Lisa O
Dogs have their own unique way of chatting with us, and it’s quite different from how we humans talk with each other. They bark, whine, and growl, but most of the time, they prefer using their bodies to communicate. This can sometimes lead to mix-ups between us and our furry friends. So, here are some ways your dog tells you things!
Eye contact speaks volumes
Dogs talk with their faces, especially with their eyes. When your pup looks at you a lot, it means he really trusts and loves you, kind of like saying “I love you” without words. But if he avoids looking at you, it could mean your furry friend is feeling uneasy, scared, or a bit guilty after doing something wrong.
Tail tells mood
Tails can express more than just joy. A slow wag means your dog might be a bit cautious, while a stiff, high-held tail signals alertness. If the tail is low, your furry friend is likely feeling content, but if it’s tucked between the legs, he’s probably scared. And if his tail is wagging so hard that his whole body wiggles along, that’s a sure sign he’s excited to see you!
Tongue flicks convey feelings
When dogs flick their tongues, it’s usually because they’re feeling very anxious or trying to make peace with their owner or avoid a fight. But it doesn’t mean they know they’ve done something wrong and feel sorry about it. Dogs can pick up on our body language, so if we seem upset, they might get worried, too. However, this doesn’t mean they understand guilt or know they did something naughty.
Sneezes and yawns signal stress
Dogs might sneeze or yawn for no reason sometimes, trying to tell us something. If your dog sneezes or yawns at odd times, it could mean he’s feeling stressed or uneasy, especially around new faces or pets. Surprisingly, humans do this, too, when they’re uncomfortable! But don’t get mixed up: dogs also yawn when they’re happy and relaxed with you. The trick is to notice if they’re yawning out of place in new or strange situations.
Belly reveals comfort
Besides using their faces and tails, dogs also talk to us with their whole bodies. If your furry friend rolls over and shows you his belly, he’s trying to make you happy (and asking for a belly rub, of course!). Dogs also use this gesture with each other—rolling over to show they don’t want to fight when they feel threatened.
Play bows invite fun
When your dog faces you and does a bow with his front legs down and his rear up, it’s called a play bow—meaning he’s saying it’s time to play! To make your dog very happy, you can try doing the same back to him. Just do a simple downward dog yoga pose, and your pup will appreciate you speaking his language.
Paw taps seek attention
When your furry friend craves attention, he might lift a paw and give you a gentle tap. It’s a common sight when you’re chilling out, and suddenly, your pup nudges you with a paw on your knee. Those adorable puppies are experts at it, too, pawing at the air until they catch your eye. They’re basically saying, “Hey, human, I need some love!”
Freeze signals unease
Have you ever approached your dog while he was chewing on a bone and noticed him suddenly stopping in his tracks when he saw you? When dogs freeze like this, it’s their way of saying they’re feeling unsure and would prefer to be left alone. If your dog freezes while chewing or doing something else, it’s best to respect his feelings and give him some space.
Offering toys shows affection
Sometimes, your dog might bring you a ball, stick, or toy. Many folks think it’s an invitation to play, and usually it is. But if your furry friend brings you his favorite toys and drops one at your feet, he’s probably giving it to you as a gift! It’s his way of showing love and sharing his things with you.
Leaning indicates closeness
When your dog leans on you, it’s like he’s trying to cuddle. He can’t give hugs like we do, so snuggling up against you is his way of showing love. Ever seen your puppy hop on the couch with you and lean in? That’s him saying, “You’re my favorite human!” It also means he feels comfortable around you.
Ears show alertness
When your dog’s ears are up or forward, she’s ready for action. It shows she’s paying close attention and could switch to being playful or even aggressive—depending on what’s happening. But if you startle her in this state, she might react out of fear, even if she doesn’t mean to. So, be careful not to scare her!
Sniff greetings signify curiosity
Your dog’s nose is way stronger than yours, about 10,000 times. So, when she gives you a sniff around your nether regions, it’s her way of saying, “Hi there, what’s going on?” Just like how dogs greet each other by sniffing, they’re using their noses to learn all about their new buddy. The act is totally normal for dogs and 100% weird for us.
Leash pulls reveal tension
When your dog pulls, barks, or growls at other dogs while on a leash, it might be leash aggression. This happens because your dog might feel stressed or worried about being tied up, so she acts out when she sees other dogs coming close. If your furry friend feels this way—it’s best to give her some time to feel okay with the leash before going for walks.
Wet paw prints hint at anxiety
If you spot wet paw prints in your home, even when it’s not raining, your dog might be super stressed. Dogs sweat through their paw pads, so if there’s a lot of sweat—it could mean she’s really anxious. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your furry friend’s stress levels and take her to the vet regularly.
Shutdown shows distress
If your dog won’t eat, moves away when you try to touch her or seems really tired, she might be anxious, scared, or sick. When she acts like this, it’s important to pay close attention and look for other signs, too. If you notice these signs early, it can help your furry friend get the right treatment before things get worse.