The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Dog’s Behaviors

It has long been desired to be able to understand the language of animals, especially man’s best friend, dogs. A lot of dog owners wish that they could talk to their dogs like they’re able to communicate with family and friends. Thanks to scientific advances, our understanding of our canine companions is continuously evolving and we are learning more and more about the dog’s minds.

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We know a lot about how dogs experience the world through their senses as well as how they use their body language to communicate with others. Dogs exhibit a variety of demeanor’s and actions that allow us to have a better understanding of how they are feeling and what they need. In this way, caregivers are better able to build positive relationships with their dogs, one that is based off of trust and understanding. Do you know the real reason why your dog wants to show you their toy or why their tongue hangs out to the side? Check out the following common dog behaviors so that you can better understand your dog and become a better companion and caregiver for him. Does your dog exhibit any of the following behaviors?

Long Legs

When your dog gets up on his hind legs, it can have a number of meanings. One of these is a sign of affection. L

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ike humans, sometimes they just want to hug you.

But, if they get up on their hind legs while interacting with other dogs it can be a sign that they’re feeling playful. If they aren’t growling or acting aggressively, then this is just their way of playing.

Chewing On The Furniture Doesn’t Mean They’re Hungry

Just like growing children, puppies will want to chew on toys and other objects in order to relieve the pain of teeth coming in. But, if your pet is always chewing the furniture and they aren’t a puppy anymore, this could be a sign of something else. It doesn’t mean that they’re badly behaved or trying to destroy your house. Actually, it can be a sign that they aren’t getting enough physical activity and need a way to get their energy out.

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You can start by getting them out of the house for a walk. While this won’t solve everything, it’s a good starting point. You can usually tell when your dog isn’t getting enough exercise and this is one telltale sign. If you’ve had enough of your dog eating away at your furniture, try getting them to be more active and see if you notice a change.

Why Dogs Bark

Barking has several purposes and it depends on the situation, how the dog barks and what is in their environment. If a dog is barking loud and frequently, it could indicate a degree of urgency. They may be sensing danger approaching and are trying to let you know.

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If a dog is barking short and soft barks, they might want you to play with them. If a dog barks loudly then it could be a sign that they’re in pain. Check out the next slide for why you should watch out for a dog that wrinkles its muzzle.

Not Always Fetch Time

Your dog doesn’t always want to fetch a ball or toy, even if they are carrying it around in their mouth. There are several theories as to why your dog sometimes brings you a toy. One of them says that they do this in order to try and please you. They think of you as their alpha and they want to gain your respect. Another theory says that it’s your dog’s way of showing his trust in you. He trusts you so much that he brings you his most prized possession.

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He can also be bringing you a toy to show how much he loves you and is so happy to be seeing you. Your dog is very fond of you and he also wants you to enjoy the toy. Actually, if you throw the ball to your dog when he’s trying to bring it to you, it can hurt his feelings. So the next time your dog brings you a toy, try holding on to it to see if it makes your dog happy.

Yawning Doesn’t Only Express Exhaustion

While humans yawn only when they feel tired or sometimes bored, it’s not the same way for dogs. We see our dogs yawn all the time and there are different reasons for it. One reason could be that they feel safe around you and trust you. In the nature, animals yawn as a sign of submission. When your dog yawns 15 times, you can be sure that they’re very relaxed. But, yawning also may indicate anticipation or stress.

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When your dog is waiting in the vet’s office, he may yawn repeatedly as a way to deal with nervousness. Dogs may also yawn before going on a walk, as a way to control their enthusiasm. Of course, sometimes a dog does just yawn because he’s tired. To understand the situation, it’s best to look at their environment.

Wiggling Like A Caterpillar

If you think your dad looks happy when it gets into a good wiggle, kicking its legs up in the air while wiggling around on its back, well you’re right! At least, most of the time.

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Sometimes your dog might be excessively wiggling as if to reach an itch or another irritation. Or sometimes, this might be their way to get your attention. Why not stop what you;re doing for a few minutes and give them attention?

Looking At You Before You Leave

Owners are often very sad to leave their dogs at home when they go to work. They are plagued with so much guilt that they shell out major dollars on doggy day care so that their dogs aren’t alone all day long. One thing that makes owners particularly sad when they leave is the look on their dog’s face as they walk out.

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Often times, the dog will have a calm look on their face. Dog owners, don’t be mistaken, their calmness isn’t a sign of sadness. It shows that while they’re sad you’re leaving, they know you will be back. You have gained their trust and they are calm because they know they can count on you to return later on.

Why Your Dog Paces Back And Forth

If your dog paces back and forth, this can be for a number of reasons. Your dog may be bored, nervous, or excited. Like humans, they also pace around the room. If your dog is pacing around you in circles, it can be a sign that they want to play with you. They want to know whether you are open to playing.

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When two dogs meet, it’s common that they will chase each other. This isn’t something threatening or something to fear, it’s just their way of playing.

Pointing Its Snout

When a dog freezes up and points its snout toward something specific, this is called pointing. They might also lift one of their front paws while doing this. Dogs bred for hunting do this often, but also every dog does it at times.

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Veterinarian Dr. Ellen Vindell told Vet Street, “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.”

Yawning Can Also Be A Sign Of Discomfort

While yawning can be a sign that your dog feels comfortable, it can also express something completely different. If your dog is yawning a lot in public, it’s not a sign that they’re tired and ready for their afternoon nap. It can actually express that they feel uncomfortable and anxious.

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If you’re in an unfamiliar place and you notice your dog doing this, stay aware of this so that you can be there to comfort your dog and give him some love when he needs it.

Tilting Their Head To The Side

A lot of people speak to their dogs in a higher pitch. When you’re talking to your dog in your “doggie” voice they sometimes tilt their head to the side as if to understand what you’re saying. Dogs are very good at reading and responding to your body language and vocal cues.

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When you are reprimanding your pooch or instructing them what to do, they are taking it all in. They’re capable of recognizing different words so it’s possible that they are listening for words and inflections they associate with fun activities like treat, walk, or outside. Some experts believe that dogs tilt their head to the side in order to adjust their outer ears to better pinpoint the noise.

Sniffing The Air

Dogs use their noses for several purposes. In fact, dogs have 220 million olfactory receptors while humans have only 5 million. Dogs are dominated by their noses and can smell at least 1,000 times better than humans. When they are sniffing the air, it could be a sign that they sense danger approaching or that they’re trying to track prey.

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During this, they will remain completely still. They stay absolutely silent so that their prey won’t see them. Dogs are able to smell the difference between individuals, both dogs and people. They can smell the difference between family members, even identical twins!

Flipping Their Tongues Up Means They’re Sorry

When a dog feels like they’ve done something wrong, they’ll stick their tongue out and flip it up as a way of apologizing. They know that they did something wrong and are apologetic.

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When they do this, they may also try and put on an innocent face because they know that their owners are suckers for their cute faces. They’ll do this even when they do something like peeing on the floor.

Stretching

Unlike humans, dogs don’t only stretch after waking up from a nap or in order to stretch out their muscles. Rather, stretching can also symbolize affection and love for somebody.

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When you come home and your dog is stretching, that doesn’t mean that they were sleeping. They are showing you that they’re excited to see you so give them some love and affection in return.

Exposing Their Belly Is A Sign Of Respect

When a dog exposes his belly to you, it shows that he respect you and is being submissive. It might also be a sign that he wants to play with you. You can encourage them continue this behavior by rubbing their belly. If you do rub their belly, then they’ll be want to continue this behavior as they’ve learned that you are going to give them a nice massage every time they do this.

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But, a dog can also roll on its back when they’re being attacked by another animal. Check out why a dog bowing may mean something different than you think.

Tucking Their Tail

When your dog is in distress, he may tuck his tail between his legs. Dogs do this when they are feeling uncertain, nervous, scared, guilty, or ashamed. It’s usually not a good sign.

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If you observe your dog doing this, you should comfort him and make him feel safe. You can do this by petting him and using a soft voice. Doggie treats can also make him feel better.

Why A Dog Raises Its Paws

When your dog raises their paws, it can mean that they want something from you or they want to play. Mostly puppies and younger dogs exhibit this behavior.

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When a puppy wants to eat, it will raise its paws to touch his mother. If your puppy does that to you, it can mean that they want some love and affection from you.

Their Tails Say As Much As Their Eyes

You probably know this by now, but when a dog wags its tails, it’s a sign of their extreme happiness and excitement. But if they hang their tail down while wagging it, it can be a show of submissiveness.

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It can also be a sign that they are confused, sad, or unwell. When they wag their tail high it can show that they’re ready to play and are very alert. Their tail says almost as much as their eyes do.

Dragging Its Bum

If you’ve seen your dog dragging its bum across the floor, you might think it looks pretty funny. But actually, this is a cause for concern. This behavior is known as scooting and is usually because your dog has an impacted anal sac that they are trying to release. Some breeds are impacted by this more than others.

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It is very uncomfortable for the dog when it happens and you should get your dog to the vet ASAP so that they can drain the organ.

Why Your Dog Lays On Your Feet

Dogs love laying right on their owners’ feet whether you are sitting at dinner or watching television on the couch. While a lot of owners may get annoyed by this and shove them off, it is actually a super sweet sign. It’s a show of your dog’s loyalty and desire to protect you. They want to be as close to you as possible. And if you try and get up, they won’t have a problem with letting you move. They’ll gladly give you your space.

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This behavior is another one that has been passed down from their ancestors. Dogs love to sleep with their pack. If you are a good and trusting caregiver, then the dog will consider you as their family. They also consider you the leader of their pack so they will want to sleep closest to you.

Lean On Me

Does your dog ever lean on you when you’re hanging around? While you may not even notice that they are leaning some of their body weight against you, this is a sign that they’re hugging you. It’s not that they’re lazy and can’t stand up on their own but it’s their way of connecting with you.

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Next time you notice your dog doing this, don’t nudge them off of you. This can be hurtful. Instead, you should allow them to express their affection for you. Keep reading to find out ways that your dog comforts you.

Why They Tackle You To The Floor

Does your dog tackle you to the floor right when you walk through the door? While this might not put you in the most comfortable position and can sometimes even result in some minor injury like scratches, it’s a show that your dog loves you like crazy. This isn’t their way of annoying you or trying to get your attention.

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They are just so happy to see the person they love the most in the world. They’ve been waiting around the house all day for you to get back from work and are so happy that you are finally home. Just like humans jump for joy or embrace each other with big hugs, dogs also jump for joy. Jumping in other situations may be a sign of something less joyous, like your dog trying to assert their dominance over you.

Flicking Their Ears

When a dog flicks their ears, it means that they’re listening. This is actually what most animals do to listen. When they hear a sign which isn’t familiar to them and they’re trying to figure out what it is, this is how they react.

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If you see your dog flicking their ears, let them figure out for a second what it is that they’re listening to. It’s also adorable for you to see your dog being so observant and inquisitive.

Licking Themselves

It’s a known fact that dogs, like most animals, lick themselves to clean their bodies. If your dog gets messy, there’s a good chance that he’ll lick himself clean.

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But licking can also indicate pain. If a dog licks his legs and paws a lot, particularly near the joints (common in dogs with arthritis) you should check it out at the vet to make sure everything is okay.

Wrinkling Their Muzzle

Dogs have different ways of showing their varying moods. Of course, not all of them are positive. When a dog wrinkles their muzzle, it is most likely a sign of them being aggressive. If they show their teeth and snarl, you should take this as a sign that you need to remove them from the situation they are in.

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These kinds of actions can mean that your dog is prepared to attack if they feel it’s necessary. Keeping reading to find out why you should feel particularly honored when your dog shows you their belly.

Playing Detective

Have you ever been on a walk with your dog when they suddenly stop dead in their tracks and put their foot up on the air? While you may think that they stepped on something and hurt themselves, this behavior is completely normal. What they are doing is actually trying to figure something out that caught their attention.

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It’s a sign that their brains are working. While lifting their paw they might also start to sniff like crazy. So, you can just chock this behavior up to your dog being inspector gadget.

Straightening Their Tail

When a dog sticks their tail straight in the air, it can be a show of their confidence or excitement. Some dogs do this when they meet other animals or dogs. If their tail stays erect and is a little shaky, it is a sign that they expect a challenge.

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When a dog feels happy, content, and loved, their tail is usually more leveled with their body. But if their tail is low or between their legs, it could mean that they feel insecure.

The Cute Side Tongue Means Something

How cute is it when dogs have their tongues hanging out of the side of their months? Actually that side tongue can have a deeper meaning. When a dog has his tongue hanging out of his mouth on one side, it’s a sign that he feels calm and happy. You may often see your dog like this after going for a walk or playing fetch. But, if your dog has his tongue to the side more often than not, it can be a reason to worry.

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This condition may be the “hanging tongue syndrome.” This is usually the case with breeds with flattened noses like boxers or bulldogs. If your dog is like this, get them to the vet.

Why Do Dogs Dig Up The Yard?

No he’s not just evil and trying to ruin the new flower bed you’ve planted. Digging for dogs is an instinctual activity which is written deep in their DNA, especially in terrier breeds. Dogs usually dig in the yard to hide or uncover their valuables, like toys or bones. Feral dogs may dig holes to uncover prey under the ground in tunnel systems.

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They also bury their dead young much like humans. If you want your dog to stop this behavior then you’ll want to properly train them. Otherwise they’ll continue this innate behavior.

The Reason For Biting

Being bit by a dog isn’t a pleasant experience. But actually a bite can indicate affection and that the pup wants to play. When dogs play together there’s often a lot of biting involved. There is nothing aggressive about this behavior.

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A dog will bite a person as a way of communicating their current state of mind. The dog could be reacting in aggression, fear or nervousness. There are, however, ways to prevent a dog bite from ever happening if you stay in tune to the dog’s body language.

If They Sleep With You, They Love You

Does your four legged friend prefer to sleep with you instead of their dog bed? For dogs, this behavior is one that has been passed down from their ancestors. Their ancestors hunting together in packs, as well as slept together for warmth and security. Your dog wants to feel close to you, protected, and warm. It also is a sign that your dog adores you and wants to be close to you at night. They want to be around you as much as possible, even when you’re both sleeping.

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If your dog wants to crawl into your bed while you’re sleeping, instead of getting annoyed, consider it a compliment. You are their number one person in the world. So let them in. And if you think that it will cause you to have a worse night’s sleep, this is also not true. In fact, your dog can also make you feel more loved and protected while you are sleeping, thus positively impacting your sleep.

Paw Five

You probably don’t appreciate being slapped by another human, but most likely that person is upset with for something you’ve done. If your dog slaps you with his paw, this isn’t exactly a sign that he’s angry with you. Actually, it can also be his way of trying to get your attention.

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However, a dog slapping another dog is a different story entirely. It is a sign of trust, that the dog trusts the other. It’s basically how humans pat each other on the back, which is a friendly or congratulatory gesture.

After Meal Cuddles

Does your dog come cuddle you after eating? Just like sleeping in your bed at night, this could be another sign of their love for you. After a meal, just like many humans, dogs want to take a good nap. And, they want to be near their favorite person when they do it.

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Actually this is an intense way for canines to express their adoration of their favorite human, you! Just a tip, if your dog tends to do this, watch what you feed them. You don’t want any gas passing while they’re cuddling up against you.

Why Your Dog Pants

No, panting doesn’t mean that your dog is out of breath or about to have a heart attack. Actually, this is the way that dogs cool off when they’re overheating. Because they aren’t able to sweat like humans, this is their own way of lowering their body temperature.

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If you see your dog panting, it’s a good time to give them water. Another reason for panting may be that your dog is trying to alleviate pain or stress. Most dogs pant on the reg, but it’s important to monitor this and make sure they have all their needs being met.

Eye Movements

In some aspects, dogs are very similar to humans in how they relay their emotions. Much like humans, they show a lot of their emotions in their eyes. When they’re sad or tired, they look down to the ground. When they’re excited, they open their eyes wide open and look around excitedly.

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When they want something, they’ll look at you and perhaps raise their eyebrows as if they’re asking you a question. For a lot of dogs, you can tell how they’re feeling by looking at their eyes rather than at their tail.

Why Your Puppy Bows

A dog bows for several reasons. The way that they bow is by lowering their heads and keeping their body erect. Most of the time, it is a sign that they want to play. They might add in a swinging of the hips or start wagging their tails in a wild and excited manner.

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This is the most common sign your dog will give you when they want to play. Dog trainers call this the “play bow.”

Walking In Circles Before Lying Down

Sometimes your dog may walk in circles before they lay down. If you’re wondering why they do this, it actually is a habit that perhaps their wolf ancestors passed down to them. Wolves do this before they lay down in order to flatten leaves or debris that have made their resting spot uncomfortable.

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While your dog probably doesn’t have any debris lying around their dog bed or kitchen floor, they seem to have retained this habit and it’s quite funny to watch them do it.

The Meaning Of Howling

Some people may try to quiet their dogs when they howl but there’s a reason for your dog doing this. This is a dog’s way of yelling. Just like yelling is a way for humans to release any angry feelings they have inside, dogs do the same thing by howling.

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Owners assume that dogs howl in order to assert their dominance but in reality they are doing so because it feels good for them to do it.

Hugging With Their Eyes

If your dog gives you puppy eyes, then this is a really good sign. Most dog owners think that puppy eyes are a sign that their dog is trying to get their attention by being cute. But actually, puppy eyes are a show of their affection for you and their way of hugging you.

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This adorable look of innocence is a sign that they adore you and are looking for you to hug or kiss them. If your dog looks straight into your eyes and  stares at you, you should be very happy because it shows that your dog is crazy about you!

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While you may think your dog is trying to yodel, this may be your dog trying to communicate with you. In fact, many owners swear that their dogs can speak to them.

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A writer for an animal journal comments about his dog’s 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.”

Eating Poop

If you currently have, or have ever had a dog, you surely saw him eating poop once or twice. Yes, it is extremely disgusting, but it’s not that uncommon. When a dog starts eating its own or other dogs’ feces (also called coprophagia), it usually comes down to one of two things; either it is a behavior that can be corrected through training, or it is a sign of malnutrition.

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The best thing to do is to take your dog to the vet if it starts doing this too often. If your vet rules out any nutrient deficiency or medical reason, then it’s time to go to a trainer to help your dog break the habit, because even if it’s not exactly dangerous, it’s still too gross to handle!

Chasing Their Tail

Surely you’ve seen your dog running around in circles and chasing its tail more than once. Tail-chasing is a common behavior in dogs, and while in most cases, it’s simply a sign of playfulness, you might want to keep an eye out if your dog starts doing this excessively. It might mean there’s a health or behavioral issue behind it; for example, if your dog chews at his tail when he catches it, then he might have skin allergies or anal glands that need to be emptied at the vet.

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If your dog starts chasing its tail all the time and in an obsessive manner, it may be a sign of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Yes, this affects animals, too. And while it is not very common, it does happen, so you’re better off checking with your vet, just to be on the safe side.

Licking People

Licking is a very common behavior for dogs, one they do for a variety of reasons, but the main one is undoubtedly to show affection. So yes, when your pup licks you its usually telling you “I love you”, or to seek out your attention. Also, you can taste pretty good to your dog; don’t forget we have nutrients and minerals in our skin.

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If the licking becomes too intense, training your dog to not do this can be done with basic training. The best way to go about this is to ignore your dog when it licks you and reward it with a treat when he stops. Oh and that myth about dog’s saliva being cleaner than humans’? Just a myth. But don’t worry, their bacteria are completely harmless unless it gets into an open wound.

When Dogs Hump

Humping is also a very common and natural behavior in dogs. And contrary to what most people may think, it is not always sexual in nature, or a dominance thing, for that matter. Dogs can hump other dogs, objects or people, and it’s usually a playful activity for them.

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Unless the other dog is bothered by the humping, there’s really no harm in them doing this. Objects, not really a problem unless it bothers the owner, and if the humping is with people, then you might want to break the habit for other peoples’ sakes.

Sniffing Other Dogs’ Butts

You’ve surely heard the line, “Can you imagine if people greeted each other like that?”, amongst your dog-owning friends when referring to dogs’ butt-sniffing. Well, there’s obviously a reason behind this; since a dog’s sense of smell is at least 10,000 better than a human’s, they use their nose to learn about the world around them.

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Dogs learn about each other by sniffing each others’ butts; they can learn about the other dog’s gender, reproductive status, temperament, diet, and more.

Dog Squinting or Blinking

Surely, you’ve been emotionally manipulated or just brought to a puddle of “awww” from the cuteness of seeing your dog with that slight squint, looking straight at you. When your dog squints or blinks, it usually means he’s looking to get your attention in order to spend some quality time with you.

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If your dog starts doing this often, maybe you’re spending too much time apart and you need to make some more time for your fluffy friend.

Open Mouth, Relaxed Tail and High Ears

Many people wonder when is the best time to approach a dog. Well, when you see one with an open mouth, a relaxed tail, and ears pointing straight up, that’s when.

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When a dog is like this, it means they are in a neutral and relaxed state and they feel safe in their current environment. So if you want to get some cuddles in, this might be a good time!

Straight Tail and Ears Forward

You’ve probably seen your dog like this many times; with his tail straight and his ears pointing forward. Just like you would assume, the ears are forward because they’re trying to get a closer listen to what’s going on.

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This behavior means something’s got your dog’s attention; they’re curious about something and are ready to go investigate. There is a new noise or smell in the environment that fascinates them.

Dead Dog Pose

The internet has been flooded bu cute and funny pictures of people’s dogs in the ‘dead bug’ pose. You know, when your dog basically looks like a dead bug, with its limbs sticking up in the air. But unlike a dead bug, your dog probably has a relaxed face, almost with a content little smirk.

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This is because when a dog is lying in this position, it means it is submissive and vulnerable and feels safe in its environment. Not all dogs can sleep like this, so when they do it usually means they are a bit more laid back and independent in character.

Sleeping on Their Side

Many dogs sleep on their sides when taking a nap, but they don’t usually stay in this position for long, not for an entire night’s sleep, at least. This is because lying on their side means that, in case of a sudden threat, it will take them longer to stand up and get in a defense position.

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So, if your dog sleeps like this or even naps like this, it most likely means they are a very happy and carefree dog, with complete trust in its ‘pack’.

The ‘Superman’ Pose

This is one of the cutest poses a dog can be in; the superman pose. Surely your dog has sometimes come back from a long walk or a run or some very energetic playtime with other dog buddies and has completely crashed, lying on its belly, limbs sprawled out on the floor. This basically means that your dog has finally reached the point of exhaustion.

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Puppies do this a lot, since it makes it easier for them to quickly pop back up into a standing position and go back to playing for another 10 hours!

The ‘Passed Out’ Pose

As opposed to the ‘dead bug’ pose, there is also another position that looks like your dog is passed out. But unlike the dead bug position, that means your dog is comfortable and in cloud nine, this pose may mean your dog is overheating and is quickly trying to cool off.

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So, how do you recognize this pose? If a dog’s paws are swung across its chest, it’s better to just leave them alone and let them get their rest! They’ll find a way to cool off alone!

The Belly Curl

This pose might look adorably cute, but it actually means that your dog is not getting a good night’s sleep when it lies like this. We call this “the belly curl”.

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The belly curl is when your dog sleeps on its belly with its paws underneath or out to the sides, and dogs can’t reach REM sleep because their muscles aren’t completely relaxed. Dogs with a more gentle and shy personality often sleep like this.

Curled Up Like a Fox

Another adorable position is when a dog completely curls up like a little fox. When your dog’s paws are underneath its body and the tail is wrapped around, reaching their face, this usually means they’re cold.

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They assume this position because it helps them keep in as much body heat as possible. So if you see your dog sleeping like this at home, just throw a little blankie on them.

Dogs Sleeping Back to Back

We’ve domesticated dogs so much that we often forget where they came from, and the fact that they’re ‘pack’ animals. We’re reminded by this every time we see two dogs getting along or exhibiting ‘pack’ behaviors around each other. For example, when they sleep back to back.

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Apart from being incredibly cute, this is something a dog will only do with another member of what they consider to be their ‘pack’, a dog they completely trust.

When Your Dog Brings You a Gift

Just like this adorable little french bulldog in the picture below, we’re sure your dog has brought you shoes, gifts, and, in less desirable situations, a dead animal, once or twice at least. If your dog does this, take it as the utmost sign of respect and reverence – they’re actually trying to make you happy by gifting you something! How cute is that?!

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Now you know, next time your dog struts proudly into the room with a dead animal in their mouth, just try and hide the grossed-out face and smile. Unless, of course, it’s the neighbor’s cat.

The Post-Bath Boost of Energy

Some dogs actually enjoy getting a bath, but it’s definitely the exception to the rule. Usually, dogs can’t wait to get out of the bath! When your dog starts running like a mad animal after getting a bath, this obviously means they’re not too fond of it.

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Dogs will also do this because being wet is an uncomfortable sensation to them, and they just want to dry off as quickly as possible and get their ‘smell’ back.

When Your Dog Stays By Your Side

If you’ve ever owned a dog (or had kids), it’s safe to say you know the term ‘invasion of privacy’ all too well. But just remember, whenever you get annoyed because your dog is invading your personal space, like following you to the toilet and just standing there, it just means they want to be close to you.

Kroonika.delfi/BOREDPANDA

Dogs are pack animals, and pack animals like to stay close to their pack!

When Your Dog Shows Empathy

Whenever you see your dog showing empathy, it means exactly that: they feel empathetic. Dogs can sense when there are ‘strange’ feelings in the air, especially when those feelings are anger or sadness. And when your dog senses you’re upset, they most likely will want to comfort you in any way they can.

Getty Images Photo by Deborah Pendell

If you’re feeling down and your dog is next to you, looking at you, licking you or just kindly resting his head or his paw on you, they are just simply letting you know that they are there for you. And this is why humans will never find a better, more loyal friend.

Dogs Eating Grass

Eating grass is a pretty common behavior in dogs. Unfortunately, this usually means that their diet is lacking a specific nutrient, or they are simply trying to digest their food better (grass helps with this since it is basically fiber).

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Also, it may be a sign of intestinal worms. Or, it may just mean it’s hot outside and they’re trying to stay hydrated by drinking any remaining water on the grass. In any case, if your dog starts doing this too often, it might be good to go for a vet check-up.

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