What is Your Dog’s Behavior Telling You?
For centuries, dogs have been a popular companion, and for a good reason, they are loyal, relieve stress, and offer unconditional love to their human companions. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that 54 million U.S. households have at least one dog as a pet. While dogs are a beloved addition to many families, they can often be complicated, and the dog’s behaviors can be challenging to understand. Sadly, as a result, some dogs are misunderstood, improperly cared for, and sent to be put up for adoption or euthanized.
Taking the time to decipher your dog’s behavior can strengthen your bond and keep him or her the happy and loyal friend you know and love.
Why Does My Dog Pant?
On a hot day or after you’ve taken your dog on a walk, you may notice that your dog is panting loudly and heavily. In most cases, your dog is panting to regulate his or her body temperature. However, in some circumstances, dogs may pant to cope with pain, when anxious, stressed, or are afraid. Assess the environment and try to determine why your dog may be panting. If he or she seems worried or stressed, try to make him, or her, feel more relaxed.
Related:
Understanding the Body Language of German Shepherds
My Dog is Destructive!
Does your dog seem content during the weekend, but destroy household items during the workweek? Your destructive dog is trying to tell you something. It’s not that he or she disrespects your personal belongings, but rather is vying for your attention. Dogs left alone during the day, or that get little attention are likely to destroy out of boredom or loneliness. Adjusting your schedule to make up for your dog’s alone time may fix the issue.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
It’s natural for dogs to bark and sometimes, a bark from a strange dog may even be unsettling. Barking is a dog’s way of communicating, and sometimes the message may be as transparent as “Someone is at the door” or something more complex such as boredom, fear, or confusion. Rather than yelling at your dog, which he or she may see as your “bark”, try to get to the bottom of the bark and make proper changes in the household.
See also: “Pet Behavior Problems” by PetCube.com
My Dog is a Digger
Some dogs dig, others do not. If your dog digs holes in the yard or under the fence, it may be an annoying mess and may even make you look twice before you twist your ankle in a freshly dug hole, but it’s an instinctual thing. Since the beginning of time, dogs have dug to hide food, uncover food, or look for small rodents. Don’t take your dog’s digging personal.
Help! My Dog Bites
Just like barking, a dog may bite a person as a way of communicating, and despite the thought that all bites reflect an aggressive dog, some dogs bite out of fear or if they feel threatened. While there’s little reason to excuse a biting dog, it’s crucial to determine why he or she may bite and try to curb the behavior. According to Scott C. Gottlieb, Binghamton injury lawyer, when a dog bites, depending on where you live, the owner can be held liable. While your dog may have acted out to protect him or herself, a dog bite can be serious and even fatal; therefore, it’s essential to understand your dog’s behavior and learn to change a situation before he or she acts out and bites.
—————————————————————
“What Your Dogs Behavior is Telling You” was written by Matt Rhoney
Matt Rhoney is an avid reader on trending topics and a writer in his spare time. On the beautiful coast of North Carolina, you will usually find him catching up on the latest news with locals or the beach surfing, kayaking or paddleboarding. He loves to write pieces on health, fitness, and wellness, but often writes about families and safety.
What Your Dog’s Behavior is Telling You Share on X
*
A QUESTION FOR YOU: What is YOUR dog’s behavior telling YOU? Did you learn something from this post that answers some questions you may have had?
*** Leave your comment below. ***
It’s just sexy!
*
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog!
♥ PEACE ♥
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Animal Bliss will earn a (very small, teeny tiny) commission from purchases made through links on this website.
(Coffee money – thank you!)
😀
- Dental Care for Dogs, Tips and Advice: Canine Oral Hygiene - August 21, 2017
- What Your Dog’s Behavior is Telling You - October 14, 2016
- 7 Exotic Pets to Consider if You Want an Unusual Pet - August 24, 2016
I like this a lot. Some people say that dogs dig, that’s what they do, so the owners don’t pay their mind to it. But that can be the signs of something more serious, and you can never be too careful!
Love this. So many dogs (and cats) are surrendered to shelters because of (mostly) easily fixable behavioral issues. Instead of taking the time to understand and work on the issue, the poor animals are “returned.”
This is so true that animals are often returned to shelters, or worse, because of the owner’s ignorance. We really need to be training the people. Thanks for your input. Have a great day!