Dogs speak a complex language that humans often misinterpret, leading to frustration for both pets and their families.
Many behaviours we consider problematic actually serve important purposes in the canine world. Understanding what your furry friend is really trying to communicate can strengthen your bond and make training more effective.
These explanations are general and may not apply to every dog. Behaviour can vary by individual, and underlying medical or emotional issues may play a role. For concerns about your pet’s behaviour, seek advice from a qualified veterinarian or animal behaviourist.
1. Tail Wagging
A wagging tail doesn’t always signal a happy dog ready for belly rubs and treats. The position, speed, and direction of the wag tell the real story.
High, stiff wags often indicate alertness or potential aggression, while low, slow wags suggest uncertainty. Fast, loose wags with the whole body wiggling usually mean genuine excitement and joy.
Pay attention to your dog’s entire body language, not just the tail, to understand their true emotional state.
2. Chewing
Before you scold your dog for destroying your favourite shoes, consider why they’re chewing in the first place. Puppies chew to relieve teething pain, much like human babies.
Adult dogs often chew when they’re anxious, bored, or need mental stimulation. Some dogs chew to explore their environment and gather information about objects through taste and texture.
Providing appropriate chew toys and addressing underlying stress can redirect this natural behaviour positively.
3. Barking
Your dog’s barking isn’t just noise pollution designed to annoy the neighbours. Different barks communicate specific messages about what your pet is experiencing.
Alert barks are sharp and repetitive, warning of potential threats. Playful barks sound higher pitched and often accompany bouncing movements. Anxious barking tends to be continuous and may include whining.
Understanding these vocal patterns helps you respond appropriately to your dog’s needs rather than simply trying to quiet them.
4. Jumping Up
When your dog launches themselves at visitors, they’re not trying to establish dominance or misbehave. This behaviour stems from natural greeting rituals between dogs.
Puppies naturally jump up to lick their mother’s face, and adult dogs often greet each other face to face. Your dog is simply trying to get closer to human faces for proper hellos.
Teaching alternative greetings like sitting for attention redirects this enthusiastic but unwanted behaviour while respecting your dog’s social instincts.
5. Digging
Your beautifully landscaped garden might look like a construction zone after your dog’s digging session, but this behaviour serves important purposes. Wild dogs dig dens for shelter and safety.
Modern dogs dig to create cool spots in hot weather, bury treasures for later, or simply burn off excess energy. Some breeds have stronger digging instincts than others.
Creating designated digging areas with sand or loose soil can satisfy this natural urge while protecting your prized flower beds.
6. Licking
Those slobbery kisses might seem like pure affection, but dogs lick for numerous reasons beyond showing love. Licking releases endorphins that help dogs self-soothe during stressful situations.
Mother dogs lick puppies for cleaning and bonding, so adult dogs often lick to show care and submission. Excessive licking can indicate anxiety, boredom, or even medical issues.
Monitor your dog’s licking patterns to distinguish between normal affectionate behaviour and potential signs of underlying problems requiring attention.
7. Growling
A growling dog often gets labelled as aggressive, but growling is actually valuable communication that prevents more serious conflicts. Dogs growl to express discomfort, fear, or the need for space.
Punishing growling can be dangerous because it eliminates your dog’s warning system without addressing the underlying issue. Instead, respect the growl and identify what’s causing your dog’s distress.
Teaching dogs alternative ways to communicate their boundaries while addressing their concerns creates safer interactions for everyone involved.
8. Rolling In Smells
Your freshly bathed dog’s immediate dive into something smelly isn’t meant to spite your cleaning efforts. This behaviour connects to ancient survival instincts from their wild ancestors.
Rolling in strong scents might help dogs mask their own smell for hunting or communicate information to their pack. Some experts believe dogs simply enjoy certain odours that humans find revolting.
While frustrating for owners, this behaviour is completely normal and can be managed through training and environmental controls during walks.
9. Humping
Humping behaviour embarrasses many dog owners, especially when it happens in front of guests, but reproductive motivation isn’t always the cause. Dogs often hump when overstimulated, excited, or seeking attention.
Stress, anxiety, and lack of proper outlets for energy can trigger this behaviour. Some dogs hump as a way to initiate play or assert themselves in social situations.
Redirecting the behaviour with commands, providing adequate exercise, and managing exciting situations can help reduce unwanted humping without punishment or embarrassment.
