Have you ever wondered what your dog is trying to tell you? Many pet owners struggle to decipher their canine’s cryptic communication. From tail wags to growls, our furry friends use complex language that’s easy to misinterpret.
In fact, a study by Edge Hill University found that a surprising number of dog owners misread their pet’s body language, leading to potentially dangerous situations.1 Here are 15 of the most commonly misunderstood dog behaviors.
1. Tail Wagging
Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy dog. The position and speed of the wag can convey different emotions. A high, stiff wag often indicates alertness or aggression, while a low, slow wag may signal insecurity or submission.
Pay attention to the rest of your dog’s body language to get a complete picture. A relaxed, wiggly wag accompanied by a soft face and open mouth usually means your pup is content and friendly.
But a bristled tail with quick, sharp movements could be a warning sign to give your dog some space.
2. Growling
Growling is often seen as a sign of aggression, but it’s actually a complex form of communication. Dogs may growl during play, when they’re feeling anxious, or when asserting boundaries.
Punishing a growl can backfire, as it teaches your dog to suppress warning signs before snapping or biting.
Instead of scolding, try to identify the trigger for the growl. Is your dog guarding a resource, like a toy or food bowl? Are they feeling threatened or overwhelmed?
Once you understand the root cause, you can work on positive reinforcement training to help your pup feel more secure and confident.
3. Yawning
Yawning is a common sign of stress or anxiety in dogs.
If your pup yawns during a tense situation, like a vet visit or meeting a new person, they may be trying to self-soothe and calm their nerves. Yawning can also be a way for dogs to defuse conflict and avoid confrontation.
Of course, dogs also yawn when they’re tired or bored, just like humans. Context is key when interpreting this behavior.
If your dog is relaxed and sleepy, a yawn probably means it’s time for a nap. But if they’re in a high-stress environment, it’s a cue to give them a break and some extra TLC.
4. Lip Licking
Lip licking is another stress signal that’s often misinterpreted as hunger or thirst. While dogs may lick their chops in anticipation of a tasty treat, excessive lip licking can indicate discomfort or anxiety.
You may notice this behavior during nail trims, car rides, or other stressful situations.
If your dog is frequently licking their lips, take a step back and assess their environment. Are there any potential stressors or triggers you can remove?
Providing a safe space, like a crate or quiet room, can help your pup feel more at ease. Positive reinforcement training can also build confidence and reduce anxiety over time.
5. Leaning & Body Pressure
Some dogs lean against their owners or apply body pressure during greetings or when seeking attention. While this behavior is often seen as a sign of affection, it can also be a subtle way for dogs to control their environment and assert dominance.
Leaning may make your dog feel more secure, but it can be uncomfortable or intimidating for people.
To discourage leaning, try stepping aside or redirecting your dog’s attention with a toy or treat. Reward them for keeping all four paws on the floor and respecting personal space.
With consistent training, your pup will learn more appropriate ways to show affection and seek comfort.
6. Mounting & Humping
Humping is a natural dog behavior that’s often misunderstood as purely sexual.
While intact males may mount other dogs as part of mating, neutered dogs of both sexes can also exhibit this behavior. Humping can be a sign of overexcitement, stress, or a bid for attention.
If your dog is humping inappropriately, try redirecting them with a toy or game. Teach an “off” command and reward them for keeping all four paws on the floor.
If the behavior persists, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist to rule out any underlying medical or psychological issues.
7. Raised Hackles
Raised hackles, or piloerections, are when the hair along a dog’s back and neck stands up.
This involuntary response is often interpreted as aggression, but it can also indicate fear, excitement, or arousal. Hackles can be raised during play, when a dog is startled, or when they feel threatened.
To determine the meaning behind raised hackles, look at the whole picture. Is your dog’s body stiff or relaxed? Are their ears forward or back? Is their tail wagging or tucked?
These contextual clues will help you better understand your pup’s emotional state and respond accordingly.
8. Panting
Panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate their body temperature, but it can also be a sign of stress, pain, or illness. Heavy panting accompanied by restlessness, trembling, or lethargy may indicate heat stroke, anxiety, or respiratory distress.
If your dog is panting excessively or abnormally, try to cool them down with fresh water and a shady spot.
If the panting persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away. Prompt treatment can prevent serious health complications.
9. Whale Eye
Whale eye, or half-moon eye, is when a dog shows the whites of their eyes while turning their head slightly away. This behavior is often a sign of discomfort, anxiety, or fear.
You may see whale eye when a dog is guarding a resource, feeling cornered, or being hugged or petted against their will.
If you notice your dog displaying whale eye, give them some space and remove any potential stressors. Avoid direct eye contact or looming over them, as this can be perceived as a threat.
Instead, use positive reinforcement to build trust and teach your pup that they have a choice in interactions.
10. Freezing
Freezing, or stillness, is a common sign of fear or anxiety in dogs. When a dog feels threatened or overwhelmed, they may become very still and stare intently at the perceived threat.
This behavior is often a precursor to fight or flight and can escalate to growling, snapping, or biting if the dog feels cornered.
If your dog freezes, do not force interaction or try to comfort them with physical touch. This can be seen as a challenge and may trigger a defensive reaction.
Instead, give your pup some space and time to assess the situation. If possible, remove the source of their fear and create a safe, quiet environment for them to relax.
11. Submissive Urination
Submissive urination is when a dog involuntarily urinates during greetings, interactions, or when feeling threatened. This behavior is most common in puppies and young dogs but can persist into adulthood if not addressed.
Submissive urination is often mistaken for a housetraining issue, but it’s actually a sign of anxiety or fear.
To help a dog with submissive urination, keep greetings low-key and avoid direct eye contact or looming over them. Reward confident, relaxed behavior and gradually desensitize them to triggering situations.
Clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent and prevent remarking. With patience and positive reinforcement, most dogs can overcome submissive urination.
12. Displacement Behaviors
Displacement behaviors are normal activities that occur out of context when a dog is feeling conflicted or stressed.
Common displacement behaviors include yawning, lip licking, sniffing, and shaking off as if wet. These behaviors serve as a coping mechanism and can diffuse tension in uncomfortable situations.
If you notice your dog engaging in displacement behaviors, take a step back and assess their environment. Are there any potential stressors or triggers you can remove?
Providing a safe space and positive reinforcement can help your pup feel more confident and secure. If the behaviors persist or seem excessive, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist for guidance.
13. Resource Guarding
Resource guarding is when a dog becomes defensive or aggressive when someone approaches their food, toys, or other valued items.
This behavior is often misinterpreted as dominance, but it’s actually rooted in insecurity and fear of losing access to important resources. Resource guarding can be directed towards people, other dogs, or both.
To prevent resource guarding, teach your dog to associate people approaching their resources with positive outcomes. Toss treats towards their bowl during mealtimes, and offer high-value trades for toys and chews.
Never punish growling or take items away by force, as this can escalate the behavior and erode trust. If resource guarding is severe or persists despite training, seek help from a professional.
14. Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a complex behavior disorder that affects many dogs. Common signs include destructive behavior, excessive vocalization, and inappropriate elimination when left alone.
Separation anxiety is often mistaken for disobedience or spite, but it’s actually a panic response triggered by the fear of being separated from their attachment figure.
Treating separation anxiety requires a comprehensive approach that includes gradual desensitization, counterconditioning, and management strategies. Crate training, puzzle toys, and calming aids can help some dogs cope with alone time.
However, severe cases may require medication and professional intervention. If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, consult a veterinary behaviorist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
15. Jumping Up
Jumping up is a common greeting behavior that many dogs exhibit when excited or seeking attention. While it may be cute in puppies, jumping can be annoying or even dangerous in adult dogs, especially for small children or elderly individuals.
Jumping is often inadvertently reinforced by pushing the dog away or giving them attention, even if it’s negative.
To discourage jumping, ignore the behavior and only give attention when all four paws are on the floor. Teach an incompatible behavior, like sitting or hand targeting, and reward your dog generously for compliance.
Manage the environment by using baby gates or tethers to prevent jumping during greetings, and educate visitors on how to interact appropriately with your dog.
Understanding your dog’s behavior is key to building a strong, trusting relationship. By learning to interpret their body language and respond appropriately, you can help your furry friend feel safe, secure, and loved.
Remember, every dog is an individual with unique needs and experiences. If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s behavior, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a professional trainer or behaviorist.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.