List of 7 Common Dog Behaviors And What They Mean

Learning to read your dog’s body language is not easy, but it is much easier than trying to read your spouse/parent/child/BFF’s body language. Dogs, it seems, have several common behaviors – or behaviours if you live across the pond – that we’ll touch on in this article.

If you’re looking for weird things that dogs do, we have a post on that too. Check out “Why Does My Dog Do That?” For more on normal dog behaviors, read on.

Why Do Dogs Crouch?

When dogs crouch, they may be trying to hide or protect themselves from a perceived threat. Crouching can also indicate that the dog is feeling defensive or territorial. Why do dogs crouch when other dogs approach?When a dog sees another dog it’s unfamiliar with, it may crouch down in order to appear smaller and less threatening. This behavior is often seen when dogs are at the dog park or when they’re meeting new people.

Why Do Dogs Bow Their Heads?

One of the most common dog behaviors is bowing their heads. This is often done when the dog is greeting someone or when they are showing submission. Dogs also bow their heads to show respect to their owners, other dogs, and even inanimate objects like a chair.

Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads?

The dog head tilt means exactly what you think it does: They are trying to figure out what you are saying. This is a sign of interest or concern. Dogs will also tilt their heads when they are trying to understand complex instructions.

Why Do Dogs Pant?

Dogs usually pant to cool down. They quench their thirst by taking in fresh air and then release the hot air from their lungs. When dogs pant, they also communicate their feelings – such as eagerness, fear or excitement.

Why Do Dogs Stretch So Much?

Dogs have been bred to move and explore their surroundings, so it’s not surprising that they’ll stretch often. In fact, a lot of dog behaviors are related to stretching, such as whining, yawning, and barking. Here are four reasons why dogs stretch:

1. To keep their muscles and joints warm. When dogs are cold, they’ll often stretch to increase the circulation in their bodies.
2. To relieve tension. Dogs naturally generate a lot of tension, which can be caused by things like anxiety or stress. Stretching helps to relieve this tension.
3. To socialize with other dogs. When two dogs meet, they’ll often stretch and sniff each other out. This is a way of getting to know each other better and establishing dominance or hierarchy.
4. To exercise. Just like humans, dogs need physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Stretching is an easy way for them to get this exercise.

Why Do Dogs Walk in Circles Before Lying Down?

Dogs often walk in circles before lying down to mark their territory. This behavior is usually seen in dogs that are marking their territory or when they are trying to get your attention.

Why Do Dogs Tuck Their Tails Between Their Legs?

There are a few reasons why dogs might tuck their tails between their legs when they’re feeling threatened or afraid. One reason is that it can make them look smaller to predators and make them less of a target. It also may make it harder for the predator to grab onto the dog if it decides to attack. Some dogs also tuck their tails when they’re comfortable and feeling safe. This behavior may be seen when a dog is sleeping or when it’s just resting.