We’ve all felt the effect of those big, puppy dog eyes. When a dog looks up at you like this, you just want to give in and do whatever they want, giving them treats and playing with them all day long. Many dogs actually figure out that this look earns them more treats, so they can start to abuse their power a little and use it too often. In general, it’s a sign that your dog loves and trusts you.

Sometimes, you may notice that your dog clearly wants to do something or go somewhere, but instead, it will sit or lie down and look at you, as if it’s asking for your approval. This shows that your dog respects your position as leader of the pack and wants to make sure that you’re okay with whatever it wants to do before going ahead. A dog that behaves like this is usually very well trained.

Probably the worst habit of all that any dog can develop, eating poop is a major no no that should be trained out of your canine companion at the earliest opportunity. You don’t need to worry too much, as the poop won’t actually make your dog get sick or anything like that, but it’s definitely a disgusting habit. Dogs do this sometimes simply to clean up areas where they’re going to be eating actual food later on and some mama dogs will eat puppy poop to clean their babies.

Grass is a lot less gross than poop, but it’s actually less digestible for your dog! It can sometimes make them sick, so you’ll need to be careful if you spot your pup nibbling at the lawn and then heading into the house. Dogs do this for various reasons. It can be because they have intestinal worms or because their diet is lacking in certain nutrients.

Have you ever been sick or sad and noticed that your dog becomes more affectionate than normal? This is because your dog really does feel sympathy for you. They can read body language well and can easily tell when their owners aren’t quite themselves. They’ll cuddle up close to you and try to cheer you up in various ways, and this is how we know our dogs love us.

If the dog’s tail is wagging quickly but only making a narrow movement, rather than a wide one, the explanation is very different! This usually means that your dog is feeling a little nervous or even scared and would like to be comforted. Give your pup some cuddles and talk to them if they start behaving like this.

This one should be fairly obvious. If a dog is curling up very small or hunching over, it’s because they’re afraid. Dogs that do this are often those that have been abused or harmed in the past. They develop a habit of making themselves small to try and stay safe. These dogs need a lot of love and special care.

Some dogs like to sit on their owner’s feet. It’s a cute little habit, but it might have a worrying meaning. It can sometimes indicate that your dog is anxious and wants more reassurance from its owner. It can also simply be a way of the dog marking its territory.

If your dog is trying to get on or in your bed and snuggle up close to you, don’t worry. This can be a little annoying if you don’t want hairs or smells on the sheets, but it’s not a bad sign. It just shows that the dog wants to feel like part of your pack and be close to you as often as possible.

One of the least desirable dog habits of all, humping is an issue that many people have to deal with if they choose a male dog. Believe it or not, there’s usually nothing sexual about this at all. It’s merely a show of dominance, and you can catch dogs humping people and objects around the home. It’s the sort of habit you should probably train out of them though, as it can be quite awkward and embarrassing to deal with.

Yawning is actually something we have in common with dogs, so if you see your dog yawn, it’s probably for the same sort of reason you would yawn too. Your pup might be feeling a little sleepy, or they might be bored. They might also yawn in response to seeing someone else or another dog yawning near them.

Ever noticed your dog lifting just one of their paws and holding it in the air? This is usually because they’re focused on something that interests them, getting ready to reach out and touch it or play with it. Dogs raising a paw are usually in quite a playful or inquisitive mood, so this is a good moment to interact with them.

You can tell a lot about how a dog is thinking and feeling by the position of their ears. When the ears start to point forwards, this usually indicates that the dog is focusing on something immediately in front of it. It might be feeling curious or even afraid, but its attention is most definitely on whatever or whoever is in front of it.

This is one of the habits many dog owners don’t like to deal with! The precise reasons for digging can vary from dog to dog, and some breeds are much more prone to digging than others. In general, however, if your dog starts digging up your yard, it’s a sign that they’re feeling bored and lacking stimulation. You should probably play with them more or take them out on a walk.

Many people just see a dog’s tail wagging and assume that they’re happy, but this isn’t always the only explanation. Doggy tails can wag in a variety of ways, and it can be very helpful to learn the differences if you want to better understand your pet pup. If the tail is moving quite widely and quickly, this often means that the dog is feeling hyperactive and energetic, in need of walking, running, or playing to burn off all that energy.

If your dog is bouncing back and forth, almost like a rocking horse, it’s a good sign. It shows that they’re feeling very excited and happy. Whatever you’re doing to trigger this behavior, keep on doing it! It’s a great way to spend some of your dog’s energy and help them feel more satisfied and stimulated.

If your dog’s tongue is sticking out and it’s looking at your intently, don’t worry. Your pup hasn’t just decided that you look like a big, tasty steak. In fact, this is a good sign. It shows that the pup is feeling relaxed, calm, and content. Dogs often look like this after a play session or after having some cuddles.

If your pup narrowing their eyes or do they seem to be blinking a lot? It can sometimes be a sign of an eye problem, but most of the time, it just means that your pup wants more attention. It might be trying to tell you that you’ve been a little distant and not really shown it any love lately. If this is the case, grab a toy and spend some quality time with your furry friend!

One of the top reasons people love dogs so much is because they’re so friendly and affectionate, but there are cases when dogs can be a little too affectionate. We’re talking about those moments when your pup seems like he or she has been glued to your side and just never leaves you alone, even when you go to the bathroom! This behavior is quite adorable, even if it’s a little awkward. It’s a sign that your dog feels super close and connected to you. Never forget that dogs are pack animals and don’t really like to be alone.

If you notice that your dog seems to get a big burst of energy after having a bath, there is a reason behind it, and it’s not a great one. It usually means that your dog doesn’t like being bathed at all. When they start running around frantically after the bath, they’re feeling relieved to be out of there. They may also be trying to dry off more quickly by moving a lot.

This is a classic dog trait that we all find amusing, but it’s actually not a good sign if you see your dog chasing after their tail on a regular basis. It might mean that they’re feeling bored and having to play with their own tail just to give themselves something to do. It can also be a sign of fleas or other health issues, so if you spot your dog chasing its tail too often, it’s time to visit the vet.

Luckily, humans don’t communicate this way, but in the dog world, butt sniffing is a form of greeting. It’s effectively a way for dogs to say hi to each other, as well as learning more about the other dog, finding out if that dog is a boy or a girl. It’s not really bad behavior, but it can make for some awkward moments when you’re walking your dog and bump into other dog owners on the street.

Aw! How cute! When we see a dog tilting its head, we start to melt just a little bit. It’s one of the most adorable habits any dog can have, but you might be intrigued to learn the logic behind it. When dogs do this, they’re actually just trying to listen out for something and hear it a little better. Tilting the head allows their ears to receive more sound and help them figure out where a certain noise could be coming from.

Like many other habits on this list, a dog leaning against you is always cute, but you need to pay attention if this happens! Dogs usually do this to try and get your attention because they feel lonely, bored, and ignored. If your dog starts to lean on you, it’s time to give them lots of attention or even head out for a walk.

If you ever get home and see your pet pup sleeping in your bed, this is actually a sweet sign. It shows that your dog misses you when you’re away and wants to feel closer to you. They often head to the bed where they can smell you best and feel like you’re beside them. Plus, beds are pretty cozy and dogs love to find the most comfortable sleeping spots around the home.

This is one that many dog owners will recognize. You get home, open the door, and are greeted by a fast wagging tail and a leaping, licking dog who is crazily happy to see you. They almost act like you’ve been apart for years! Well, for the dog, just a few hours apart can feel a lot longer than it does for you. Don’t forget that when your dog is home alone, they don’t have much to do or anyone to keep them company. This is why they’re so thrilled to finally see you.

Dogs like to lick. Some people call this kissing and find it super cute, while others are grossed out about the idea of a dog licking their face or hands. Well, regardless of your views on the matter, a lick is always a good sign. It shows that the dog feels relaxed around you and likes you.

Sometimes, dogs will finish up their dinner and then rush over to you, eager to have some cuddles or curl up beside you. This is always a good sign and shows that the dog feels very happy and comfortable with you. Some owners even see it as a way of the dog saying “thank you” for the food.

Cats are known for giving their owners ‘gifts’ like dead mice and birds, but dogs can sometimes provide gifts too. They might bring dead animals or even just some random item from around the home. Either way, it’s a nice gesture and a way for the dog to try and make you happy.

If your dog is lying down or sitting with both paws raised, this can be seen as a sign that they’re begging for some treats or cuddles. It can also be a sign that they’re trying to focus on something.

It’s absolutely adorable when we see a couple of dogs sleeping in this position, with their backs to one another. Sometimes, dogs will do this with their owners as well. If your dog does this with you, it’s a sign that you have a very loyal friend! Dogs only do this when they really trust the other dog or person.

If a dog puts its paws beneath it and curls its tail around, almost covering the face, this is usually a sign that they’re feeling cold. Dogs use this position to try and keep warm, and we can see this out in the wild, where wolves and foxes sleep like this when the weather gets cold.

This is quite a rare position to see, and it’s not a good one either. If your dog is sleeping on their belly with their paws beneath them or splayed out at their sides, it means they’re not getting great sleep. This kind of position makes it difficult for the dog to fully relax and enjoy the benefits of sleep, so it could be a sign that they don’t feel totally safe and secure.

If your dog looks like it just lost consciousness and fell asleep on its back, this is a common sign that they’re feeling too hot. They lie in this odd position to try and cool off a little. Be sure to provide your dog with plenty of fresh drinking water to help them cool off and monitor the heating levels in your home.

If your dog is sprawled out with its paws outstretched like Superman mid-flight, they’re probably just very tired. A lot of younger dogs sleep this way after playing all day long, and it’s a sign that they’ve spent a lot of energy and need to relax and recuperate.

Just like people, dogs can have their own preferred sleeping positions. If you see a dog sleeping on its side, this is often a sign that they feel safe in the home and trust their owner completely. Dogs usually sleep this way when they take a little nap in the middle of the day.

Some dogs sleep in the ‘crazy legs’ or ‘dead bug’ pose. This is when they’re on their back, with limbs sticking up into the air, just like a dead bug. Once again, this is a nice sign as it shows that the dog is totally relaxed and at ease in the home.

A low or quiet growl is a warning sign. This means that your dog is feeling nervous or afraid and wants to be left alone. They may feel threatened and could lash out if you provoke them. Figure out what’s causing the growl and then stop doing it immediately to defuse the situation before it gets any worse.

Dogs often howl when they hear loud noises, even from far away. They might hear a train or a siren, or even another dog howling, and decide to howl back. This form of behavior is a little mysterious and experts aren’t sure what causes it, but it might be that the dog is annoyed or feeling uncomfortable due to the noise affecting their sensitive ears.

If your dog begins barking quietly and then gets gradually louder over time, it’s because they’re excited and ready to play. This is the perfect time to grab some toys and have some fun with your pup.

This one is pretty clear. If your dog or any other dog is snarling and has its teeth bared and ears back, it’s angry and ready for a fight. Be sure to stay away from dogs when they’re like this and don’t provoke them at all as you may get bitten.

The exact opposite of snarling! If your dog looks like they’re smiling, with the tongue hanging out and mouth open wide, it’s a great sign. This shows that they’re feeling totally happy and relaxed. It’s also really cute and you might want to grab your camera and snap some funny photos while you can.

If your dog’s tail is wagging a little more slowly than usual and their ears are pointed or facing forwards, it’s because they’re focused on something and want to learn more. It might be a smell or a sound that has captured their attention.

If you see your dog with its tail down and relaxed, but its ears pointing high and its mouth open, this is usually a sign that they’re pretty chilled out and just enjoying life. This is a good moment to approach a dog for some cuddles as it shows they don’t feel threatened or worried about anything.

If you spot your dog seeming to initiate a staring contest with you, it’s a sign that they love you. Dogs that stare up at you are completely loyal to you and dedicated to pleasing you. They’re looking to see how you feel, if you have any commands that need following, or if you’re going to do anything.

A dog that gets into this funny pose with their butt in the air and their tail wagging happily is in a very playful mood. Dogs usually do this when they’re playing fetch or some other game. It’s a sign that they’re having a good time and want to keep on playing.

A wide-eyed dog looking up at you like this one is in need of attention. Especially if they keep on staring, it means that they want you to pet them or play with them or show them some affection and care.

A dog that wrecks the place is a bored dog. If you get home and see that your pup has trashed the sofa, scratched the furniture, chewed up some of your possessions, or done something else that doesn’t make you happy, it’s all because they’re lonely and don’t like being apart from you. Separation anxiety is a major issue that many dogs face. They don’t like to be left alone, and this is why it’s so important for dog owners to think carefully before adopting a dog and make sure they have enough free time in their schedule to play with their pup.

A bad habit and a bad sign too! If your dog is dragging his butt along the floor like this, it can often be a sign of warms or other health problems. Sometimes, it’s just the dog’s way of cleaning itself, but it’s often a sign of something more serious and you should get your furry friend checked out with a vet to find out more.

When going for a drive, many dogs love to stick their heads out of the window and feel the wind in their fur. They do this to enjoy the fresh air, the smells that surround them, and the views. It’s basically just a way for them to have fun and enjoy the ride, so there’s no need to worry but you should still be careful your dog doesn’t lean too far.

Ever noticed a dog licking its lips? Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t mean that your pup is feeling hungry or thirsty. It’s actually more often a sign that the dog is feeling a little uncomfortable or stressed out.

If you see a dog shaking its head, it can mean a few different things. Dogs sometimes shake their heads when they feel relieved or freed from some stress. They can also shake their heads after they’ve been waiting for something and finally got it.

A panting dog is one that is feeling very hot. Dogs can’t sweat, so they pant to try and lower their body temperatures. This is the best way for them to cool off naturally, but if you see your dog panting, you can help out by putting on a fan or providing them with some cool water.

Dogs can make all kinds of sounds, from howling and barking to whining and whimpering. In the latter case, this usually means that the dog is feeling anxious or submissive. It can also indicate that the dog is in pain. If your dog keeps on whining extensively, they might be hurting or just feeling very lonely and need some comfort.

If a dog is sniffing the air, it’s because they’ve caught track of a scent and want to find out more about it. Dogs will usually be very quiet when they do this, as their natural hunting instincts kick in.

Ever noticed how dogs will sometimes go around and around in a circle before finally lying down? A lot of them do this and it can often just be a way for them to find the most comfortable spot. Sometimes, however, it can be a sign that they’re in physical pain and are trying to lie down in the best possible way to not feel any worse.

Dogs lick themselves all over in order to stay clean and healthy, as they can’t just hop in the shower each day like the rest of us. However, if you notice your dog licking its genitals very often, this may be a sign of an infection and could be a good reason to visit the vet and get a check-up.

A dog with a tail straight up in the air is usually feeling pretty confident or excited. This can also indicate a state of arousal upon meeting a dog of the opposite gender. If you see the straight tail start to shake a little, it might mean that the dog is alert and potentially unsure about another canine he or she just met.

If you see a dog with its tail between its legs, this is a clear sign that the canine in question is feeling scared, stressed, or nervous. Dogs usually do this when meeting more dominant animals or when they’re worried about being punished by an owner. This kind of behavior is more common in dogs that have been abused.

When your dog plays with their toys, you might notice them shaking the toys around quickly and violently from side to side. This is just a natural, instinctive part of a dog’s behavior. If your dog was out in the wild and had to catch and kill prey to survive, it would thrash them around like that to try and kill them more quickly.

The root cause behind biting really depends on the context, the age of the dog, and what kind of bite you’re talking about. If you’re getting nibbled by a little puppy during playtime, that’s okay and is just a typical part of the young dog learning how to interact with people. When older dogs bite, however, this can be a sign that they’re in pain, that you accidentally made them feel uncomfortable, or that they’re feeling fearful or even aggressive towards you. Repeated biting in older dogs should be trained out with the help of a professional.

If you spot a dog pressing its head against a wall or hard object, you need to act fast. This is often a sign of a very serious health issue, including brain disease and poisoning. Grab your dog and call the vet right away if this happens.

Many puppies and young dogs will pee around the home until they learn not to do so. That’s totally normal. However, if your dog is housetrained but suddenly starts peeing indoors, this can also be a sign of a health issue. The dog may have a urinary infection or be developing incontinence. In any case, it’s a sign for you to call the vet.

All dogs chew toys from time to time, but if your dog is chewing non-stop, it could be a sign of a problem. Many puppies chew lots to handle the pain as their teeth come through. Older dogs chew because they’re feeling bored, lonely, or having dental pain.

If your dog starts nudging at your hand with its snout, this is often a sign that it’s feeling hungry. However, owners should be careful about giving in and feeding their dogs whenever they do this, as the dog will soon learn that it can nudge you and get treats whenever it likes, which could lead to weight gain.

If a dog rolls over in front of you or by your feet, this shows that they trust you and consider you part of their family. It also shows that they’re in the mood for some belly rubs!

We sometimes see dogs moving their heads from side to side and staring right at something. Usually, when they do this, they’re looking at your hands because they think you might have some food or a treat to give them.

You might see trained dogs sitting down and raising a single paw into the air. This is usually a way of them asking for a treat or food of some kind.

If your dog places a paw on you briefly, it’s just trying to get your attention. Just like a regular human tap on the shoulder, this is one way in which dogs can say “Hey, notice me!” A dog that does this deserves lots of cuddles and attention.

If a dog is jumping up and down in the same spot, they really want your attention. This might be because they need to go out to pee or because they know that it’s almost time for a walk and are just excited to get outside.

If you see a dog flicking its ears around, this can be quite a funny sight. Many people think it’s a sign that the dog is uncomfortable or irritated, and this can sometimes be the case. Usually, however, it’s a sign that the dog has heard a noise and is trying to move its ears around to hear it better and find out where it is.

When the eyes of a dog are looking down at the ground and showing a lack of movement, it’s often a sign that the dog is feeling sad or lonely. If you see your dog looking like this, head over and give them some hugs to let them know how loved they are!

Many people look at doggy tails to see how their furry friends are feeling, but the eyes truly are the windows to the soul. When the eyes are low, the pup is sad. But when the eyes are active, darting around and looking at lots of things, this is often a sign that the dog is very happy and excited.

Earlier on, we saw that a regular doggy yawn at home usually means the pup is tired or simply saw someone else yawn. However, if you see a dog yawning multiple times in a public place, this may mean that they don’t feel very comfortable or at ease in this location and want to go home.

This is a common one that many dog owners encounter now and then. Sometimes, midway through a walk, your dog will suddenly just refuse to go on any further. This can result in you having to talk them into continuing or simply carrying them home! There are various reasons for this. Some dogs figure out that the walk might end soon and try to make it last longer. Others have heard or seen something that scared them. Sometimes, this can even be a sign of pain.