Dogs do not have the same lens that humans use to view our world. Despite this difference, dogs have found ways use their bodies to communicate and form bonds with us. Continue reading to find out how dogs’ actions and behaviors reflect their true feelings. Some of this knowledge might come as a shock to you!
Find Out What Your Dog’s Strange Behavior Means And What To Do About It
On Hind Legs
When a dog is standing on its hind legs, there are different options about what the animal is trying to convey. Sometimes, it’s meant to show their love by trying to hug their humans. Other times, it could be dogs simply being playful with other canine friends. If they’re not growling or showing other signs of aggression, they’re probably just trying to have fun.
On Hind Legs
Furniture Chewing
When a dog is teething, they will chew on almost anything they could get their paws on. However, when an adult dog continues to chew on random objects, there could be something else behind the behavior. But don’t think automatically that they’re bad. Chances are they’re just craving some sort of exercise or activity to spend pent up energy. Get the leash and take your furry friend to the park when this happens.
Furniture Chewing
How They Bark
Not all barks are the same. After all, barking is another way dogs communicate either with other dogs or with humans. A short and soft bark might imply that they’re asking for playtime. Barking loudly in short intervals could mean that something dangerous is nearby. A loud bark could also denote that they’re in pain. Try to pay attention if there’s a difference when your dog barks on different occasions.
How They Bark
Bringing You Toys
Toys aren’t just for fun and there are different theories as to what else it could mean when a dog brings their toys to you. Some would suggest that this action could be your dog trying to please you since they consider you the alpha. Others would guess that it means they have trust in you. Or it could simply mean your dog loves you and they want you to get the same happiness he gets from his toys. If they’re not trying to play fetch, you might break their heart the next time you throw away his toy.
Bringing You Toys
When Dogs Yawn
Humans would yawn when they feel bored or exhausted. For dogs, yawning means they feel safe and sound. When you notice your dog yawning more than a dozen times, it could mean that they feel relaxed on one hand or they feel stressed on the other hand. When a dog visits the vet, their anxiousness is sometimes revealed by their yawns. If you see your dog yawning while taking him on a walk, it could be trying to control its excitement. Yawns could express tiredness for then as well.
When Dogs Yawn
Like A Caterpillar
Don’t you find it cute when pups suddenly roll on their back, put their paws up, and wiggle on the ground? It’s definitely a disarming charm. Sometimes the dog is trying to scratch an itchy spot or sometimes they’re asking for love and attention. Give them a good belly rub session next time.
Like A Caterpillar
Before You Go
Everyone who has or had a dog in their home has felt guilty about leaving the house at some point in time. Some dog owners would bring their fur babies to a doggy day care to feel less guilty. There’s a special sad look on a dog’s face when they know you have to leave for work. Some dogs though just let you off calmly. Although they want to be with you as much as possible, they trust that you’ll come back.
Before You Go
Pacing Back And Forth
Dogs and humans share this behavior. Sometimes we’ll walk in circles or march back and forth when feel excited or nervous. The same goes for dogs. When they start circling the room, it could mean they meet. It’s something dogs do with each other as well when they’re chasing one another.
Pacing Back And Forth
Pointing Their Snout
Have you ever witnessed a dog go suddenly still with one paw up? According to Dr. Ellen Vindell, “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.”
Pointing Their Snout
Showing Discomfort
Let’s go back to yawning for a bit. Although yawns express relatively calm feelings such as relaxation, boredom, or sleepiness, there are times when a yawn would indicate distress as well. When they get to a strange place, they might yawn as a sign of nervousness.
Showing Discomfort
Tilting Their Heads
Hundreds of years of domestication have made dogs accustomed to human voices. We tend to talk to our furry pals in a high-pitched voice just like how we talk to babies. When we do this, they’ll tip their head to the side which looks like they’re trying to comprehend us. Dogs have amazing abilities to understand our body language and vocal tone. They know when they’re being reprimanded versus when someone is giving them instructions. There are frequently used words that they can recognize such as treat or walk. One theory suggests that dogs tilt their heads to calibrate their outer ears to hear us better.
Tilting Their Heads
Sniffing Around
Dogs are well-known for their incredible sense of smell which is a thousand times better than ours. A dog’s nose contains a whopping 220 million olfactory receptors while humans only have 5 million. When they sniff the ground trying to locate prey or danger, they’ll sometimes quietly stand still. They use their smelling abilities to differentiate people from another. They definitely won’t be fooled by any pair of twins.
Sniffing Around
Flipping Up Tongues
When you scold a dog for being naughty, you might get a flipped up tongue as a response. Take note that this is one of their ways of apologizing and showing remorse. But in contrast, it could also be an attempt to look innocent to get away with their misdeeds. It’s hard to say no when they put up that face.
Flipping Up Tongues
Just Like Yoga
Stretching is a great way to relieve tension in the muscles. For dogs, however, relief isn’t the only purpose of stretching. It could also denote affection. There are times when you might have caught your dog getting up and stretching their bodies. That might be them saying they’re happy you’re there.
Just Like Yoga
Exposing Their Belly
When pup turns to show their belly, it could mean that they want to play or that they’re showing submission. There is only one correct response to this – go rub that belly. The problem is belly rub are addicting and they might ask for it again and again. Exposing their belly also happens when they’re under attack by another animal.
Exposing Their Belly
Tucking Their Tail
A dog can be in distress if they slip their tail in between their legs. These animals do this when they feel scared, nervous, ashamed, guilty, or uncertain. If your pooch does it, it will be good to comfort them and make them feel safe. You can pet them and talk to them in a calm voice. Doggie treats also work great!
Tucking Their Tail
Raising Their Paws
A pup lifting its paw could imply that they need something for you. It might also be asking you to play. This behavior is often seen in young puppies. When they’re hungry, they touch their mother with a paw. Your pup could be asking you for some love.
Raising Their Paws
Using Their Tails
It’s common knowledge that a dog wagging its tail means the animal is excited. They’re feeling playful and attentive. But what about when the tail is in a different orientation. When their tail is hanging down, the dog might be feeling ill at ease. feeling afraid, anxious, or guilty. When you see your dog doing this, try to comfort them to make him feel safe again.
Using Their Tails
Dragging Their Bum
It’s definitely a weird scene when you see it for the first time but you should take notice when your dog does this. The term for this behavior is scooting and dogs do it when they need to release an impacted anal sac . There are some breeds that have a higher tendency to suffer from this affliction. It’s a highly uncomfortable feeling so please take them to their vet when it happens.
Dragging Their Bum
On Your Feet
Has your dog ever rested their head or laid down by your fet while you’re sitting down for dinner? What about when you were watching TV? This is one of their many ways to shower you with love. Dogs love being in close proximity which is a trait passed down from their ancestors that moved in packs.
On Your Feet
Leaning On You
When a dog leans on you, you’re getting a hug. It’s not them being lazy or tired. Instead, it means that they want to have a better connection with you. Try not to reject your dog when this happens.
Leaning On You
Tackling You
It’s not easy when you get tackled by a dog especially when you have huge breed. Sometimes you accidentally get scratched by their nails when they become too enthusiastic. But they never meant to harm you. They just become so excited to see you and even more so when you’ve been gone for a long while.
Tackling You
Flicking Ears
Flicking an ear is a common behavior observed in many animals including dogs. An ear flick is means they’re paying close attention to their surroundings. It could be that they picked up on a new and strange noise. Let your pup use their senses since they can be quite vigilant.
Flicking Ears
Licking Themselves Clean
Although licking one’s self is a behavior mostly attributed to cats, dogs also have a reason for it. Sometimes when they feel that their coat is dirty, they’ll try to clean themselves up. However, licking themselves could also mean something grave such as an injury. Pay attention to what parts they try to lick. If it’s a paw or somewhere around their legs, get them checked by the bet as soon as possible.
Licking Themselves Clean
Snarling And Showing Teeth
As mentioned before, dogs use body language to convey their emotions. It’s also important to talk about the negative feelings they might have and how these are exhibited by dogs. A wrinkled muzzle indicates that the dog is feeling aggressive. Once they bare their teeth, you need to get your dog away from whatever threatened them. In a split second, your dog could be provoked to attack a person or another animal nearby.
Snarling And Showing Teeth
Investigation Time
Just like we mentioned before, dogs are naturally inquisitive. Sometimes you’ll see them stop abruptly with a raised paw. They’re not hurt. Instead, they’re more likely trying to identify what it was that caught their attention. They will also sniff a lot when their brains are working on it.
Investigation Time
Straightened Tail
It matters how a dog’s tail is positioned since it’s one of the things they use to communicate with us or with other animals. A straightened tail could denote that the dog is confident or excited.If it continues to stay up for longer and looks to be shaking, the dog’s confidence might feel threatened. When they’re outside around a bunch of other animals and they have a straight tail, it often means they’re confident or excited.
Straightened Tail
The Side Tongue
It looks adorable when your dog’s tongue hangs on the side of their mouth. They’re trying to tell you that they’re happy/ Often, they will do this just before taking a walk outside. Breeds with flat noses such as boxers and bulldogs however have a “hanging tongue syndrome” and do this too often.
The Side Tongue
Digging Holes
Digging holes is an instinctual behavior that’s just simply in their DNA. They don’t necessarily want to make a mess in your yard. They need some place where they can leave their valuables such as bones and toys. But watch out since they could also bury a dead animal.
Digging Holes
Why They Bite
Although biting is more commonly known as a sign of aggression, it’s also another way for dogs to express their playfulness. They’ll bite each other when in play mode so don’t be worried that they are trying to hurt each other. Still make sure you’re alert as soon as that playfulness turns into a different matter.
Why They Bite
Sleeping Beside You
Have you ever bought an expensive dog bed for your dog to lay down beside you in your bed? It’s something passed down from their ancestors that used to move, hunt, and sleep with a pack. Although it might be uncomfortable if you have a small bed and huge dog, it’s just another way for you to get closer.
Sleeping Beside You
Paw Pats
A paw pat is not the same as receiving a slap from another person. Your dog simply wants to get your attention. When a dog slaps another dog, it implies that there is trust between them. It’s almost like giving your best pal a pat on their back.
Paw Pats
Eating And Cuddling
Dogs really love to shower humans with affection. Another way they do this is when they give you cuddles after they eat their food. Just like humans, dogs feel the desire to take a nap after eating. And the best place to get a shut-eye is beside you.
Eating And Cuddling
Panting
Dogs don’t have the same sweat glands that humans do. When they pant after a long walk or when the temperature is a bit higher than usual, they’ll do this to regulate and lower their body temperature. It’s their body’s response cooling off method so they don’t overheat.
Panting
Eye Movement
There are a couple of ways dogs are similar to humans. For one, their eyes are also used to reflect their feelings. When they’re wide-eyed, it means they’re excited. When their eyes are downcast, they’re either sad or tired. Raising one brow meanwhile could reflect confusion.
Eye Movement
Bowing
A dog bows when they lower their head while their body remains erect. There are different reasons for dogs to do this but often times it says they want to play. Add this to the more common clues of tail wagging and hip swinging. Some dog trainers refer to this as the “play bow.”
Bowing
Walking In Circles
Did you ever wonder why your dog goes in a circle before plopping down on the floor? It’s another behavior they inherited from their ancestors. In the wild, wolves would do this to flatten the surface and make it comfortable to lie down on.
Walking In Circles
Howling
Dogs have large howls that we tend to try and stop them from doing. But there’s a reason for this behavior. It’s just like how humans scream to release feelings of anger. Allow them the time to do this since it’s a great method for them to release their emotions.
Howling
Hugging With Eyes
It’s not just trying to look cute or get your attention or asking for a treat. Puppy dog eyes are also a sign of affection from dogs. It’s like a no contact form of a hug. The cute face they make indicates they want to give you a hug.
Hugging With Eyes
Yowling
Yowling is another method dogs try to communicate with humans. One animal journalist wrote “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
Coprophagia is the term used when dogs eat poop. It’s not uncommon but it definitely awful. However, eating poop could be a sign of malnutrition. If you think your dog has eaten an unhealthy amount, take it to the vet immediately. If nutrient deficiency is not the case, ask help from a dog trainer to stop the habit from developing further.
Eating Feces
Chasing Tails
It’s fun to see dogs trying hard to catch their tail. It’s a usual sign of playfulness for them. When they do it too often, however, it could be a sign of behavioral problems. When they chew on their tail, it might indicate allergies or problems in their anal glan. It could also be an indication of OCD.
Chasing Tails
Licking
Dogs would lick you to tell you they love you. It’s a common behavior in dogs to show their love. When dogs lick their humans, they can also taste the nutrients on the skin. If you think the licking is becoming too much, there are always methods to train them correctly.
Licking
Humping
Humping is another common behavior and it does not always imply a dominance or sexual need. Dogs would hump humans and other animals when they become playful as well. Although it could be uncomfortable, it’s not a particularly harmful behavior.
Humping
Sniffing Butts
“Can you imagine if people greeted each other like that?” Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and it’s a thousand times better than humans’. Sniffing is just a way for them to understand and familiarize with their environment. They can identify, temperament, diet, and gender of other dogs using their noses.
Sniffing Butts
Dog Squinting
Have you seen that eye squint from your dog? For sure, you’ve succumbed to this before. Blinks or squints could mean your dog is asking for time and attention. If you think they do it too frequently, it’s a sign that your dog feels you don’t spend enough time together.
Dogs Squinting
Open Mouth, Relaxed Tail, High Ears
The best time to get near a dog is when their tail is relaxed, their mouth open, and their ears pointed. When a dog’s body looks like this, they’re in a relaxed and calm state. Give your pup a cuddle when you see them looking like this.
Open Mouth, Relaxed Tail, High Ears
Straight Tail, Ears Forward
What do you think ears forward and a straight tail indicate? Perhaps you think your dog is trying to listen attentively. Ears forward actually signifies that they’re interested in something. There’s probably something strange they want to look into.
Straight Tail, Ears Forward
Dead Dog
It’s such a funny scene when you see your dog doing the ‘dead bug’ pose. They have all four limbs up in the air and awkwardly resembles a dead bug. It’s a pose that your dog does when it feels relaxed and safe since it’s a really vulnerable position.
Dead Dog
Side Sleeping
Dogs like to turn to their sides during a nap but they don’t sleep that way for long. Sleeping on their side would make it difficult for them to stand up immediately in case they sense some danger. When you see a dog sleeping on their side, it means they don’t feel the need to be on alert and feel safe where they are.
Side Sleeping
Superman
There are multiple cute poses dogs do. There’s the superman pose where a dog plops on its stomach and all for legs are stretched out. They usually when they do this when they get exhausted from running around. Puppies also like to do the pose since it becomes easier for them to stand up.
Superman
Passed Out
A position you do have to take notice of when your dog is tired is when they sway their paws across the chest. They do this when they’re tired as well but it’s more than just resting. The pup is probably overheating and trying to cool their body down.
Passed Out
Belly Curls
Although it might look adorable, it’s actually a bit concerning since this sleeping position doesn’t give dogs a good sleep at night. The belly curl is when they sleep on their stomach and have their legs underneath or to the side. Because their muscles tense up while holding this pose, dogs don’t reach REM. Often, gentle and shy dogs would use this position to sleep.
Belly Curls
Curling Up
When they feel cold, dogs would place their paws underneath their stomachs and wrap the tail around their body. It’s similar to how a fox looks like when it curls up. It’s a good position for them to keep their body heat. Cover them with a blanket to help your dog feel more comfortable in their sleep.
Curling Up
Back To Back
Dogs have been human companions for several thousands of years already. Because of this, we often forget that they were actually bred from wolves, animals known to move in packs. But there are specific behaviors that they retained to remind us of their origins and of these is sleeping back to back. It’s a sign that two dogs trust each other.
Back To Back
Bringing Gifts
What kind of presents has your dog brought you before? Have your received leaves, socks, or dead animals? Although the dead animals could freak you out at first, bringing presents actually mean your dog respects you and they want to make you happy. When you get used to it, you’ll learn how to get rid of the dead animal by your feet soon enough.
Bringing Gifts
Boosting Energy
Every dog owner has suffered trying to get their dog to take a bath. Dogs who enjoy bath time are not very common. If they hate it so much, some dogs would run around frantically after their bath. They want to dry their fur quickly and get their scent that’s concealed by the water.
Boosting Energy
By Your Side
Does your dog like to accompany you to the toilet? Have you completely given up on privacy when they’re around? Don’t worry too much. It’s actually a sweet gesture when your dog goes with you in the bathroom. You’re a member of their pack and so they’ll stick close to you no matter what.
By Your Side
Showing Empathy
Dogs are highly compassionate animals. They have their own way of understanding our feelings. Dogs can sense emotions like anger or sorrow. When they think you’re sad, they’ll give you a comforting nudge. They might also lay their down on your lap or feet and even lick your face to comfort you.
Showing Empathy
Eating Grass
It’s not entirely unheard of for dogs to eat grass. When they chew on the grass in your yard, they might be having trouble digesting food or that there’s a nutrient deficiency. It could also mean that they’re dehydrated are trying to get water from the grass. Eating grass, however, could indicate intestinal worms. If you think your dog has consumed a lot, get them checked by the vet.
Eating Grass
Humping Inanimate Objects
Have you ever caught your dog humping a stuffed toy or a chair and freaked out a bit? It’s a behavior that could be trying to catch your attention. If they know you’ll notice them when they hump random objects, then, they’ll continue doing so.
Humping Inanimate Objects
Digging After Going To The Bathroom
Similar to cats, dogs would dig the ground after pooping. But unlike cats, they do this not to cover their droppings but to spread their scent on the ground. It’s one way that they mark their territory. Other dogs would smell their scent on the ground.
Digging After Going To The Bathroom
Winking
Although winking might look like it’s another secret language of dogs, there really isn’t too much behind it. It’s more likely that they have something in their eyes that they have trouble getting rid of.
Winking
Barking At Nothing
Dogs would bark near the windows but when you check on them, you can’t really see anything that they should be barking at. So what could be the reason for this? They’re probably trying to guard the house and are telling any bad guys that they’re ready to attack.
Barking At Nothing
Licking You
Did you know that dogs could be licking your face for a different reason? It’s commonly that dogs would lick you to give you love. But there are also some people who believe that dogs use their tongues as a sensory tool.
Licking You
Staring At You
Do you catch your dog gazing at you often? It’s all normal behavior for dogs. They’re probably just trying to convince you to pull out the treats since they know you can’t resist a good puppy dog look.
Staring At You
Shaking Toys
It sometimes looks funny when your dog furiously shakes the toy in its mouth. It’s similar to how they would kill their prey if they were out there in the wild. Of course you never imagined your beloved pooch to kill anything, but it’s just a part of their wolf instincts.
Shaking Toys
Only Eating In Private
When your dog doesn’t want to eat when someone else in the room, it means that they don’t want to share the food. It might sound weird but dogs don’t really understand that humans do not eat dog food and therefore they don’t have to worry about us touching their food.
Only Eating In Private
Voluntarily Sleeping In His Crate
A crate could act as your dog’s own bedroom especially if they grew up used to sleeping inside it. You might wonder why they would choose the crate instead of the bed or a couch. For them, it’s a place where they feel safe and comfortable when they’re alone in the house.
Voluntarily Sleeping In His Crate
Kick When You Scratch Their Belly
Dogs look funny and cute when they start kicking their legs when they get a bully rub. It’s similar to what humans would feel if someone tickled them. Their nerves make them feel itchy and have the need to get it off. If they do this while you’re giving a belly rub, just rub on a different spot.
Kick When You Scratch Their Belly