Do you know your dog?

As pet parents, we like to think that we know our beloved pooches, well enough to know what they’re thinking or what they want/need from a single glance or mannerism but do we really?

You may have been asked the question, “If you had a superpower, what would it be?”. We must be honest and say that at Naturo one of our top answers would be the ability to communicate with animals.

We often see our four-legged family members running around, playing, or behaving in strange ways and wonder what on earth is going on in their little heads. To get an insight into their minds for a day would be amazing!

Whilst we, unfortunately, cannot do that, based on studies carried out by experts, we can ensure we are better equipped to understand exactly what our dogs are trying to tell us!

Here, we have put together some language classes to help translate what your dog is telling you.

Hunching over, close to the ground, ears pinned back

If you notice your dog hunching and trying to make themselves as small as they can, then it is very easy to understand that they are frightened. Often, this is mistaken for a sign of guilt! For example, your pooch has had an accident inside the house and hunches when he sees you coming, this does not necessarily mean a sign of guilt but more likely he is afraid of what your reaction will be.

If you have a rescue dog that is prone to this, chances are that they may have previously been abused before finding their forever home with you.

So, if you notice your pet displaying such a sign, you need to be gentle with them and give them more affection and love.

Maintaining eye contact

This depends much on how your dog is staring at you. If they are looking into your eyes with a normal expression and not one of pining, it is one of the best ways they can show you affection. If they stare at you without blinking when you are leaving home, it shows a little separation anxiety and the fact that they hope and trust that you will return to them.

Sitting on my feet

This could ultimately mean lots of different things depending on your dog’s personality. For example, it may be an assertion of ownership or dominance to highlight to other dogs (and indeed people!) that you belong to them, or it may simply mean that they have missed you and just want to be close. If you know your dog well and can read the situation, you will be able to ascertain as to which is more applicable.

Chewing my furniture

Depending on your dog’s life stage, this can mean a few different things. If your dog is still a puppy, it is a display of separation anxiety and perhaps nervousness when you’re not around. If your dog is not a puppy, then more often than not, it is a sign of boredom and excess energy. This can be combatted by ensuring that your pooch is exercised regularly and has enough activity to keep them mentally stimulated throughout the day.

Tilting head for certain words

This more than likely means exactly what you think it does! Your dog will do this when something you’ve said has piqued their interest; whether it was a word they have recognised or simply the tone of your voice. So, when you get this response, “Do you want to go for a walk?” Yes, your pup really is saying, “Oh my goodness, did you really just say what I think you did?!”

Of course, each and every dog, their behavior and personality is different, much like their human counterparts, but ultimately, the best way of understanding exactly what your dog is trying to say to you is by spending time with them, learning their behaviors and learning what they view negatively and what they view positively.

We hope this has helped you understand your four-legged friend even a little better - Happy Pet Parenting!