16 Every Day Dog Habits That Pet Owners Need To Understand

Do you ever wonder what your dog is thinking or why it is acting a certain way? Well, there are ways to figure out exactly what your dog’s behaviors mean! While you may never be able to actually speak “dog,” you can use these tips to decode what your pup is trying to tell you. Once you understand these common behaviors and what they mean, you will be better equipped to care for your pup. Both you and your dog will be happier when you can communicate better! See if these habits are familiar, and then, finally, learn what your dog is trying to say.

Tail Wagging

All dogs wag their tail, and all humans seem to think that this means a dog is happy. However, tail wagging isn’t always a sign of pure joy. When dogs wag their tail freely and loosely, yes, that means they are happy. But, if a dog has its tail rigid, stiff, and wagging in short motions, it may mean that it is scared or stressed. Learn the difference in the wag, and you will be able to better interpret your pup’s feelings! 

Pawing

When your dog starts using their paw to touch you, they simply want attention. A pawing dog probably wants to play, go outside, or be pet. Just as humans use their hands to reach out to others for attention, dogs use their paws! Make sure to keep your pup’s nails nice and short so you don’t get scratched by accident when your playful put is pawing at you! Pawing is not a bad behavior, just a way for your dog to get the attention they crave.

Barking

Barking can mean a lot of things, and it is important to learn your dog’s barking. Each one will be different and have different meanings! Dogs can bark to alert their owners to a potential threat, they may bark to get attention or sometimes bark if they want to play. Listen to the pitch, volume, and duration of your dog’s bark to help decode what it means. Eventually, you will learn to understand what your dog is trying to say when they start to bark. 

Head Tilt

Dogs often tilt their head to the side, which makes them look truly adorable. But there is also a reason behind the head tilt. Dogs have a keen sense of hearing, and tipping their head to one side can help them hear a sound better. Your dog is likely curious and trying to get more information about a sound or situation when they tilt their head. Tipping their ears in the direction of the sound helps them hear better, which makes logical sense. It also looks very cute.

Whining

Most dogs whine when something is wrong. A whimpering dog may be scared, afraid, or stressed, and they are trying to tell you that they need help. Sometimes, dogs may whine if they are sad or even hurt. Look at your dog’s accompanying body language to get the real picture behind the whine. It is not something a dog will do without a reason. You should be able to help them out! 

Digging

Digging is a deeply ingrained dog behavior that goes way back in a dog’s ancestral past. Dogs typically dig to hide food and toys, make a cool, comfortable place to lie down, and release anxiety. Digging is natural, so make sure your dog has a place to dig freely if they feel the urge to do so! They are not trying to be destructive but simply doing something they are born to do. 

Rolling Around

There are two reasons why a dog might start rolling around on the floor. First, they might just be trying to scratch an itch on their back. Rolling in the grass is a nice way to scratch that itch that they cannot reach otherwise. Second, they might be trying to play with you. A pup that puts its legs in the air and rolls around wants you to rub its belly and play. Take it as a sign that they trust you and think you are fun!

Making Circles

Have you ever wondered why your dog walks in circles before lying down? Well, they are just trying to flatten the ground and get comfortable. While it may look strange when your dog makes 15 small circles before finally lying down, it is just instinctual. Dogs used to live outside and would need to trample down the grass or dirt to make a cozy spot to lay. This habit never went away, which is why your dog still makes circles even on your flat, soft rug. 

Tail Tuck

When a dog pulls its tail in between its legs, it is a sign that it is scared, anxious, or submissive. Your dog is trying to make itself appear smaller and protect its delicate private parts. This action is a clear sign that your dog is nervous and wants to get out of a certain situation. Even if their tail is wagging slightly when down, it still means they are nervous. The tail between the legs only happens when a pup is not feeling safe. This is an important sign to know!

Zoomies

When your dog suddenly starts springing around the house, spinning in circles, and jumping around like crazy, it is a natural thing! This is just a way for a dog to release some energy and also express joy and excitement. You may often see your dog do this when you come home after a day or work or when you grab the leash to take your dog for a walk. They just get so excited! Zoomies are a happy behavior and not something that should be punished. Simply laugh at that silly pup who is so excited that they can’t even contain it! 

Curling Into A Ball

Dogs very often sleep in tight, small balls. They make their bodies as small as possible for a good reason. Dogs curl up to stay warm and protect their most vulnerable parts. Being in this curled-up position makes your dog feel safe and secure. You can compare this dog behavior to when you climb into bed under a big blanket. It just feels good! If you see them sleeping like this, it is just a sign that they are getting cozy. 

Panting

If your pup is panting, they are simply hot. Did you know that dogs cannot sweat? Instead, dogs pant to help regulate their body temperature. The intake of air helps them cool down, which is why dogs often pant after exercise or on very hot days. If you see your dog panting, consider grabbing them a big bowl of cold water to help them cool down even more.

Shaking Head

No, despite what it looks like, your dog is not disapproving of whatever you are doing. He’s trying to release tension. Many animals tend to shake their bodies after a fight with another animal to release stress. Even if your dog didn’t participate in a fight, he probably shakes his head to let go of build-up tension. Wouldn’t it be great if it was so easy for us too?

Showing Teeth

Is your dog often showing its teeth to you, other people, and pets? We have bad news for you. Dogs usually retract their lips and show their teeth when they want to assert their dominance. They are often aggressive in these moments, meaning you should be extra careful around them. Stay away if it’s not your dog but someone else’s dog showing its teeth.

Yawning

While a yawning dog may honestly just be a tired dog, excessive yawning may be a sign of something else. Yawning can be a sign of stress or anticipation. If your dog is anxiously waiting for a walk or anticipating their dinner, they may start to yawn. A dog may also yawn if they are nervous or scared. Yawns can be difficult to assess, but take in the whole situation, and you should be able to figure out what type of yawn your dog is doing.

Eating Grass

When your dog starts munching on grass, don’t panic—it’s actually pretty normal! Some dogs eat grass as a way to help with digestion. They may do this when they aren’t feeling well as a method to care for a queasy belly. Other pups might just love the taste or the crunch of the grass, and you can think of it as your pup’s version of a fresh salad! As long as they’re not overdoing it or eating chemically treated grass, it’s usually nothing to worry about.