongue out their mouth for a bit, so cute. It means that they are relaxed and content. This can happen when you are out for a walk or when playing around the house. If your dog is doing this a bit too often it can mean they have “hanging tongue syndrome,” which is common amongst flat-nosed dogs such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers.
The Side Tongue
Digging Holes
There are truly no bad intentions when your dog is digging up the garden. This action is simply encoded in their DNA and is specifically true to terrier breeds. Whether they are leaving bones, toys or whatever valuables it may be it is their animal instinct. Sometimes they do it to look for prey, bury their dead, or save some leftovers fo a time when they need them.
Digging Holes
Why They Bite
No one likes being nipped by their dog but their intentions are not always bad as they may simply be playing. Sometimes we forget they are actually animals. Thus, dogs bite each other when they play and it is not always in an aggressive way. Just to be on the safe side, keep an eye out for signs of aggression or fear.
Why They Bite
Sleeping Beside You
This is back to the pack behavior as dogs inherited this need for close contact and comfort. They hunted in packs and behaved in packs thus, it is only natural that they want to sleep near you for security and warmth. You should feel flattered that they trust you enough to act this way.
Sleeping Beside You
Paw Pats
No one likes getting a slap but if it’s coming from your dog it is not quite the same. Your dog is not angry with you but rather trying to command your attention. When a dog slaps another dog this is a sign of trust- just as we humans pat each other on the back, it is the equivalent.
Paw Pats
Eating And Cuddling
If your dog comes in for a little cuddle after eating they are showing pure affection and adoration for you. Just as we do, after eating a good meal a dog usually wants to head for a nap. No better place than right next to or in the arms of their favorite human. The more cuddling the better.
Eating And Cuddling
Panting
When your dog pants it is not a sign of danger, no need to be alarmed. It is their way of cooling down when overheating. Dogs don’t sweat like humans, so they are unable to decrease their body temperature in the same manner. Thus, a panting dog may be in need of water and just some cool off time. Dogs may be letting go of stress or pain when doing this too.
Panting
Eye Movement
Dogs do have some similarities to human behaviors, they too display emotions through their eyes. When feeling under the weather or tired they look at the ground. However, when excited they open their eyes wide and gaze all around them. Raising an eyebrow can mean your dog is a bit confused. Important to rememeber these as it can help your bond and communication.
Eye Movement
Bowing
Bowing can mean a few things. Your furry friend positions their head on the ground or super low and keeps the rest of their body positioned slanted. This usually is them telling you they want to play. Swinging their hips and swaying their tails usually accompany this behavior. It is also referred to as the “play bow.”
Bowing
Walking In Circles
Notice that your dog walks in circles and then lies down, why do they do this? This is most probably an inherited behavior from their elder wolf heritage. This behavior is exhibited by wolves to flatten debris and leaves as it makes for a more comforable area.
Walking In Circles
Howling
No one likes a howling pet and we often try and hush them, however, there is reasoning behind this behavior. Howling is the equivalent to shouting and is their way of letting go of built-up anger. Your furry friend is not trying to be dominant but rather just having a little moment of expression.
Howling
Hugging With Eyes
The actual meaning behind our favorite, puppy dog eyes. Dogs are not trying to be cute and attract your attention but are in fact showing you endearment and affection. For your pup those eyes are like a huge hug, how adorable? They are innocently wanting to be affectionate and show their love for you. Eye-contact is also a symbol of love.
Hugging With Eyes
Yowling
This is another attempt of communication they are not trying to become yodelers, no they are talking to you. As said by an animal journal writer: “Our German Shepherd rescue, the sweetest dog we have ever owned (unless you happen to be a cat), is 9. She ‘talks‘ about everything! Grumbles, over being denied a cat lunch, has 5-minute conversations over going out for a walk, exchanges pleasantries (you would swear) over how happy she is to see someone.”
Yowling
Eating Feces
Our lovely furry friends eat poop, yep it is a fact. Gross it is, but this is not an uncommon action. The act of eating feces is called Coprophagia and can be a sign of malnutrition. If your pet is doing this a bit excessively it is a good idea to take them to the vet as they will be able to tell if there is some sort of nutrient deficiency. If this is not the case, a trainer can certainly help curb this weird and gross habit.
Eating Feces
Chasing Tails
There is no way you haven’t seen a dog run in circles chasing their own tail. This is simply another sign of playfulness however, it can be a sign of OCD too. Yes OCD in dogs is a thing. Excessive chasing of their tailscan resemble behavioral issues or health problems. Additionally, chewing their tail can mean that they have allergies or a gland problem.
Chasing Tails
Licking
This one we are a tad too familiar with. A lick here and there is their version of a kiss and an “I love you.” They also enjoy the taste of the minerals and nutrients in our skin- if they take the licking overboard training can correct this behavior.
Licking
Humping
Humping is mot necessarily a sexual or dominating thing for dogs. The behavior is harmless and they engage in the act in a playful manner. Whether it be objects, animals or people although a bit uncomfortable they are just being playful.
Humping
Sniffing Butts
We are well aware that doghs have a way more heightened sense of smell, 10,000 times better than ours. Well, by sniffing some butts they are simply getting acquianted with a fellow dog friend. By sniffing that area they can tell diet, temperament and gender. It’s truly quite amazing but we are grateful that this is not a thing humans do.
Sniffing Butts
Dog Squinting
That cute manipulating look dogs give as if they are almost falling asleep standing, is your dog letting you know they are craving some attention and one-on-one time. If your dog is doing this excessively it means that they are feeling a bit too neglected and need more TLC from your side.
Dogs Squinting
Open Mouth, Relaxed Tail, High Ears
Being wary of approaching a dog is always smart, you never know what kind of a mood they could be in. However, a recommended time to do so is when their tail is relaxed, ears are pointed and mouth is open. These are symbols that the dog is feeling rather relaxed, neutral and safe. This is the ultimate time to cuddle up to your pooch- what could be better?
Open Mouth, Relaxed Tail, High Ears
Straight Tail, Ears Forward
When your pup looks as if they are eavesdropping with their ears pointed forward and tail straight, they are not listening closely to anything actually. In fact, it means something has caught their attention and they are feeling curious as to what it is, they are getting ready to investigate.
Straight Tail, Ears Forward
Dead Dog
The dead dog or ‘dead bug’ position is always a laugh. We have no doubt they had you laughing and loving them doing this. I mean didn’t you think they are so smart and are such good imitators? This pose for dogs is a vulnerable one and means that they feel secure. These creatures are truly trusting and loving.
Dead Dog