Dogs obviously canโt talk, so they often have to find other ways to communicate what it is that they want or need. Some of their actions can seem a bit strange (like following you into the bathroom) but there is a chance that there is actually a good reason for that. If youโre curious about some of your dogโs strange behaviors, keep reading!


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Animal Channel
1. Straight pointed tail, forward ears
If your dog is standing in this position, it could mean that they are feeling curious about something in their environment. He is basically playing detective. It could mean that he smells or hears something interesting, with those super strong senses!


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Animal Channel
2. Low growl
If your dog has a low growl, sort of under their breath, this means that they were feeling threatened. It could also mean that they are about to pounce or make an attack, so be wary and think twice before approaching them.


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Animal Channel
3. Awaiting your approval
Most dogs are pretty obedient. They understand that you are in charge and they donโt ever want to upset you. So next time you catch your dog looking at you before they are about to do something, that means they are seeking your approval.


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Flickr
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4. Howling
If a dog is howling, it is usually when something really annoying is happening (like a loud siren or another high-pitched sound). It is unclear whether they are howling because they are annoyed or because it is hurting their ears. Either way though, itโs a whole lot of annoying!


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Animal Channel
5. Superman
If your dog is sleeping on their stomach with their legs out, also known as superman position, this most likely means that you are dealing with a super energetic pup who has finally crashed. A lot of puppies do this. It makes it so that they are able to spring up and play when they are ready again!


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Animal Channel
6. Puppy dog eyes
We can all agree that when a dog gives you puppy eyes, it is the cutest thing ever. Many people reward this action with a treat when really, it is just your pup telling you that they love and trust you. Sure, itโs an added bonus that they get a treat out of it, but they are really just being genuinely loving toward you.


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Animal Channel
7. Passed out
If your pup is completely passed out on their back, with their limbs hanging all over the place, this could mean that they are overheating. Their two front paws could also be draped over their chest โ if they are, that means that they are really passed out and do not want to be disturbed.


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Animal Channel
8. Open mouth, relaxed tail, high ears
This could seem like a bit of a mixed signal, with both the relaxed tail and high ears. It really just means that your dog feels relaxed and secure, though. They are neutral. If you are ever unsure when a good time to approach a dog is, now is a good time.


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Animal Channel
9. Crazy legs/dead bug
If itโs nap time for your pup and they are sleeping with their legs wide open (like a dead bug) this means they are very comfortable and vulnerable. It means that they feel safe and not threatened. If you find your dog sleeping like this, it means they feel safe in your home or wherever you are!


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Animal Channel
10. Rising bark
Good news for you! If your dog has a bark that starts low and then gets higher at the end, that means that they are trying to play. This is their way of getting excited and trying to engage you. Time for a game!


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Animal Channel
11. Side sleeper
This is a pretty common sleeping position for dogs, although they donโt typically stay in it for long. If your dog is sleeping on their side, it probably means that they are feeling happy. It also usually means that they have tight bonds in their โpack.โ


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Animal Channel
12. Squinting
Squinting, or the blinking of the eyes, is a common dog behavior. It pretty much means that your dog wants attention from you and wants to spend some quality time together. If you havenโt already, make some room to spend some time with them each day โ it is so important.


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Flickr
13. Belly curl
If your dog is sleeping on their back with their paws underneath them or out to their sides, this could mean that your dog is not getting good quality sleep. This position makes it hard for their muscles to relax, which makes it hard for them to reach REM. Dogs that are gentle and shy also tend to sleep like this.


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Animal Channel
14. The โFoxโ
If your dogโs tail is wrapped in front of their face and their paws are underneath them, this could mean that they are cold. This position allows them to keep in a lot of heat (you can find wolves sleeping like this as well). If your dog is not cold, it can mean that they are actually feeling nervous or apprehensive.


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Animal Channel
15. Back to back
Have you ever seen two pups sleeping back to back? If so, then you already know it is the cutest thing ever. The best part is that they donโt only do this with dogs, but their owners as well. Itโs a sign that they trust you and look at you as part of the pack.


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Flickr
16. Loose floppy tongue
If the tongue is hanging out their mouth and itโs all loose and floppy, you can panic and start to think that something is wrong. But rest assured, this is perfectly normal! It simply means that youโre dog is feeling very chilled out and relaxed.


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Animal Channel
17. Wave your paws in the airโฆ
โฆLike you just donโt care. No but seriously, if you see your dog either sitting or standing, with their paws up in the air, that means that they really care. It means that they are trying to concentrate on something.


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Animal Channel
18. Bare teeth, ears back and snarling
This is a very threatening pose. Be weary when approaching, because it can mean that your dog is about to bite. It may seem pretty obvious, but it canโt hurt to remember exactly what an aggressive dog looks like. Even if they are mad at something else, not you, they still might take it out on you, so be careful.


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Animal Channel
19. Gift giver
If your dog is bringing you gifts, it means they are trying to show you that they care about you. Sure, maybe the gift is a dead animal or your own shoe, but they donโt know any better. They are trying to make you feel happy and maybe cheer you up, so say thanks even if youโre grossed out!


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Animal Channel
20. Getting excited when youโre home
Dogs can sometimes have the tendency to go crazy when their owners get home. This is because, well, they missed you and are obviously excited. The wilder they are, the more excited. If they could talk, they would basically be screaming, โIโm so excited to see you!โ


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Animal Channel
21. Post dinner cuddles
If your pup is trying to snuggle up with you after a meal, it most likely means that they love you and are, well, trying to cuddle. It can also mean that they are content and satisfied.


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Animal Channel
22. Sleeping in your bed
They sleep in your bed because, yes, it is comfortable. However, they also do it because they want to feel as close to you as possible. Your scent is all over the bed and they can sense it. That is also why you will sometimes find them in your bed when you come home after being gone for a while.


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Animal Channel
23. Licking
If your dog keeps trying to lick your face, that means they are submissive. At the same time it can also mean that licking your face is helping them relieve some stress. Some people are super grossed out by this, but it makes your dog happy! Plus, whatโs wrong with a little affection?


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Animal Channel
24. Staring
If you sometimes catch your dog staring at you, that is very common. It simply means that they want your love and affection, so go on and give them some attention! Even low maintenance dogs need a little bit of loving. This is their way of telling you that.


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Wikimedia
25. Chasing their tail
Weโve definitely all seen a dog chase its tail before, assuming its tail is long enough, of course. They always try to chase it, but they never actually catch it (probably for the best). Younger pups do this because they donโt realize the tail is already theirs. Older dogs do this when they are feeling rest, bored, or stuck in a small space.


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Pet Insurance U
26. Post bath feelings
Dogs tend to have a certain โenergyโ after they take a bath, and that is completely normal. If your dog tends to run around and get wild after a bath, it probably means that they are relieved it is over. It also means that they are trying to dry off and hates being wet.


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Flickr
27. Tongue out
Is your dog staring at you with their tongue out of their mouth? Yeah, totally normal. This typically means they are feeling happy, relaxed, and mellow!


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Flickr
28. Leaning
If your dog is leaning on you, this could mean that they need some attention. They probably feel neglected and are in need of some love. Give that dog love ASAP!


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Animal Channel
29. Butt sniffing
We have all seen a dog sniff another dogโs butt before and that is because it is extremely common. This is the equivalent of a human handshake. Essentially, they are saying, โHey, whatโs up, how are you?โ to the other pup. They also use this as a way to get to know the other dog better.


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Flickr
30. Head tilt
We have all seen a dog tilt their head before. To us, itโs just the cutest thing ever, but there is actually a purpose for it. When they do this, they are adjusting their outer ear so that they can hear something โ you or a noise โ better. They are trying their best to be attentive!


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Shareably
31. Staying by your side
You knowโฆ Even when you are on the toilet, sometimes they still follow you around everywhere. If they are staying close and coming off as needy, it simply means they see you as part of their โpack.โ They are attached to you!


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Animal Channel
32. Trashing the couch
If you come home to find the couch completely trashed, it is very frustrating. That is understandable. What it means though, is that your dog had separation anxiety while you were gone. To lessen the blow, take your dog for a walk before you leave to help them get their energy out. They should eventually grow out of it.


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Animal Channel
33. Intense eye contact
If your dog has eyes for you and only you, it could mean that you are the only thing on their mind at that moment. You are the center of attention in their mind. They are paying special attention to your expressions and what you could possibly want from them.


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Animal Channel
34. Low front, mouth open and wagging tail
This specific stance typically means that your dog is having a lot of fun. They will usually do this when they are playing, so you can tell that they are enjoying themselves. Itโs almost as if they are bowing to say thank you.


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Animal Channel
35. Rocking horse
By rocking horse, we mean that your dog literally looks like a rocking horse. They are swaying back and forth from front to back. This motion usually means that they are having a lot of fun and they are enjoying themselves!


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Animal Channel
36. Showing empathy
Believe it or not, dogs can absolutely show empathy. Dogs can read our body language so they can tell when we are upset and want to do whatever they can to comfort us. Thatโs why when weโre sad they might lick us or try to cuddle with us. They want to be there for you.


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Animal Channel
37. Eating grass
This isnโt just a thing that cows or rabbits do! If you catch your dog doing this, know that it is normal. However, it means that they probably have a nutrient deficiency or they are trying to improve their digestion. Worst case scenario, they are trying to treat intestinal worms. It could also just mean that they are dehydrated, especially if it is hot.


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Dogster
38. Eating poop
Itโs not a pleasant thing to witness, but it happens and it is perfectly normal, especially when your dog is young. This is their way of trying to keep their territory clean. They also might eat other dogsโ poop because they donโt want to poop where they eat. Mother dogs also eat their babiesโ poop to keep them โclean.โ


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Youtube
39. Butt scoot
This is a funny thing to witnessโฆ Until they do it on your carpet. Ha! It could simply mean that their butt is dirty and they are trying to clean it. It can also mean that they have an anal gland problem or worms, so definitely keep an eye on it if they are doing it frequently.
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40. Hanging out a car window
This is something we see in movies or photos. It looks so fun and lovable, we even try to do it ourselves sometimes! When dogs do it, it means they are enjoying themselves and taking in all of the scents. So many delicious scents!


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Barf World
41. Humping
Unfortunately, this is another very common thing! Kind of like eating their own poop and rubbing their butts on the carpet, itโs not one of the more likable dog traits. Thereโs actually nothing sexual about it though, they are just trying to assert their dominance.


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Dog Splendor
42. Taking over your bed
If you are in bed with your significant other, this might make your dog feel more like you are all one โpack,โ and they will want to join. They want to feel close to you. It might be annoying but they really just want to be surrounded!


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Animal Channel
43. Sitting on your feet
If your dog sits on your feet, this might mean that they are feeling insecure. This is their way of trying to reinforce the idea that you love them. Basically, they are marking their territory!


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Animal Channel
44. Hunched over
This is usually the behavior of a dog who has been abused or neglected. By hunching over, they are trying to make themselves smaller and less noticeable. If you see a dog acting like this, you want to make sure that you are extra kind and gentle with them.


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Animal Channel
45. Fast tail
Sometimes dogsโ tails wag very fast, with a short range of motion. If this is the case, it could mean that your dog is feeling anxious and nervous. Try to comfort them in any way that you can.


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Animal Channel
46. Wide range of motion
Thereโs that, and then sometimes they wag their tail quickly but with a wide range of motion. This means they probably have a lot of energy to burn. Take them out for some exercise or maybe toss a toy around with them!


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Animal Channel
47. Digging
Another very common dog behavior! Itโs actually a sign of boredom. So if you donโt want random holes all over your backyard, try taking your dog out for a walk or a run โ any kind of exercise that will help them get that โbored energyโ out of their system.


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Animal Channel
48. Forward ears
If a dogโs ears are pointing straight and forward, that means that they are focused on something directly in front of them. They can be feeling a range of emotions: curiosity, fear, excitement, etc. Whatever it is, they are definitely paying attention.


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Animal Channel
49. Raising one paw
Sometimes dogs just want to raise a single paw, and this is because something is peeking their interest. They are feeling curious. This could also mean that they are in a playful mood and want to do something. It can also mean that they are hungry.


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Flickr
50. Yawning
Dogs actually yawn for the same reason that we do. It means that they are tired or bored. They can even โcatchโ a yawn from us, the same way that we โcatchโ yawns from other people!


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Animal Channel
Do you have a better understanding of your dog now? We sure do!
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