4 Common Dog Behaviors and What They Mean, According to Experts
No two dogs are alike, but nearly every pup displays a few common behaviors. As an owner, you're likely used to your four-legged friend licking your hand or wagging your tail, but you might not know the reason behind your pet's actions. Because your dog can't speak to you (now wouldn't that be great?), your pup might be trying to tell you something by displaying some of these common habits.
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Here, experts reveal a few possibilities of what your dog is trying to tell you. Of course, you know your pet better than anyone, so be sure to consider the situation you're in (for example, if it's slightly stressful or completely relaxed) the next time they display one of these behaviors.
1. When Your Dog Yawns
Although yawning can indicate fatigue, it can also be a sign of stress, especially if they're in an unfamiliar setting. “A yawn serves a physiological function. As soon a dog opens their mouth, it gives them extra oxygen in case they need to run or move quickly,” says Nicholas Dodman, B.V.M.S., research coordinator for the Center for Canine Behavior Studies in Salisbury, Connecticut. If you see your dog yawning, especially if they do it several times in a row and are licking their lips, try calming them by talking to them, petting them, or removing them from the situation.
2. When Your Dog Wags Their Tail
Wagging can mean your dog is excited or happy; it can also signal fear or mistrust. One way to decode a wag: Look at the direction, Dodman says. If the wag swings more to the dog's right, it reflects happiness. More to the left communicates negative emotions as fear or feeling threatened. Speed and position are also clues. A slow wag, especially if the dog has its head down and is blinking or looking side to side, can indicate submission. A tail pointed straight up reflects confidence; a tail tucked under says I'm afraid.
3. When Your Dog Tilts Their Head
They're trying to identify what a sound is and where it's coming from. When the dog tilts their head, sound reaches each ear at different times. A head tilt can also mean the dog is trying to tell the difference between familiar phrases like "Go for a ride" and "Go for a walk."
4. When Your Dog Licks You
Licking is a sign of affection, but it can also be a request for distance. "The dog probably wants to interact but is saying Go slower," says Carlo Siracusa, D.V.M., Ph.D., associate professor of clinical animal behavior at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. For example, if a dog licks you tentatively when you hug them, they're probably thinking, Hey, easy there.
