6 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Dog’s Behavior and What They Mean
You know your dog better than anyone else does – after all, they’re your best friend! But once in a while, everyone has that “huh?” moment when their pup does something so mysterious that they can’t even imagine what it means. In this article we’ll take a look at 6 dog behaviors you can’t quite figure out, and the secret meanings behind them.
- Yawning
Dogs, just like humans, sometimes yawn when they’re sleepy or bored. But if you catch your dog yawning at a time when his body doesn’t seem relaxed, it likely has a different meaning altogether.
What your dog is trying to tell you when he yawns:
“I feel anxious or stressed.”
A dog will most commonly yawn when it’s feeling uneasy or under a high level of stress. This could be while sitting in the vet’s waiting room, while interacting with a grabby child, or while being restrained.
In dog body language, yawning is known as a “calming signal” – a way of showing other dogs that he feels threatened but doesn’t plan to attack. It’s intended to calm other dogs around him so that the stressful situation doesn’t escalate.
- Exposing His Belly
It’s pretty darn cute when your dog rolls onto his back and exposes his belly. But what exactly does this gesture mean? That’s an easy one, you’re probably thinking. He wants his belly rubbed. But this isn’t necessarily the case.
What your dog is trying to tell you by exposing his belly:
“I submit.”
Dogs instinctively know to protect the more vulnerable parts of their bodies, and their belly is one of those areas. When your dog rolls onto his back and exposes his tummy, it means that he is being submissive. He’s telling you, “you’re the boss!”
There are 2 different reasons why your dog might be behaving submissively. He might be showing you that he completely trusts you, or he might feel threatened of you. If you see your dog licking his lips and tucking his tail while exposing his belly, that means he feels threatened and he doesn’t want his belly rubbed. Instead, sitting by your pup and speaking in a soft, soothing voice will help to build a sense of trust and safety.
- Barking at the Mail Carrier
Every morning the mail carrier comes by to deliver your mail, and your dog goes crazy barking. But why is it that your dog seems to hate that mail carrier with such a passion? There’s more to this behavior than it might seem.
What your dog is trying to tell you by barking at the mail carrier:
“I am protecting our home against intruders.”
To your furry friend, the mail carrier is a stranger who comes onto your property every single day. When your dog barks and the mail carrier leaves, your dog begins to associate that his barking is successfully scaring the intruder away.
For some dogs, their hatred against the mail carrier gets out of control, where they actually want to chase and hurt the delivery person. The best way to keep things from getting to this dangerous point is to shift your dog’s perspective. Try giving your mail carrier a few treats to offer every time he comes around.
- Turning in Circles Before Lying Down
It’s bedtime, and your dog is exhausted from playing all day. But even when he’s so worn out, your pup has to complete his nightly ritual of turning around in a circle two or three times before he lies down to rest.
What your dog is trying to tell you by turning in circles before lying down:
“This is how I make my bed.”
Your pup’s canine ancestors didn’t have comfortable dog beds or a cozy human bed to sleep in at night. In order to make a comfortable sleeping spot, they had to clear any prickles away, pat down the grass, and even dig up a few roots.
This inherited canine behavior can become overly obsessive, where your dog circles for an absurd amount of time before finally resting. This is a sign that your pup might be in pain, because he’s struggling to find a position that’s comfortable to lie in. Be sure to make an appointment with your vet to find out the underlying cause.
- Sneezing While Playing with Another Dog
Most dogs love nothing more than a good wrestling match with one of their doggy pals. Playing rough can be a little alarming for dog parents when they don’t know what signs to look for. Is your dog just playing, or really getting into a fight? It turns out, dogs get confused sometimes too.
What your dog is trying to say by sneezing during playtime with another dog:
“Hey, I’m just playing.”
Your dog makes purposeful sneezing sounds to tell his puppy playmate that he’s just playing, not actually trying to attack her. This allows the 2 dogs to have a great time playing rough without it erupting into a proper fight.
- “Shaking It Off”
It’s time to go for a walk, and before leaving the front door your dog always does a big shake of his body, similar to how he shakes off water after a bath. But why does your dog feel compelled to do that same shake before his walk each day?
What your dog is trying to tell you by “shaking it off”:
“Done with that, let’s move on.”
Dogs shake their bodies like this when they are transitioning from one activity to another. It’s almost like a way of resetting themselves before beginning a new activity. You’ll find that your dog will probably shake it off again when you take his leash off when you arrive home from the walk.
Another reason your pup might shake it off is when he’s a bit overwhelmed. When you’re teaching him a new trick, your dog will do a big shake when he’s had enough of learning for now. Give your furry friend a break from all the hard work and come back to the training later on.
Conclusion: Learning Your Dog’s Body Language Helps Build a Stronger Bond
Dogs aren’t able to speak to us in words, but their body language is a way of communicating with their owners. By learning the secret meanings behind your dog’s behavioral patterns, you can come to understand him better and grow a stronger bond with your best friend.