The Hidden Meanings Behind Common Dog Behaviors

Estimates claim that around 48 million households in the United States are home to at least one dog. So, it's safe to say that many people across the nation are very familiar with these animals. However, that doesn't mean we all fully understand our four-legged friends.

There are plenty of dog behaviors - both common and uncommon - that leave some people completely confused. It doesn't make them bad pet owners; it just means they have more to learn. Luckily, some of the hidden meanings behind common dog behaviors should help to understand our furry friends.

Dogs bark in different ways to signal different things

Barking is one of those dog behaviors that many people naturally associate with these animals. However, there's a complexity to barking that not everyone is aware of. Just because most dogs make similar noises, that doesn't mean they're all saying the same thing when they bark. For instance, a loud and frequent bark generally indicates a sense of urgency.

Your dog may well bark like this if they feel that danger is approaching and want to warn you about it. On the flip side, if their barks are short and soft, it may mean that they're in a playful mood. This is when you're meant to stop what you're doing and have some fun with your pet pooch.

Dogs tilt their head to the side to pinpoint what you're saying

Do you find that you don't talk to your dog in what you might consider your normal voice? Don't worry; you're not alone there. Many people tend to adopt a higher-pitched tone when interacting with their pet pooch. What's more, speaking this way appears to elicit a reaction from the animal as they tilt their head to the side.

Apparently, this is so that they can adjust their outer ears to identify what they're hearing. While dogs might not understand the English language, they do recognize certain words after they're repeated long enough. They'll often recognize the sound of things like "treat," "food," or "walkies" because they've come to associate them with the actions that follow.

Dogs tend to sniff the air because their sense of smell is so strong

Like humans, dogs have various senses that help them to understand and navigate the world. Of course, while they might have the same senses, the strength of them is very different. For instance, dogs have a much more powerful sense of smell, thanks to the 220 million olfactory receptors in their bodies. Humans only have five million of these.

This is why it's common to see dogs pointing their noses up in the air and sniffing. They're able to sense a lot more from further away, so this could be a sign that they believe danger is approaching. It could also be that they're attempting to track prey, an instinct that's common in many of these animals.

Chasing their tail might be playful, but it can be a sign of a health problem

An action that people often stereotypically associate with dogs is them chasing their tails. It's a strange thing to watch, and people usually find it entertaining. However, this behavior isn't necessarily a positive thing. While it can be playful, if your dog does it often, it might mean that there's a medical condition you need to be concerned about.

It's possible that there may be irritation on their tail which is causing them discomfort. It could also mean that there's a problem with their backside, which you may need to see a veterinarian about. It might even be an indicator that your dog has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Yes, your dog can be affected by such mental health conditions.

A dog's panting is likely a sign that they're trying to cool down

When you play with your dog, it's likely that they'll pant quite a bit. You may well assume that this is to do with them being out of breath. However, it seems that might not necessarily be the case. While physical activity will certainly make them breathe quicker, panting might be more to do with them cooling down.

This is because dogs don't sweat, so unlike humans, they don't have another way to reduce their body temperature. That's why it's not uncommon for your dog to pant when they're not actually doing anything. If it's a warm day, they may simply be trying to stay cool like everyone else. Be sure to give them water in this instance.

If your dog stretches, they might actually be telling you they love you

When you've been sitting down for a long time, or you're about to do some physical exercise, stretching is always a good idea. It warms up your muscles and reduces the possibility of aches and injuries, which most people want to avoid. Dogs do this activity, too, although their reason for stretching can sometimes differ from humans.

Supposedly, if your dog stretches, it could be a sign that they're showing you affection. That's why it's apparently not unusual for your dog to stretch when you come home. While it might seem like they've just woken up from a nap, they could actually be letting you know just how much they love you.

Dogs can communicate with their eyes in a variety of ways

They say that the eyes are the window to the soul. These sometimes allow you to communicate feelings with people without ever opening your mouth. It's apparently not just humans that are capable of this either. Dogs can apparently show a surprising range of emotions through their eyes, such as looking down when they're tired or sad.

If your pet pooch is very excitable, they may well sport wide eyes and keep looking around expectantly. Meanwhile, if they're eager to get something from you, it's likely that they'll look straight at you. They apparently might even raise their eyebrows like they've asked you a question. Who knew they could say so much with so little?

Rolling over and showing their belly is a sign of submission

If your dog ever rolls over and exposes their belly to you, you should probably be grateful. While this might seem like one of the more standard dog behaviors, it's actually a huge sign of respect. It supposedly means that they're comfortable around you enough to let their guard down and be submissive in this way. 

It's also possible that your dog might do this when another dog is acting aggressively toward them. Again, this is apparently a sign of submission; a way to tell the other animal that they're not trying to cause trouble. This behavior is sometimes the best way of avoiding conflict because the alternative could have some serious consequences.

When dogs tuck their tail, it's generally a sign of something negative

Dogs might not be able to talk with humans, but they don't need to. These animals have several ways of communicating their feelings, one of which is with their tail. To understand the hidden meanings of dog behaviors, it's important to pay attention to this part of the body. For instance, if your pet pooch tucks their tail.

It's quite common to see this if the animal is in distress because they're nervous, guilty, or scared. If you notice this behavior, it's important to try and calm your pet as best as possible. If they're doing this because they've done something naughty, try not to be too harsh with the scolding. Otherwise, it might make things worse.

If a dog brings you their toy, it's important to acknowledge it

Dogs are usually very playful animals, so it's normal for them to want to have fun with you. Unfortunately, people don't always have the free time to indulge in this. However, it's important not to reject their desire to play, especially if they bring you a toy. That's because they might be doing more than just asking for some fun.

It seems that when dogs do this, they might be showing their trust in you or trying to gain your respect. That's why it's important not to simply ignore what they're doing. Although you might sometimes have your hands full, it's apparently a good idea to at least acknowledge their behavior and hold on to the toy.

Chewing on the furniture can be a sign of boredom

Not all dog behaviors are positive ones. There are times when your pet pooch can do things that might drive you insane. Chewing on the furniture for instance. Sometimes, this behavior is simply the result of the dog being young and not yet learning what they shouldn't chew on. It can also be an indication that they're hungry.

However, if your dog is no longer a puppy and gets fed well, chewing on the furniture might be a sign of something else. One of the hidden meanings of dog behaviors like this is that they're bored and need more physical activity. Your pet pooch likely has too much energy and is itching to get rid of it.

Yawning can symbolize trust, but it might also suggest anxiety

When humans yawn, it's usually because they're tired - or bored. You might assume it's the same situation with dogs, but that's not true. While their yawning may sometimes be sleep-related, it also might be a way of them saying they feel safe with you. Apparently, yawning is a common sign of submission in nature, so it's a good behavior.

At least, it is sometimes. As we've seen with these hidden meanings of dog behaviors, a certain action can indicate multiple things. While yawning might suggest tiredness or safety, it may also reveal anxiety. You tend to see that at the vet's, with dogs yawning because they're nervous about what's to come. It all depends on the context.

Dogs tend to raise their paws because they want love and attention

When children want attention but don't necessarily know how to get it, they might tug at someone. Dogs apparently have a similar behavior when they want you to focus on them, although it's a little bit different. They can't grab you because they don't have opposable thumbs. However, they can raise their paws when you're around.

Generally, this is an indication that your pet is eager to play, wants some food, or is simply in the mood for a bit of affection. Unlike several other dog behaviors, this is apparently something that you see more of at a certain age. Younger dogs are reportedly more likely to do this than their older counterparts.

Licking can be a sign of affection or an indication you taste good

If you were to go around licking your friends and family, they'd probably find it very strange indeed. However, people don't usually think twice about this behavior when a dog does it. That's because it's something that we've come to associate with these animals over the years. Why do our pet pooches do this, though?

As you might have guessed, it's their way of showing affection without being able to say: "I love you." However, it's also possible they may simply find you delicious. To a dog's taste buds, the nutrients and minerals in our skin can be quite a treat. So, if your dog licks you often, you might just be their human popsicle.

Dogs can be two-legged creatures when they're feeling affectionate or playful

One big difference between humans and dogs is the way we walk. While humans are bipedal and move around on two legs, dogs are quadrupedal and rely on four. However, just as people can get down on all fours, our pet pooches can also raise themselves up on their back legs. Why might a dog do this, though?

In some cases, it's reportedly another way of showing affection. After all, how can they hug you if they don't have their front legs free to use as arms? It might also be an indication of playfulness, especially if they're around other dogs. If your pet does this with other animals, it's generally something to be happy about.

Dogs wag their tails in different ways for various reasons

We know that it's a good idea to look at their tails if we want to understand the hidden meanings of dog behaviors. One way that these animals express themselves with this part of their body is by wagging. You don't need to be an expert to know that when dogs do this, it's typically a sign that they're happy.

However, there are different ways that a dog can wag their tail. For instance, if their tail is high, it can apparently indicate that they're alert and eager to play. Meanwhile, if it hangs low, it might be their way of showing submission. It could also suggest that they're sad, confused, or maybe even feeling under the weather.

It's advisable to call a vet if your dog starts scooting along the floor

Perhaps one of the more unpleasant dog behaviors that many pet owners are familiar with is this next one. Plenty of people are probably familiar with the sight of a dog dragging their backside along the ground. While this might seem like something silly and playful that your pet does, it's actually something that should make you concerned.

That's because your dog may be doing this because they have an impacted gland in their lower half. If you see your dog scooting around, it's probably a good idea to get an appointment with the vet ASAP. They should be able to resolve the problem - which affects some dog breeds more than others - without too much trouble.

When your dog wiggles around, they're usually either happy or itchy

Is your dog a wiggler? Many of them are in the right circumstances, so it's likely you've seen this behavior before. If not, it's basically when a dog wiggles around on their back while kicking their legs in the air. Most people class it as a positive behavior, and they're right to do so. More often than not, it is.

However, it's possible that your dog isn't wiggling because they're happy but rather because they're uncomfortable. If there's something irritating their back, they don't always have the reach to deal with it. While humans might ask someone else to scratch their back in this instance, dogs can't always communicate that need. So, this is their alternative solution.

If your dog's breath smells different than normal, it may signify a health issue

Let's face it - no dog is ever going to win an award for having the best breath. While you might think human halitosis is bad, it's usually worse with dogs. However, there is a level of stink that's acceptable with our four-legged friends. So, if their breath starts to smell worse than that, you may need to be concerned.

Significantly bad breath could actually be a sign of something wrong with your dog's internal organs, such as their liver or kidneys. Understandably, an issue like this needs seeing to immediately if there's going to be a positive solution. Moreover, a dog's breath can sometimes smell sweet, which may indicate something like diabetes. This will also require medical attention.

Leaning is a dog's way of giving you a hug

Is your dog a leaner? There may be plenty of instances when you're sitting down somewhere and your pet pooch starts leaning on you for no reason. While it might seem like the animal has no sense of personal space, it's not a behavior you should try to stop. After all, this is like the dog version of a hug.

We're quickly learning from these hidden meanings of dog behaviors that our pets have so many different ways of showing affection. We never would have thought that this is one of them, but there you go. While it might seem like they're trying to steal your spot on the sofa, they actually just want to hug.

The 'passed out' pose is one way a dog may cool themselves down

Do you ever look at your dog and wonder why they're lying in a certain position? Well, that's what all these hidden meanings of dog behaviors are here to reveal. One position that may confuse some pet owners is the 'passed out' pose. This is usually where a dog lies on their back with their paws swung across their chest.

Apparently, this is one of the ways that your pet pooch may try to cool themselves down. If they lie like this, it could indicate that they're overheating and therefore need to lower their body temperature quickly. If you see your dog in this position, it's probably best to leave them be and ensure their water bowl is filled.

You should probably feel honored if your dog won't leave you alone

Privacy isn't necessarily something that a dog owner has much of in their own home. If you're the one primarily responsible for looking after your pet pooch, it can be tricky escaping their attention. That may sometimes be a nuisance if your dog interrupts you at the worst moments. However, it's probably something you should ultimately be grateful for.

Your dog won't leave you alone because they want to be close to you. This is a trait that's seemingly been part of these animals long before they were domesticated pets. Dogs used to rely on packs in the past, and, in a way, they still do. However, humans are seemingly now included in the pack, and you're the leader.

When dogs bare their teeth and snarl, you know things are getting aggressive

Most pet owners probably like to believe that their dog is harmless and wouldn't act aggressively unless forced to. However, just like humans, every dog has this side of them inside somewhere. The good news is that there are dog behaviors that indicate aggression, so you know what to look out for and can intervene accordingly.

This includes when they wrinkle their muzzle and start to show their teeth. If your dog is snarling, that's also a pretty clear indicator that they may be working themselves up to lash out. If you notice these warning signs, it's generally a good idea to take them out of whatever situation you're in for everyone's sake.

Dogs flick their ears when they're trying to identify what they can hear

Ears aren't something people generally pay attention to in humans. While they might be essential for listening to other people, we don't need to look at them to understand another person. However, it's a different situation with dogs, partly because their ears are noticeably a lot more active than our own. For instance, these animals sometimes flick them.

When this happens, it tends to signify that a dog is listening to something, but they're not sure what it is. It's worth giving them a moment to try and work out what they can hear. Apparently, this sort of behavior is quite common in animals. So, in a way, we're actually the odd ones out here.

Biting isn't always an aggressive behavior, but it can still be problematic

Some dog behaviors you really don't want your pet to indulge in. That includes biting. When your dog bites someone else, whether it be a human or another dog, it can have serious consequences. So, it's important to try and teach your dog not to engage in this behavior from a young age. However, is biting always a bad behavior?

No, it isn't. You'll often find that puppies will bite out of affection and playfulness rather than aggression. They don't mean any harm and are simply expressing themselves the way they know how. Unfortunately, as dogs grow older, a bite can be more severe and painful, and it may also send the wrong message to other people.

Snoring might be cute in dogs, but it can also signify a problem

Snoring is one of those behaviors that no one is really a fan of. When you're trying to sleep, and the person next to you is making a ton of noise, it can quickly become frustrating. As it turns out, though, this isn't solely a human behavior. It appears that dogs can be just as guilty of snoring.

Usually, it's a lot cuter when it's a dog that's snoring rather than a human. However, you shouldn't necessarily overlook this behavior. While it can be perfectly normal, it might also be a sign of something more serious. If they display other signs like lethargy, trouble swallowing, and eye discharge, you should probably speak to a vet.

When dogs flick their tongue up, it can be apologetic or a sign of discomfort

Dogs aren't always good. We don't need to understand the hidden meanings of dog behaviors to know that. However, that doesn't mean dogs aren't aware when they misbehave. Just like humans, these animals can supposedly feel things like shame and guilt, and that's reflected in their behavior. There's something they may do when they want to apologize to their humans.

This is apparently to flick their tongue up. They may even throw on an innocent face at the same time to really get the point across. Other times when dogs do this, it's apparently an indication that they're uncomfortable with what's happening. If the upward flick is a quick one, you should probably be aware that your dog is unhappy.

If dogs sleep on your feet, it's not because they're comfortable

Dogs really don't know what personal space is. Luckily for them, most pet owners don't mind. They love their animals so much that being close together is what they want. That's why most people don't have a problem with their dogs lying on their feet. Have you ever wondered why your pet might do this, though?

Once again, it's a way for your dog to show their affection. They're apparently trying to be as close to you as possible because they want to show loyalty and protect you if necessary. If you get up while they're on your feet, they supposedly won't take an issue with it, though they may well follow you around.

Pressing their head against a wall may indicate that your dog is unwell

If you notice your dog with their head against the wall, you should probably be concerned, and not just because they look like they're in the horror film 'Blair Witch.' When these animals press their head against the wall or something else that's firm, it's generally a sign that something is seriously wrong. They require urgent medical attention.

The possible problems affecting them can supposedly include lead poisoning and brain disease, neither of which are good. It may also be a stroke, brain tumor, meningitis, head trauma, or something else equally unpleasant. Whatever it is, it's nothing good, so you should arrange to see your vet as soon as you can. Your dog's life might depend on it.

A straight tail can signify confidence in your dog

Another of these notable dog behaviors related to their tail is when they stick it straight in the air. We're used to a lot of movement from this part of the body with all that wagging. However, there are times when a dog's tail will become straight and stiff, and it's usually when they're confident or excited.

Apparently, it's not uncommon for this to happen when they're in the presence of other dogs. If you notice that their tail is straight but a little on the shaky side, this could indicate that they're anticipating a challenge of sorts. Meanwhile, the lower that their tail is, the more insecure they're likely to feel.

The 'Superman' pose is usually an indicator that your dog is exhausted

Of all the poses that dogs are known to do, one of the cutest is probably the 'Superman' pose. This is when they lie flat on their front with their legs sprawled out around them. While it may appear as though they're flying around like Superman, they actually tend to do this when they're exhausted.

If you've been on a long walk with your dog or done something else equally active with them, don't be surprised if this is how they recover. You're reportedly more likely to see this with puppies than older dogs, but any age is supposedly capable of pulling off this pose. Thankfully, it's not something you generally need to worry about.

Dogs can act in very different ways when you leave the house

Does your dog ever make you feel guilty when you leave the house? It's not unusual for these animals to give their owner a sad look, almost like they're trying to stop them from having a life elsewhere. Fortunately, this isn't always a bad thing. If there's a calmness to their expression, it supposedly means they know you'll be back.

Of course, separation anxiety in dogs is a thing, so it's worth being aware of that whenever you leave them alone. If your pet displays a lot of distress whenever you go out, such as whining, pacing, or trying to escape, you may have a problem on your hands. You might need to see a dog behavioral expert for help.

A dog may pace because they're anxious but also because they want to play

Speaking of pacing, this is the next of our dog behaviors that we think is worth looking into. Once again, this isn't something that dogs only do for one reason, with pacing being a potential indicator for several things. That may include anxiety, but it might also be a sign that they're bored and wish to play.

If you find that your pet seems to pace around you in circles, it's worth trying to make some room in your schedule for them. They likely want to play and wish to know if you feel the same. As we already know from some of these hidden meanings of dog behaviors, not engaging in play can sometimes have consequences.

Hanging tongue syndrome can cause some serious problems for your dog

You tend to become very familiar with your dog's tongue when you're a pet owner. All that licking and panting means that you see - and feel - it on a regular basis. However, just because you become accustomed to it, that doesn't mean you should learn to overlook their tongue. It's possible that it might reveal a problem with your dog.

This is certainly the case if they have hanging tongue syndrome. Potentially caused by neurological damage, dental disease, or something else, this is when a dog is unable to keep their tongue in their mouth. That can cause issues with cracking and bleeding of the tongue, as well as trouble eating and an increased risk of dehydration.

Squinting can indicate eye problems or a variety of emotions

We've seen that the eyes are something worth paying attention to if we want to understand some of these dog behaviors. Another reason it's important to keep an eye on this part of your pet is that they might be squinting. If that's the case, this could be an indication they're having trouble with something like dry eyes or glaucoma.

However, it's not always a cause for alarm. Sometimes, squinting may actually be your dog's way of showing that they're content or want attention from you. It can also indicate that they may be fearful, which is more common to see when you're with other dogs. What the squinting means generally depends on the context of the situation.

There's a good reason dogs can be so energetic after a bath

If you have a dog that loves receiving a bath, then congratulations. There aren't many dogs that feel particularly joyful about getting a good scrubbing, so you've evidently hit the jackpot. Regardless of how your pet feels about bathtime, though, there's a certain behavior you're likely to encounter once they're clean and free to go.

This is a sudden boost of energy that may well see your pet run around, shake their fur, rub against furniture, and do other similar behaviors. While these may indicate that they didn't like the bath, it more typically reveals that they feel uncomfortable being wet. They want to dry off as quickly as they can, hence the energy.

Dogs can display empathy toward the people they care about

Plenty of pet owners like to believe they have a deep connection with their dogs. Luckily, we're here to reveal that this probably is the case. After all, dogs can apparently be very empathetic creatures. So, if you're feeling a certain way and you have a strong bond with your pet, their behavior may respond to this.

If a dog senses that someone they care about is angry or upset, it's apparently common for them to react in a way they believe will provide comfort. This will probably be something simple such as licking you, resting on you, or even just looking at you. Of course, sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference.

One common dog pose is a good indicator that they feel safe

Another of the most common poses that we tend to see with dogs is one where they look like they've passed away. It's one that may initially cause some alarm as people fear the worst. However, just because these animals are lying on their back with their legs in the air, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them.

Usually, it's a dog's way of showing their submission to you. As you might expect, it's not the most comfortable position to sleep in. So, if you do see your furry friend chilling like this, it probably means that they feel comfortable around you. They feel safe enough to sleep in a way that isn't ideal for defending themselves.

The play bow is usually a good indicator that your dog is up for some fun

Unless you spend much time around kings and queens, you probably aren't that accustomed to bowing. However, there may well be someone in your family that is - your dog. Apparently, one of the most common dog behaviors - at least in puppies - is for them to lower the front of their body as though they're bowing to you.

This is apparently often referred to as a 'play bow,' which gives you a good indication of what it means. If your dog does this around you, the chances are that they want to have some fun. That's why it tends to be more common in puppies than older dogs because they tend to be more eager to play.

Howling might be annoying but there are several reasons that your dog does it

Dogs have several ways that they can use their voice to communicate with humans. There's barking, there's whining, and then there's howling. Each of these can get a bit annoying, especially if your pet does them often. However, it's important to remember that there's always a reason for these dog behaviors. In fact, there are usually several.

With howling, your dog might be trying to get your attention or make contact with someone if they think they've been left alone. They might also be responding to high-pitched sounds that affect them more than other people because of their heightened sense of hearing. It's possible that they're also alerting you to danger or expressing boredom or loneliness.

There's no shortage of explanations for why your dog might itch frequently

There's no need to freak out every time your dog is itchy. Sometimes, they simply need a good scratch, just like humans. However, if they're doing it frequently, then you probably should start to worry. It's possible that there's something wrong with them, and there's no shortage of things that could be causing the problem.

Sometimes, it can be allergies, either to the time of year or to what they eat. If you use a fabric softener on their bed or blankets, they may possibly be sensitive to this as well. Frequent itching could also be an indicator that they've been bitten by insects, have fleas or mites, or something else entirely.

Dogs have been digging holes long before they were domesticated animals 

It's always good to keep a watchful eye on a dog when they're in the backyard. Otherwise, you might suddenly find that there's a large hole where a patch of grass used to be. It seems that some dogs have a knack for digging up the yard, and it appears this might be because of their past.

The reason for dog behaviors like this is that it's been a part of their DNA since before the animals were domesticated. They used to have to dig things to help them find food and survive. Nowadays, this isn't necessary, so they dig stuff up for fun instead. Unfortunately, it's not so fun for whoever's property they destroy.

An open mouth, high ears, and relaxed tail tend to characterize a relaxed dog

It always pays to know when is a good time to approach a dog and when is best to leave them be. Even your own pet may need space sometimes, no matter how much they may care for you. Luckily, we know what dog behaviors you should look out for to know when it's okay to get close.

Apparently, things to be aware of include an open mouth, high ears, and a relaxed tail. When a dog is displaying these characteristics, it should mean that they're in a calm and friendly state. They apparently feel comfortable in their surroundings, so they're not likely to get distressed if you want to spend some time with them.

When dogs raise their paw, it might mean they're in detective mode

You might not realize it, but your dog may have some amazing powers of detection. They might not go around solving crimes with a magnifying glass, but they are able to figure some surprising things out. You can usually tell when they're doing this because they'll stop what they're doing and lift one paw off the ground.

They may also accompany this behavior with a lot of sniffing as they attempt to identify something that's caught their attention. When they're done, they'll often go back to whatever they were doing before without any acknowledgement of their detection skills. It's no wonder that the true meaning of this behavior has been lost on so many people.

A lack of appetite in dogs is often something to be worried about

If there's one thing we know about our pets, it's that they love food. We don't need to understand any of the hidden meanings of dog behaviors to know that. However, because these animals love food so much, it's often quite concerning when they suddenly lose their appetite. Unfortunately, not wanting to eat food usually isn't a positive sign.

Should your dog suddenly stop eating, it's worth consulting a vet. After all, it may be an indication that they have cancer, liver problems, kidney failure, dental disease, or something equally problematic. However, this isn't guaranteed. Their loss of appetite may also be tied to vaccinations or if their eating schedule has been thrown off by a vacation.

Dogs can't help but chase things that move fast, including cars

Some of these dog behaviors are definitely more dangerous than others, with this next one particularly concerning for plenty of pet owners. It can be quite terrifying if your dog starts chasing a car, especially if they do it on a busy road. The risk to the animal's life may be quite significant, but it's hard to stop their instincts.

Chasing things has long been a part of their DNA, and it again goes back to before they were domesticated. There was a time when they were responsible for catching their own food, which meant chasing down lots of agile prey. So, when they see something moving fast nowadays - like a car - they sometimes can't help but go after it.

Licking is usually a dog's way of keeping themselves clean

It would probably look weird to your friends and family if you suddenly started licking yourself everywhere. However, people don't tend to blink twice when a dog does it. That's because this is one of those dog behaviors that humans have long associated with these animals. What is the explanation behind why they do this, though?

In many cases, it's simply your dog's way of keeping clean. They can't choose to have a bath or shower like the rest of us, so this is the only way they can really control their hygiene. However, there are times when licking can actually indicate pain. You might want to see a vet if their licking becomes extremely frequent.

Dogs like to sleep on their side, but only if they feel safe in their surroundings

Do you have a favorite position when you go to sleep? Most people do. However, it's rare that anyone actually remains in this position throughout the night. It seems that's the case with dogs too. There are all manner of ways that they sleep, with lying on their side apparently being one of the most common.

However, while this might be a favored position, dogs don't tend to stay in it all night. That's because sleeping on their side isn't the best if they suddenly encounter a threat. It takes them longer to get into a good defensive position when they're like this. So, if they sleep on their side, it probably means they feel safe.

If a dog is protective over their food, it's because of their ancestors

We know how much dogs love food. So, it's not the most surprising thing in the world that they can sometimes be a little overprotective of it. If another dog - or sometimes even a human - comes close when they're eating, the animal may become aggressive. This might include growling and snarling, or they may even lash out.

According to our hidden meanings of dog behaviors, this again relates to their past living in the wild. There was no assurance back then that their food wouldn't be stolen by someone else. So, it became part of their nature to guard it and stop others from getting close and taking it. Unfortunately, this behavior isn't usually necessary these days.

Dogs walk around in circles before sleeping because they're trying to make their bed comfortable

It seems that a lot of the hidden meanings of dog behaviors relate to when they were wild animals. Another thing that some pets do that's tied to their ancestors is walk around in circles before lying down. It can be quite strange to watch, especially as dogs can go in circles for a surprisingly long time before settling down.

Apparently, this behavior was necessary in the past because the ground wasn't always that comfortable in the wild. Going around in circles would flatten the area, so they wouldn't have to worry about finding somewhere else to sleep. While that might not be necessary nowadays, some dogs just can't help their instincts. Luckily, this behavior is generally harmless.

Dogs typically curl into a tight ball to sleep when they're feeling cold

Perhaps the most adorable position that dogs sleep in is this next one. They curl up their bodies tightly with their paws beneath them and their tail wrapped around. They usually look incredibly cozy, which is good considering the reason why they often adopt this position. It's apparently their way of dealing with the cold.

This position reportedly makes it easier to retain body heat, so they're better able to cope with the conditions. It's one you're likely to see your dog do more in the winter than any other time of year, as this tends to be when things get particularly cold. You may want to up the heating when you next see this.

When dogs want attention, tapping you with their paw might be their go-to behavior

If humans want attention from someone, they can simply call their name. Dogs don't really have that option. Sure, they could bark, but this doesn't always work in their favor. Luckily, it appears that these animals have multiple ways of getting their owners to pay attention to them. Another is to put their paw up and tap you with it.

Understandably, this does a good job of attracting interest from the person they tap, so it's pretty effective. Something that's interesting about this behavior is that it means different things depending on who they're interacting with. If a dog does it with another of their kind, it supposedly symbolizes trust and friendship. It's like a pat on the back.

Dogs can dream too, which is why they sometimes move when they're asleep

One of the best parts of sleeping is the dreams. Sure, these don't always make much sense and can sometimes turn into nightmares. However, they can also be pretty fun and give you experiences that aren't possible in the real world. The question is, do other animals get this same joy when they close their eyes at night?

Well, we can confirm that dogs do, and the chances are that you've seen proof of this yourself. Has your pet ever fallen asleep and then later started moving their body and maybe even made noises? While it might worryingly look like a seizure, they're actually just running in their sleep. So, just let them have their fun.

Anxiety in dogs can reveal itself in a variety of ways

Mental health is something that we're gradually beginning to understand the importance of. More people are starting to take it seriously, which means we're seeing a lot more talk about things like anxiety. However, it's important to remember that humans aren't the only ones who can face such struggles. Dogs can have difficulties with anxiety as well.

We've already seen with some of these hidden meanings of dog behaviors that our pets may act certain ways when feeling anxious. This includes becoming aggressive, pacing, and yawning too much. An anxious dog might also bark a lot, drool or pant excessively, engage in obsessive behavior, or use the home as a toilet (even though they're trained not to).

When dogs eat grass, it's not the flavor that's caught their attention

It's always beneficial to watch what your dog does when out on a walk. That way, you can spot whenever they start eating something they shouldn't. Even though most people tend to feed their pets well, these animals simply can't help but want to find a snack or two when they're out and about. For some reason, that includes grass.

In some cases, this might indicate that their food isn't as nutritional as you might have thought. Other times, it may suggest that they're having trouble digesting their food and require some fiber, which they can find in grass. It might even mean that they're dehydrated or have intestinal worms, neither of which is particularly ideal.

Dogs can smell so many things when they stick their heads out of car windows

Another of the dog behaviors that people commonly associate with this animal is them sticking their head out of car windows. It's something that you see a lot in movies, and while it might be exaggerated in the media, it is something these animals enjoy. This is supposedly to do with the strong sense of smell that they have.

At any time, dogs can smell things a lot more intensely than the rest of us. So, can you imagine what it must be like when they're whizzing around in a car? They get exposed to so many scents when traveling in a vehicle that it's a veritable buffet for their nose. So, open windows are a must.

It's incredible how much a dog can learn about others by sniffing their backside

The great thing about learning the hidden meanings of dog behaviors is getting to understand some of the more bizarre things these animals do. One thing that we've always found curious about dogs is the fact that they like to sniff one another's backsides when they meet. Could you imagine if humans did that with someone they'd never met before?

While it might come across as unusual, it's worth remembering the strong sense of smell that dogs have. We also have to consider that they can apparently learn a lot about each other by sniffing here. It seems that they can find out another dog's gender, reproductive status, temperament, diet, and more, all because of a gland located here.

It's a good sign when two dogs sleep with their backs to each other

The next of these dog behaviors is one you'll only see if you own several dogs or if your pet pooch is friends with another. It's not something that you'd ever see them exhibit with a dog they don't know that well, given that this behavior is meant to symbolize trust. It's one of the many ways they show affection.

We're talking about when two dogs sleep with their backs to each other. You might think that because they've turned their backs on one another, this would be a sign of conflict between the animals. However, it's completely the opposite. The behavior also apparently ties to their history as pack animals, with this sort of thing common in the past.

Who your dog sleeps with after eating says a lot

How does your dog behave after they've eaten? It's not uncommon for these animals to snooze once they've had their fill of food. However, where exactly do they go to get some shut-eye? On their own or with you? If they opt for the latter, it's a good indication that they have a lot of love for you.

Dogs are often very content after eating and want to snooze somewhere they feel safe because they're full. So, if they come to your side, you can be sure that they think highly of you. They know they don't need to be on their guard because they can trust you. So, they're free to catch some z's.

Your relationship with your dog is strong if they always choose to sleep with you

Where your dog chooses to sleep is worth taking note of at all times, not just after they've eaten. The more that your dog decides to sleep with you rather than on their own, the stronger a relationship the two of you share. Therefore, this can be a good indicator of how your dog truly feels about you.

It all stems from their history as pack animals. Sleeping together for warmth and security used to be essential in the wild. Nowadays, it's not so necessary, but that doesn't mean your dog still doesn't want to feel safe and warm. If they believe they can find that with you, your relationship's in a great place.