If you’ve ever wondered what your dog is trying to tell you, here’s what some of their most common behaviours mean.
Dogs see the world differently from humans, and they rely heavily on body language to communicate their emotions, needs, and intentions. Most of us can agree that dogs are special creatures that bring joy, loyalty, and unconditional love, making them cherished members of the family.
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Since they are expressive animals, learning to understanding these behaviors can help strengthen your bond. Here’s what some of their most common behaviours mean:
1. Raising Their Paws
When your dog raises its paw, it’s usually a sign that they want something. It could be food, playtime, or attention. This behaviour is commonly seen in puppies who instinctively raise their paws when they want to nurse or be cared for. If your dog does this, they may simply be seeking affection or trying to communicate a need.
2. Jumping on You
Dogs often jump on people when they’re excited, seeking attention, or trying to establish dominance. While this behaviour can be adorable in puppies, it can become problematic as they grow. If you’d like to discourage jumping, train them to sit before receiving attention to redirect their excitement.
3. Curling Up Like a Ball
If your dog curls up tightly with their paws tucked underneath and tail wrapped around, it likely means they’re trying to stay warm. This is a natural instinct, often seen in wild canines. If you notice this frequently, consider providing a blanket or a warmer sleeping area.
4. Eating Grass
While it may seem odd, dogs eating grass is fairly common. It can indicate several things: they might be trying to aid digestion, the dog probably lacks an important nutrient and is trying to supplement it by eating grass, or even rid themselves of intestinal worms. However, if your dog eats grass excessively, consult a vet to rule out any health concerns.
5. Running Around After a Bath
If your dog sprints wildly around the house after a bath, don’t worry, it’s a normal reaction. Many dogs dislike being wet and will run energetically to dry off faster and release pent-up energy. This behavior, often called "zoomies," is just a sign of post-bath relief.
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6. Standing on Hind Legs
Standing on their hind legs can mean different things depending on the context. If your dog does this while interacting with you, it’s usually a sign of affection, almost like a hug! When they do it around other dogs, it’s often an invitation to play.
7. Chewing Furniture and Other Objects
Chewing is common in puppies who are teething, but if an adult dog is constantly chewing on furniture or household items, it may be a sign of boredom or a lack of exercise. To prevent destructive chewing, provide chew toys and ensure they get enough physical and mental stimulation.
8. Sniffing Around
Dogs have noses that are great for so many things. While we human beings have 5 million different olfactory receptors, dogs have 220 million. As you can imagine, they are able to smell a thousand times better. When you spot a dog sniffing around, they have either sensed danger or something to eat.
9. Tucking Their Tail
A tucked tail is usually a sign of fear, anxiety, or submission. If your dog does this, they might be feeling uneasy about a situation. Comforting them with a calm voice and gentle petting can help reassure them and boost their confidence.
10. Exposing Their Belly
Believe it or not, when your dog decides to show you his belly, it just means he feels respectful and submissive towards you or that they really want to play with you. The best way to respond to such an action from your dog is by rubbing its belly. Your dog will feel good when you do this. However, they also do this when they have been attacked by another animal.
With this guide, you can pay attention to your dog's body language and behaviours, to help you better understand their needs.