Last year we wrote about the most misunderstood cat behaviors. Cats are often thought of as somewhat mysterious creatures, so even cat lovers admit they don’t always understand their furry friends.
Dogs, on the other hand, are usually more transparent. And many dog lovers would tell you they can decode all of their pet’s behaviors. That might be true! But… there might be a few things you think you understand but aren’t quite what they appear to be.
1. Tail Wagging
It’s pretty widely known that dogs wag their tails when they’re happy. While that is true, it’s important to pay a little closer attention to the position and movement of a dog’s tail before you jump to conclusions.
A tail raised high in the air usually signals attention; the tail between the legs means fear; and a tail that’s bristling (stiff tail with quick, small movements) can be a sign of stress or aggression. The happy wagging usually involves the whole tail, from the base to the end, and is often accompanied by a wiggling bottom too.
2. Raised Paw
We usually assume that a raised paw is a dog’s way of politely asking for a treat or a handshake. If the owner has trained a dog to do these things, then that’s the most likely story. But it could also be a sign of anxiety or stress. So before you get close and touch the dog, be sure to assess the situation and the rest of their body language.
3. Growling in Play
It would be normal to think that a dog’s growl spells trouble. But if they sometimes growl a bit during play, especially tug play, it often isn’t anything to worry about. Think of it like the way kids sometimes scream while playing – it may sound alarming, but it often doesn’t mean anything bad has happened.
Owners can learn to differentiate between a dog’s play growls and their threatening ones. That said, always exercise caution, especially when dealing with a dog you don’t know.
4. Humping
In young dogs that haven’t been fixed, humping is usually exactly what you think it is. But what about older dogs who aren’t intact? For owners, it can be embarrassing and troubling behavior. But it’s good to know that it isn’t always sexual.
In fact, it’s often just a sign of excitement. It can be normal when dogs are playing with each other, and there’s no reason to intervene if the dog on the receiving side isn’t bothered. If you know this is common for your dog, just keep a close eye when they’re meeting new dogs.
5. Eye Contact
You might think that a dog gazing into your eyes is a sign of love. It can be just that with its owner. But when meeting a new dog, it’s not a good idea to make direct or extended eye contact. This can be interpreted as a challenge to them. Take it slow and establish a good rapport before making eye contact.
6. Exposed Belly
It’s pretty darn cute when a dog rolls over, puts all 4 legs in the air, and exposes its soft belly. This is, indeed, often a sign that the dog trusts whoever is around enough to be vulnerable. However, they may also do this when they’re scared and trying to let another dog know they’re not a threat. If your pup does this around a new dog and also puts its tail between its legs, it could be a sign he’s not comfortable.
While dogs are generally easier to understand than their feline counterpart, they may still stump you sometimes. And the better you understand them, the better the pet owner and friend you can be.
