Most dog owners wish they could communicate with their pet like they communicate with their friends and family. While we can see a handful of emotions clearly through dogs’ actions and demeanor, what our pets are really thinking is still largely a mystery to us. There are, however, some dog behaviors that can help us better understand what our furry friends are actually trying to tell us. The following dog behaviors say more than you think!
What Your Dog Is Really Saying When They Give You “Puppy Eyes”
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Most people assume that when a dog give you the “puppy eyes,” they’re begging or trying to look cute so that you’ll give them attention (or a delicious treat). However, the reality is that they are showing you love and affection.
When they look at you with innocence it means that they love you and it’s basically them giving you a hug or a kiss. So, if you catch your dog looking at you like this, it means you’re doing something right.
Your Dog Thinks Highly of You If They Sleep In Your Bed
If your four-legged friend prefers to sleep with you rather than on the floor or even in their own bed, that means that you’re the number one person in your dog’s life. They want to spend as much time with you as possible, even if that means you’re sleeping.
So, if your dog tries to climb up onto the bed with you to sleep, you should consider it the ultimate compliment. More so, it would make them incredibly happy if you let them up.
Getting Tackled Is a Sign of Affection
Getting tackled by your dog when you walk through the door isn’t always the most pleasant experience. Sometimes they may unintentionally scratch you, or if they’re big enough, knock you over. However, this isn’t them trying to get your attention or simply trying to be annoying — typically, they’re just expressing how happy they are to see you.
The act of jumping on you is like a human jumping for joy. They want to show how much they’ve missed you and that they’re happy you’re home.
Your Dog Might Not Actually Want to Play Fetch
If a dog is carrying around a ball or toy in its mouth, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it wants to play fetch. In fact, sometimes it can mean the exact opposite. Dogs will often bring toys to people they like so that you can play with it too.
They want to show it to you and let you enjoy it too, so instinctively throwing anything your dog brings to you might hurt their feelings.
What It Means If Your Dogs Stares At You Before You Leave
Leaving your dog behind at home can be hard to do. They know that you’re leaving and it can make them sad. Some dogs just sit and calmly watch as you walk out the door, which can make you feel guilty. However, their calmness proves that while they are sad that you’re leaving, they are assured that you will be back.
If your dog is particularly calm when you leave them it’s because they trust you and will patiently await your return.
Eye Movements
When it comes to dogs’ moods, they are a lot like humans. You can tell so much just by looking at their eyes. If they’re sad or tired, their eyes will hang low and your pup will look down at the ground. If they’re excited, their eyes will be wide open and they’ll be looking around everywhere
If they want something, they may look at you and raise their eyebrows as if asking you a question. For most dogs, looking at their eyes will tell you more than their tail will.
If Your Dog Leans On You, They’re Basically Hugging You
Have you ever noticed your dog leaning on you whenever you’re just lounging around? It might not even be all that noticeable, but we bet your pup has put their body weight against you more than a handful of times.
This doesn’t mean that they’re being lazy and can’t stand on their own, they’re actually hugging you. This is one of the ways they can connect physically with you and is something that they can initiate.
Cuddles After Eating
Does your dog like to come and cuddle after they just ate? Much like sleeping in your bed, this is another sign that you’re one of their favorite people (if not their favorite!). After a meal they might be ready to take a nap and they want to do it in the comforting presence of you.
A pro tip is that if your dog likes to do this, be careful about what you feed them so you don’t have to deal with any funky smells!
Yawning Doesn’t Just Mean Your Pup Is Tired
While yawning may seem like a natural sign that an animal is tired, it’s a little bit different for dogs. While we see our dogs yawn all of the time, it’s actually a treat that we get to. It means that they feel safe around you and trust you.
In the wild, a yawn is considered to be a sign of submission, so when you see your dog yawn 15 times a day, it means that they’re completely relaxed.
Yawning May Also Mean Your Dog Is Uncomfortable
While yawning around people a dog knows can mean that they feel very comfortable, constant yawning in public (or where a dog is not as comfortable) can mean something entirely different. When they are yawning in public, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re sleepy and that it’s time to go home, it’s a sign that your dog may be uncomfortable or anxious.
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So keep an eye open, and if your dog is doing this in an unfamiliar place, it’s probably because they’re uncomfortable.
The Reason Your Pet Wants to Lie On Your Feet Is Adorable
If you have a dog, it’s not uncommon to feel them lay right on top of your feet whether you’re sitting on the couch or at the dinner table. Some people might find this annoying at times while others may think it’s adorable.
However, the real meaning when a dog lays on your feet is to feel as close to you as possible and also as a sign of protection. In addition, the second they feel you get up, they’ll happily get up to allow you to move.
Flicking Their Tongues Is a Way of Apologizing
Supposedly, after a dog knows that they’ve done something wrong and wants to apologize, they will approach you and flick their tongue out of their mouth as a sign of apology. This is basically them acknowledging that they knew they did something bad and they’re sorry.
Typically, when a dog does this, they will also try to look as innocent as possible because they know that us humans are suckers for their adorable faces, even if they just peed on the floor.
Scooting Can Indicate A Problem
If you notice your dog dragging its bottom on the floor, this is likely a sign of irritation or inflammation and they’re trying to get relief. Sometimes called “scooting” this behavior in dogs could mean that they’re experiencing worms.
Scooting can also indicate that their anal sac on their bottom has become blocked or inflamed, and they need medical attention. If its an infection, the dog will likely be prescribed antibiotics.
Why Your Dog Chews On the Furniture
If your dog is constantly chewing on furniture, whether they’re a puppy or not, means that they aren’t getting enough exercise and don’t know how else to get their energy out. Taking them for a walk might not solve all of your problems but it’s a step in the right direction.
It’s usually pretty clear when your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, and this is one of the biggest signs. So, if you’re tired of your dog destroying your furniture, helping them be more active should become a priority.
Cocking Their Head To The Side
Many people talk in a higher pitch when speaking to their dogs. When you’re talking to your dog in your “doggie voice,” sometimes they will cock their head to the side like they’re trying to listen to what you’re saying.
While this may be true, it doesn’t mean they’re responding differently because of your change in voice. What they’re really trying to do is pick out certain words like “treat,” “walk,” or “outside.”
What It Means When Your Dog Is Howling Away
While some people may find a dog’s howling to be particularly annoying, they aren’t just doing it to irritate you. Much like how it feels good to humans to yell or cry, howling feels the same way for dogs. It’s a release of sorts and helps them get rid of any internal feelings they may have inside.
While most people assume that dogs howl like wolves in order to assert their dominance, they’re really doing it because it feels good to do!
What It Means When Your Dog Is Pacing Back and Forth
Dogs pace for a variety of reasons. Whether they are bored, nervous, or excited, they tend to pace, just like humans do. If your dog is walking in circles around you, that usually means that they are in the mood to play and want to know if you are interested too.
However, when two anxious or excited dogs meet, it is typical that they will run after each other. That doesn’t mean that one of them is running away in fear, that’s just how they play.
Why Your Dog Walks In Circles Before Lying Down
Now this is particularly interesting. Have you ever noticed that dogs sometimes walk in circles before lying down" /> Some people find this next behavior very annoying.
Following You Into The Bathroom
If your dog follows you into the bathroom, don’t worry… it’s normal behavior. Dogs are curious creatures and want to know what it is you’re doing in there. Dogs also don’t have the need for “alone time” or privacy like humans do.
If this behavior is bothersome to you, the easiest solution is to keep the door closed while you’re doing your business. Be sure to greet your pup when you come out and thank him for his patience.
When Your Dog Puts One Paw Up They’re Trying to Figure Something Out
Has your dog ever been walking along and suddenly stopped, holding one of its paws up in the air? While this may look unusual, it’s totally natural. This means that they are trying to figure something out. It’s a physical action that the cogs in their brain are turning!
Usually when they’re doing this, they’ll also be sniffing like crazy in every direction. This is them playing detective and trying figure out something that caught their attention.
Panting Helps Your Pup Cool Down
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if your dog is panting relentlessly, that means that they are overheating. Panting is a way that dogs help themselves cool down since they don’t sweat like us humans. So if a dog is aggressively panting, they’re trying to regulate their temperature and probably needs some water to help as well.
If the dog isn’t hot, they might be trying to relieve pain or stress. While most dogs pant regularly, it’s important to keep on them depending on the situation.
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