The Real Reason Your Dog Stands Like This – Hidden Meanings Behind Dog Behaviors
Lots of dog owners wish they could talk to their pets as easily as they do with friends or family. While dogs communicate clearly through wagging tails, barking, and bursts of playful energy, we still don't fully understand what’s on their minds. Luckily, many behaviors offer valuable clues about their feelings and intentions. Here are some typical dog actions that might be telling you more than you think!
The Sweet Reason Why Dogs Raise Their Paws at You
When your dog lifts its paws, it usually means they're asking for something or ready to play—a behavior especially common in puppies. For instance, a puppy might raise its paws to nudge its mother when it’s hungry.
So, if your young dog does this to you, it’s a clear sign they love you and are seeking your attention for some fun and playtime.
What It Means If Your Dogs Stares At You Before You Leave
Leaving your dog alone is always tough, especially when you see those sad eyes following you as you head out the door. But if your pup stays calm instead of panicking or barking, that's actually a positive sign—it shows they trust you.
Their quiet demeanor means that although they miss you, they’re confident you’ll come back. It’s their way of saying, "I don’t like this, but I believe you’ll return." That kind of trust reflects a strong, secure, and loving bond.
Rearing Up On Hind Legs
What's going on when your dog stands up on its hind legs like a little horse? It can mean a few things depending on the situation. If it’s just you and your furry friend, this behavior is often a way of showing affection—sometimes they just want to give you a hug!
But when this happens around other dogs, it usually signals playfulness. Dogs standing on their hind legs during play almost look like they’re wrestling. As long as there’s no growling or aggressive behavior, it’s all just fun and games.
Paw Slap
If another person slaps you, it's usually taken as a sign of anger or offense. But when a dog gives a slap, it doesn’t mean they’re upset with you. Instead, a dog’s slap often shows affection or is simply a way to get your attention.
When one dog slaps another, it’s a gesture of trust—kind of like a friendly pat on the back or a way to say "good job." It’s their way of bonding and showing friendship.
Getting Tackled Is a Sign of Affection
Being greeted by your dog's enthusiastic pounce the moment you step inside can sometimes be overwhelming—especially if they’re big or have sharp nails—but their excitement isn’t meant to annoy. More often, it’s simply their unrestrained joy spilling over.
For dogs, jumping up is how they show happiness and affection, much like a person who can’t help but jump up and down when they’re excited. It’s their way of saying, "I missed you so much!" So, while it might feel a bit hectic, it’s really just love in full swing.
Your Dog Might Not Actually Want to Play Fetch
When a dog drops a ball or toy at your feet, it's tempting to think they’re asking for a game of fetch—but that’s not always true. Sometimes, your furry friend is simply sharing something special with someone they care about: you.
Presenting a toy can be a heartfelt gesture of affection and trust, almost like saying, "Look at what I’ve got! Isn’t it wonderful? I want to share it with you." Instead of tossing it right away, pause to appreciate this sweet offering before turning it into playtime.
Yawning Doesn't Just Mean Your Pup Is Tired
Although yawning usually signals tiredness in many animals, it carries a slightly different meaning for dogs. When your dog yawns in your presence, it's actually a special moment—they’re showing that they feel safe and trust you.
In the wild, yawning often serves as a sign of submission. So, if you notice your dog yawning frequently throughout the day, it’s a clear sign they’re feeling completely calm and at ease around you.
Cuddles After Eating
Does your dog like to cuddle up with you after finishing their meal? Much like wanting to snooze in your bed, this behavior is a strong sign that you're one of their favorite people—or maybe even their very favorite! After eating, they often feel ready to relax and find comfort being close to you.
Here’s a handy tip: if your pup loves these cozy moments, keep an eye on their diet to avoid any unwanted odors later on!
Is Your Pet Licking Itself More Than Usual?
We all know dogs use their tongues to keep clean. If your pup gets into something messy, they'll likely try to tidy up by licking themselves. However, licking can also be a sign that your dog is in pain.
When a dog licks their legs or paws excessively—especially near the joints—it can be a sign of arthritis or other discomfort. If you notice your dog licking more than usual without any obvious cuts or injuries, it’s a good idea to have them checked by a vet to rule out pain or other issues.
What It Means When Your Dog Is Pacing Back and Forth
Dogs pace for many reasons—boredom, nervousness, or excitement—and much like people, pacing is their way of expressing these feelings. If your dog is circling around you, it's often a sign they want to play and are checking if you’re up for it.
When two excited or anxious dogs come together, it’s common to see them chasing each other. This doesn’t mean one is scared or trying to escape; it’s simply their way of playing.
Flicking Their Ears
If a dog is flicking its ears, it means that it is listening. This is true for almost all animals. When they hear an unfamiliar sound, they will flick their ears, in hopes of figuring out what the sound is that they're hearing.
So, if you ever catch your dog flicking its ears, maybe give her a second to listen before you distract her from the mystery. It's also super cute to watch.
Panting Helps Your Pup Cool Down
If your dog is panting heavily, it usually means they're overheating. Since dogs don't sweat like humans, panting is their way of cooling down. If they’re panting aggressively, it’s a sign they’re trying to regulate their temperature and could likely benefit from some water.
If the dog isn't overheated, they might be panting to relieve pain or stress. While panting is normal for most dogs, it’s important to monitor the situation based on the context.
Biting Doesn't Always Mean What You Think It Does
Most people aren't thrilled about being bitten by a dog. However, certain bites or nips, particularly from a dog you're familiar with, can actually be a sign of affection or an invitation to play.
If you observe dogs playing together, you’ll notice a lot of playful biting. In most cases, it’s all in good fun, with no aggression behind the behavior.
Why Your Dog Walks In Circles Before Lying Down
This is quite fascinating. Have you ever noticed your dog walking in circles before settling down? It's a behavior they likely inherited from their wolf ancestors. Wolves do this to flatten out any leaves or debris, making their resting spot more comfortable.
While there’s probably no debris on your dog’s bed or the kitchen floor, it’s still an amusing habit to watch them perform!
What Your Dog Is Really Saying When They Give You "Puppy Eyes"
Many folks think that when a dog flashes those big, soulful "puppy eyes," it's just a clever trick to get what they want—whether that’s a treat, attention, or a belly rub. But there's actually a much deeper meaning behind that look.
This tender expression is a genuine sign of love and emotional bonding. When a dog gazes at you with those soft, wide eyes, it’s their way of showing trust, affection, and a deep connection—like their own version of a hug or a kiss. So if your furry friend locks eyes with you like that, take it as a heartfelt compliment. It means they adore you—and you’re doing an amazing job as their human.
Your Dog Thinks Highly of You If They Sleep In Your Bed
If your dog chooses to sleep beside you instead of in their own bed or on the floor, it's a clear sign that you’re their favorite person. For dogs, sharing a sleeping space is about more than just comfort—it’s about closeness, trust, and a deep emotional bond.
When they curl up next to you at night, it means they feel safe and secure in your presence, even while they're at their most vulnerable. So, the next time your pup tries to snuggle into bed with you, take it as one of the highest compliments they can offer. Letting them join you won’t just make them feel happy—it’ll strengthen your bond even more.
Eye Movements
When it comes to dogs' moods, they are a lot like humans. You can tell so much just by looking at their eyes. If they're sad or tired, their eyes will hang low and your pup will look down at the ground. If they're excited, their eyes will be wide open and they'll be looking around everywhere
If they want something, they may look at you and raise their eyebrows as if asking you a question. For most dogs, looking at their eyes will tell you more than their tail will.
If Your Dog Leans On You, They're Basically Hugging You
Have you ever noticed your dog leaning on you whenever you're just lounging around? It might not even be all that noticeable, but we bet your pup has put their body weight against you more than a handful of times.
This doesn't mean that they're being lazy and can't stand on their own, they're actually hugging you. This is one of the ways they can connect physically with you and is something that they can initiate.
Yawning May Also Mean Your Dog Is Uncomfortable
While yawning around people a dog knows can mean that they feel very comfortable, constant yawning in public (or where a dog is not as comfortable) can mean something entirely different. When they are yawning in public, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're sleepy and that it's time to go home, it's a sign that your dog may be uncomfortable or anxious.
So keep an eye open, and if your dog is doing this in an unfamiliar place, it's probably because they're uncomfortable.
The Reason Your Pet Wants to Lie On Your Feet Is Adorable
If you have a dog, it's not uncommon to feel them lay right on top of your feet whether you're sitting on the couch or at the dinner table. Some people might find this annoying at times while others may think it's adorable.
However, the real meaning when a dog lays on your feet is to feel as close to you as possible and also as a sign of protection. In addition, the second they feel you get up, they'll happily get up to allow you to move.
Flicking Their Tongues Is a Way of Apologizing
Supposedly, after a dog knows that they've done something wrong and wants to apologize, they will approach you and flick their tongue out of their mouth as a sign of apology. This is basically them acknowledging that they knew they did something bad and they're sorry.
Typically, when a dog does this, they will also try to look as innocent as possible because they know that us humans are suckers for their adorable faces, even if they just peed on the floor.
Why Your Dog Chews On the Furniture
If your dog is constantly chewing on furniture, whether they're a puppy or not, means that they aren't getting enough exercise and don't know how else to get their energy out. Taking them for a walk might not solve all of your problems but it's a step in the right direction.
It's usually pretty clear when your dog isn't getting enough exercise, and this is one of the biggest signs. So, if you're tired of your dog destroying your furniture, helping them be more active should become a priority.
Tilting Their Head To The Side
Many people talk in a higher pitch when speaking to their dogs. When you're talking to your dog in your "doggie voice," sometimes they will tilt their head to the side like they're trying to listen to what you're saying.
While this may be true, it doesn't mean they're responding differently because of your change in voice. What they're really trying to do is pick out certain words like "treat," "walk," or "outside."
What It Means When Your Dog Is Howling Away
While some people may find a dog's howling to be particularly annoying, they aren't just doing it to irritate you. Much like how it feels good to humans to yell or cry, howling feels the same way for dogs. It's a release of sorts and helps them get rid of any internal feelings they may have inside.
While most people assume that dogs howl like wolves in order to assert their dominance, they're really doing it because it feels good to do!
Following You Into The Bathroom
If your dog follows you into the bathroom, don't worry... it's normal behavior. Dogs are curious creatures and want to know what it is you're doing in there. Dogs also don't have the need for "alone time" or privacy like humans do.
If this behavior is bothersome to you, the easiest solution is to keep the door closed while you're doing your business. Be sure to greet your pup when you come out and thank him for his patience.
Barking Can Mean Different Things
A dog's bark can mean numerous things depending on the situation, how they bark, and what they're barking at. if a dog is barking particularly loudly and rapidly, they may be showing aggression or could be sensing danger and are trying to alert you.
If a dog is doing short and soft barks it can mean that they wants to play and are excited. However, if you hear a dog yelp loudly, it most likely means that they're in pain.
Wrinkling Of The Muzzle
Unfortunately, not all dog behaviors mean that they're happy and want to be friendly. When a dog wrinkles their muzzle, that is most likely a sign of aggression. If they go a step further to show their teeth and even snarl, you should take that as a warning to stop whatever you're doing that is getting them worked up or remove yourself from the situation.
Actions like these mean that the dog is ready to attack at any time.
Sniffing The Air
When a dog is sniffing the air, it's most likely because they sense danger or because they are trying to track the danger or prey. When a dog is sniffing the air, they usually remain completely still and never bark or growl. They do this to so they won't be seen by their prey.
Dogs will also usually sniff other dogs or people in order to test the waters.
Exposing Their Belly Means They Respect You
if a dog exposes their belly to you, it can mean that they respect you and are being submissive to you, or that they want to play around. If you like it when your dog does this, you can encourage the behavior by rubbing their belly.
If you do this, they'll learn that they are most likely going to get a nice pet every time. Sadly, a dog might also roll onto its back if it's being attacked by another animal.
Dogs Dig Up the Yard Out of Instinct
If you notice your dog has been digging, you shouldn't worry about this behavior — although you might want to be concerned about your lawn! Dogs dig to either hide or uncover their valuables, whether it is a toy, bone, or anything that they want for safe keeping.
More feral dogs dig holes in order to find prey in underground tunnel systems, or to lay their dead young in a safe place to rest. Without proper training, it's likely that your dog will continue to dig out of instinct.
Bowing Means Your Pup Wants to Play
A dog bows by keeping the back of their body erect, while lowering their head and putting it towards the ground. When a dog does, this, the majority of the time it means that they are in the mood to play. They can emphasize this desire by swinging their hips or wagging their tail wildly.
There's not a more clear behavior that your dog wants to have some fun than this. In the dog training community, this behavior is known as the "play bow."
Stretching
For dogs, stretching doesn't always mean that they just woke up for a nap, or are trying to get limber before playtime. Stretching is a sign of affection and love towards somebody. When you walk through the door and your dog is stretching when they see you, it's not because they were sleeping.
They are excited to see you and these kinds of stretches usually look similar to the play bow. So, if you see your dog stretching, go give them some love in return.
Straightened Tail
When a dog's tail is sticking straight up it can mean that they are confident, aroused, or excited. Some dogs display this behavior when they meet other dogs or animals. If their tail is upright and slightly shaking, it means that they are expecting a challenge.
When a dog is content, happy, or relaxed, the tail tends to be more level with the body. however, if their tail is low or between their legs it could mean they are insecure.
A Dog's Tail Can Say Almost As Much As Their Eyes
Although most people already know, when a dog is wagging their tail, it typically means that they are excited and extremely happy. However, if they are holding their tail down while still wagging it, that means that they are showing submissiveness. This can also mean that they are confused, sad, or even unwell.
When the tail is up and wagging back and forth, it usually means they are ready to play and are very alert. However, if the tail is held in a more upright position it can be a sign of impending aggression.
That Side-Tongue Could Be Telling You Something
It's completely adorable when our pups have their tongues hanging out of the side of their mouths. But does that funny-looking tongue have an underlying meaning? Yes, it does! When a dog has its tongue hanging off to one side, it usually means that it's very relaxed and happy. That's why you probably see this behavior after fun and relaxing activities like a walk or game of fetch.
However, if your dog's tongue hangs out of its mouth all the time it could be a sign of trouble. This usually happens with breeds with "smushed" noses like boxers or bulldogs. If you notice anything unusual about your dog's tongue then take her to see the vet ASAP.
Yowling Or Otherwise Speaking
No, your dog isn't trying to yodel when she makes that amusing "yeow" sound. But she might be making an attempt to communicate with you. Many pet owners swear that their dogs are able to speak.
One contributor to Whole Dog Journal shared this about their pup's speaking habits. “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.”
Playing Wiggle Worm
Oh, how happy a dog looks when it's wiggling around on its back! When a dog really gets into a good wiggle, it will kick all its legs up in the air while squirming around on its back. This action is just as joyous to a dog as you might guess it is – most of the time.
If your dog seems to be engaging in excessive wiggling behavior or if it’s focusing the movement all on one particular body part, it could be trying to reach an itch or other irritation. And in some cases it might be trying to get your attention. Why don’t you get down on the floor with her and play for a few minutes?
