No one understands your dog quite like you, but since we don’t speak the same language, there are still a few behaviors that remain a mystery to us humans. Below are 5 things that dogs do that may mean more than meets the eye.
A Tail Wag Is Not Always Friendly.
When we think of a dog wagging its tail, we always think about our own happy dogs that are pleased to see us or excited about a treat or activity. But it is important to know that not all tail wags are friendly. Depending on the speed of the wag and the elevation of the tail, a dog might be trying to demonstrate that he perceives you as a threat or intends to act aggressively. A high slow wag can be misinterpreted as a friendly wag, so if it is a dog you don’t know, do not assume that because he is wagging his tail he is happy to see you. It is always smart to proceed with caution when approaching an unfamiliar dog.
Scooting their rears can be a cry for help.
We make jokes about dogs dragging their butts across the floor. There are even TV commercials about it. But actually this is not a behavior that is meant to be amusing. It could be that your dog has itching or pain in his perineal area. Things that can contribute to this behavior include anal gland disease and/or food allergy. Scooting is not normal behavior for average healthy dogs except occasionally, so if you notice that your dog is scooting or dragging his rear, be aware that you might need to call your vet.
Licking is not always about hygiene.
Normal dogs do not lick their paws to keep them clean every day. People think because they see cats grooming with their tongues that dogs do the same. Occasional paw licking when there is actually a substance on the paws can be normal, but constant licking is not. Paw licking is the number one sign of inhalant allergies for dogs. If you notice your dog is licking his feet or chewing on his nails, it’s time to call the vet.
Barking is not a regular “dog to dog” communication.
Dogs living in the wild in packs do not use barking as a common method of communication. Studies show that dogs have adapted barking to their life with humans because we seem to respond to this type of communication positively. If our dog barks at the door to go out and we come and open the door, it is an effective means of communication.¹ Wild canines can communicate with yips, whines, and other body language cues, but seldom with the kind of actual barking that we hear from our dogs when someone is at the door or they think they hear a noise. That kind of barking is just for us!
Mounting is not always a sexual behavior.
There can be different causes for it, but it’s a behavior that does express something (just not always sex!). It can be a play behavior or a manifestation of stress or excitement. Remember, to your dog, it is just another motion. They don’t feel embarrassed by the sexual connotations. It is just another means of expression, like tag movement or body posturing. It may be embarrassing for your dog to mount you while you’re surrounded by your friends, but try to distract him and understand that he is probably not feeling randy. He is just gesturing to you in an everyday dog way.
Toledo, United States.
