Dogs and humans see the world very differently. Dogs communicate through body language, but we often have no idea what they’re trying to say. Check out the ways dogs show their feelings and emotions through particular actions. We bet you’ll be surprised by quite a few on the list!
The Real Meaning Behind Your Dog’s Behaviors
On Hind Legs
When a dog stands on its hind legs, it could mean a few things. The most possible reason is to show affection. Similarly to humans, dogs also need hugs. If your dog stands on its hind legs around other dogs, it could mean he/she wants to play. If they aren’t growling or being aggressive, they’re probably just playing.
On Hind Legs
Furniture Chewing
Puppies love to chew on everything when they’re teething, but when they’re older it could indicate something completely different. Dogs chew when they don’t get enough exercise- it doesn’t mean that they’re bad. Want to stop the chewing? Take your pup out for a walk or a run. If you notice your dog eating the couch, take them immediately out to nip the habit in the bud.
Furniture Chewing
How They Bark
Dogs bark for several reasons- at times there can be cause for worry. Your dog may be alerting you to something urgent if their barking is frequent and loud. This is their way of telling you there’s a potentially dangerous situation. Loud barking can also signal that a dog is in pain, while softer, shorter barks mean they are in the mood to play.
How They Bark
Bringing You Toys
Just because you see a toy in your dog’s mouth doesn’t mean they’re in the mood to play. Dogs supposedly hold their toys to please their owners and to show that they trust you; they see you as the alpha and look for your respect. It may also simply mean that your little fur-ball wants to bring you his prized possession, aka Mr. Turkey.
Bringing You Toys
When Dogs Yawn
When humans yawn, we’re usually tired or bored. Dogs, however, yawn when they feel secure and safe. If a dog yawns 15 times, it means they’re relaxed. But on the other hand, it can also signal that they’re stressed. A dog will probably yawn many times when at the vet’s office, signaling their nervousness. If your dog yawns before a walk, it’s their way of curbing enthusiasm. Just as we do, dogs also yawn when they are tired.
When Dogs Yawn
Like A Caterpillar
Wiggly dogs are the cutest dogs. This behavior is hilarious and makes most owners die laughing. It’s possible your dog has an itch or a scratch, but it’s more likely they just want your attention. Take a few minutes and spoil them with belly rubs and chin scratches.
Like A Caterpillar
Before You Go
No one likes seeing their dog’s face when going to work or the gym. Their sad puppy-dog eyes make us feel super guilty for leaving the house. Some dogs have really calm faces when their owners leave the house, and here’s why: they trust you will come back; it’s a face of trust, not sadness.
Before You Go
Pacing Back And Forth
There are a few reasons why dogs pace: boredom, if they’re nervous, or even excited. Sound familiar? Humans tend to pace for the very same reasons. If your dog is going around in circles, however, this probably means they want to play. When dogs first meet, this is how they play with each other.
Pacing Back And Forth
Pointing Their Snout
“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” says Dr. Ellen Vindell. If you see your dog stop and move its snout toward something and lift its front paw, he or she is probably a hunting breed.
Pointing Their Snout
Showing Discomfort
Yawns usually show how comfortable a dog is, but it can also mean other things too. If you see your pup yawn in public, they may be tired or even anxious and stressed. If your dog behaves this way often in unfamiliar places, pay attention, they may need some training to make them feel more at ease.
Showing Discomfort
Tilting Their Heads
For some reason, we speak in a higher tone when talking to dogs. Many dogs tilt their heads to try to understand what we’re saying. They are great at reading body language and vocal cues, and responding to them too. Dogs associate certain words with walks or treats- they’ll master those ones first! There’s also a theory that dogs tilt their heads so that their outer ears are able to comprehend better.
Tilting Their Heads
Sniffing Around
Dogs are the best sniffers around- can you believe they have 220 million olfactory receptors? To put things in perspective, humans have 5 million meaning dogs have 1,000x better sense of smell than humans. If you notice your dog standing still and silent sniffing the air, they’re either tracking prey or sensing danger. They can tell the difference between people and dogs based on their smell- even identical twins!
Sniffing Around
Flipping Up Tongues
A dog may stick their tongue out and flip it upside down when they feel apologetic or guilty. It is their way of putting on a puppy-dog face and apologizing to their owner. How can we not love that sweet face?
Flipping Up Tongues
Just Like Yoga
Dogs stretch after waking from a nap or a night of sleep, but not for the reason you think. Although it is to stretch their muscles, it can also show affection and love. If you notice your pup stretching when you get home, they may not have been sleeping.
Just Like Yoga
Exposing Their Belly
A dog shows respect and submissiveness when they show their bellies. This position may also be their way of showing you they want to play. Dogs will also roll onto their backs when being attacked.
Exposing Their Belly
Tucking Their Tail
When a dog is uncertain, nervous, scared, ashamed or guilty, they’ll tuck their tail in between their legs. Now is a good time to comfort your pup to make them feel more secure. A soft voice and treats work wonders!
Tucking Their Tail
Raising Their Paws
When a puppy is ready to eat, they’ll put their paws out to their mother. When they do this to humans, it usually means they want something or that they want to play. You’ll see this behavior much more in younger dogs.
Raising Their Paws
Using Their Tails
It is no secret that a dog wagging their tail means that they are happy and excited. However, it can mean submissiveness when they hang the tail down as they do so. If you ever see a dog do this, show them love, affection, and security. When they wag it high, however, it means that they are alert and playful!
Using Their Tails
Dragging Their Bum
While it may look funny when your dog is dragging their butt on the ground, it’s usually a call for concern. Dogs typically scoot when their anal sac is bothering them. This occurs in certain breeds more often than others.
Dragging Their Bum
On Your Feet
Dogs often lay on their owners’ feet during dinner or TV time- what exactly does it mean? This is their way of showing they are loyal and love you. When dogs ran as packs this behavior was quite common among their ancestors.
On Your Feet
Leaning On You
If your dog leans up against you, don’t nudge them away- this is their way of hugging you. They are trying to connect with you and show their affection. How sweet!
Leaning On You
Tackling You
Although it isn’t such a great feeling to get tackled by your dog, this is their way of showing you how happy they are to say hello! When a dog can’t contain their excitement, this is usually what happens.
Tackling You
Flicking Ears
When a dog is intently listening to something, they will flick their ears. This behavior means they aren’t used to the said noise and want to figure it out. If you see them doing this, let them become familiar with the sound before continuing your walk.
Flicking Ears
Licking Themselves Clean
How does a dog get clean? By licking themselves, of course! If you’ve just come back from a muddy run, chances are your pup will be licking themselves clean. If you see your dog licking its legs or paws often, it may signal they are in pain and you should, therefore, see a vet.
Licking Themselves Clean
Snarling And Showing Teeth
Dogs are not always in the best of moods, especially if you see their muzzle wrinkle. If they show their teeth or snarl, it means they are ready to attack. It’s important to remove your pup from the situation before things get out of hand.
Snarling And Showing Teeth
Investigation Time
If you notice your dog stop mid-walk and raise one of their feet, they’ve noticed something that they’re trying to figure out. Don’t be surprised if they begin sniffing- it simply means they’re playing detective.
Investigation Time
Straightened Tail
Dogs’ tails tell us a lot about them- a tail in the air can either mean confidence or excitement. If their tail stays up but begins to shake, they may feel challenged. A happy dog’s tail will be at level with their body, the opposite of what most people think.
Straightened Tail
The Side Tongue
Dogs will often let their tongues hang out of their mouths when they feel happy or calm. You’ll definitely notice this when they’re running or when you’re out for a walk. If you notice this occurring excessively, they may have “hanging tongue syndrome”, common among boxers and bulldogs.
The Side Tongue
Digging Holes
Although many people think their dog is being evil when digging up the yard, this isn’t actually the case. Dogs instinctly dig- it’s in their DNA! Dogs dig to look for prey and to leave their valuables. If you have a terrier, we apologize for the lack of grass in your yard.
Digging Holes
Why They Bite
Whether it’s playful or not, getting bitten by your dog is never a fun experience. While it is widely believed that dogs only bite when they are in attack mode, this simply isn’t the case. When dogs want to play, they often nip each other. Dog bites can show affection and playfulness, but be aware, this obviously isn’t always the case.
Why They Bite
Sleeping Beside You
If your dog prefers to sleep next to you over their bed, don’t be surprised. Dogs’ ancestors hunted and slept in packs for warmth and security; they’re only doing what they know. If your dog sleeps next to you, they trust you and want to be close to you.
Sleeping Beside You
Paw Pats
When a dog slaps you with their paw, it means they want your attention. Dogs often do this with other dogs to show a sign of trust. It’s sort of like humans patting each other on the back.
Paw Pats
Eating And Cuddling
If your dog finishes eating and comes to cuddle, they absolutely adore you. Many dogs nap after eating and to them there’s no better place than next to their best friend (aka you). Make sure to hug your little fella back!
Eating And Cuddling
Panting
When dogs are hot, they cool off by panting. This is their way of sweating and lowering their body temperature. Although they might look like they’re in pain or stress, they probably aren’t in danger…just thirsty!
Panting
Eye Movement
Dogs, like humans, show emotions with their eyes. When they’re sad or tired, they’ll often look at the ground. On the other hand, when they’re happy or excited, they’ll open their eyes and look around.
Eye Movement
Bowing
When dogs keep their bodies erect but lower their heads, they are bowing. Dog trainers call this playful pose the “play bow”. This stance along with a wagging tail and swining hips mean it’s play time!
Bowing
Walking In Circles
Why do dogs walk in circles before laying down? We assume they’ve adopted this behavior from their wolf ancestors. It is a common practice these wild animals do before settling in to make their “bed” more comfortable.
Walking In Circles
Howling
When a dog howls, most owners silence their pup. They’re simply trying to express their feelings, not assert dominance over you, don’t worry; this is a dog’s way of yelling. We recommend letting them get it all out.
Howling
Hugging With Eyes
When a dog shows puppy dog eyes, they’re showing you affection. When a puppy does this with their eyes, they are hugging you (just not physically). The innocent look simply means they want a kiss and a (real) hug.
Hugging With Eyes
Yowling
“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” says an animal journal writer. This is a dog’s way of communicating!
Yowling
Eating Feces
It is not super uncommon for dogs to eat poop, no matter how gross it is. Malnutrition is often a reason for coprophagia, the act of eating feces. If your vet rules a nutrinet deficiency out, it may be time to invest in a trainer to knick this habit in the bud.
Eating Feces
Chasing Tails
A dog chasing its tail may be the cutest thing we’ve ever seen. This behavior is most often a sign of playfullness, and sometimes even OCD. If your dog is chewing on its tail, they may have allergies or an anal gland problem. If you notice excessive tail-chasing, it could signal health or behavioral issues.
Chasing Tails
Licking
Licking is super common for dogs- it’s their way of showing affection. They also do it to get a taste of the nutrients and minerals found on the skin. Just finished a workout? Don’t be surprised if your pup is ferociously licking the salt off of your face.
Licking
Humping
Humping is a normal behavior for dogs- it could be people, animals or even objects. It isn’t a sexual or dominance issue, it’s often just a playful behavior. There is no harm in this behavior, but it can obviously get quite annoying and make other dog owners uncomfortable.
Humping
Sniffing Butts
As you know, dogs have a very strong sense of smell. They often sniff each others butts to learn more about their new friend. Dogs can tell gender, temperament and diet from just a few sniffs!
Sniffing Butts
Dog Squinting
If your dog wants quality time with you or attention, they’ll blink or squint. If your dog does this often, it’s their way of saying you don’t spend enough time together. Take the hint!
Dogs Squinting
Open Mouth, Relaxed Tail, High Ears
If you’re worried about approaching a dog at the right time, the best is when their mouth is open, their ears are pointed and their tail is relaxed. This stance is safe, relaxed and neutral.
Open Mouth, Relaxed Tail, High Ears
Straight Tail, Ears Forward
When a dog’s ears are pointed forward and their tail is straight, something has caught their attention. Cue an investigation until they find out what that curious stick or noise is!
Straight Tail, Ears Forward
Dead Dog
Have you ever heard of the saying “dead dog”? Well, this is that pose. When a dog’s legs are in the air, they feel safe, relaxed and content since this is a vulnerable poisition. Let them rest and catch some z’s!
Dead Dog