Dogs communicate far more through body language and behaviour than through sound.
Many everyday actions are often misunderstood when viewed through a human lens.
What looks like stubbornness, guilt, or defiance is frequently a natural canine response to stress, excitement, or confusion.
Misinterpretation can lead owners to react in ways that unintentionally increase anxiety or disrupt training.
Learning what these behaviours actually signal helps strengthen trust and improve communication.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources.
Dog behaviour varies by individual, breed, age, and environment.
If behavioural concerns persist or escalate, consult a qualified veterinarian or certified animal behaviourist.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Yawning During Training Sessions
Your dog yawns repeatedly while you’re teaching new commands, and you assume they’re bored or tired.
Actually, yawning is often a stress signal in dogs.
When faced with confusing instructions or overwhelming situations, canines yawn to calm themselves down.
This self-soothing behaviour indicates your training pace might be too fast.
Try breaking lessons into shorter sessions with more breaks.
Watch for other stress signals like lip licking or turning away.
Recognizing this sign helps you adjust your approach before frustration builds.
A relaxed learner absorbs information better than an anxious one.
2. Licking Their Lips Around Food
Many owners think lip licking means a dog is hungry or tasting something delicious.
However, frequent lip licking without food present usually signals anxiety or discomfort.
Dogs use this gesture to communicate unease in social situations.
If your pup licks their lips when you reach toward their bowl, they might feel protective or worried.
This behaviour can escalate if ignored.
Respect their space and work on building trust around mealtimes.
Teaching your dog that hands near their bowl bring good things can reduce this nervous response over time.
3. Rolling In Smelly Things Outside
Finding your freshly bathed dog rolling in something foul feels like deliberate defiance.
Truth is, this instinct comes from their wild ancestry.
Wolves and wild dogs mask their scent to sneak up on prey or communicate with their pack.
Your dog isn’t trying to annoy you or reject cleanliness.
They’re following deeply ingrained survival instincts that feel completely natural.
Some experts believe dogs also roll to share interesting scents with their family.
While frustrating, this behaviour shows your dog’s connection to their evolutionary past and shouldn’t be viewed as misbehaviour.
4. Bringing You Their Toys
Your dog drops a slobbery toy in your lap, and you think they want to play fetch.
Sometimes yes, but often this gesture means something different.
Dogs bring their prized possessions to people they trust and love.
This behaviour shows they consider you part of their pack and want to share valuable resources.
Puppies especially do this to show affection rather than initiate games.
Some dogs present toys when they’re excited to see you.
Accepting the gift and offering praise strengthens your bond, even if you don’t throw it right away.
5. Tail Wagging While Growling
A wagging tail always means happiness, right? Not exactly.
Dogs wag their tails to express various emotions, including uncertainty and agitation.
When paired with growling, the wag indicates conflicted feelings rather than friendliness.
The tail’s position and speed matter tremendously.
A high, stiff wag differs completely from a loose, low wag. Dogs showing this combination feel torn between approach and avoidance.
Never assume a wagging tail means it’s safe to interact.
Read the whole body language picture, including ears, mouth, and overall posture before approaching any dog.
6. Turning Away When You Hug Them
You wrap your arms around your dog, and they twist their head away or try to escape.
This reaction stings because we show affection through hugs.
Dogs, however, don’t naturally hug and may find it threatening or uncomfortable.
In canine language, putting weight on another dog’s shoulders signals dominance or confrontation.
Your loving gesture might feel restrictive or scary to your pup.
Many dogs tolerate hugs but don’t genuinely enjoy them.
Watch for stress signals like whale eye, pinned ears, or stiff posture during embraces.
Respect their preferences and show love through petting or treats instead.
7. Eating Grass In The Yard
Watching your dog munch grass like a tiny cow raises concerns about illness.
While occasional vomiting may follow, most dogs eat grass simply because they like it.
Studies show that grass eating is normal behaviour in healthy dogs.
Some theories suggest dogs seek extra fibre or nutrients, while others believe they enjoy the taste and texture.
Ancestral wild dogs consumed plant matter from prey stomachs, so this instinct remains.
Unless your dog seems sick or eats grass obsessively, there’s usually no cause for worry.
Ensure your lawn stays pesticide-free if your dog grazes regularly.
8. Circling Before Lying Down
Does your dog spin around multiple times before finally settling?
This quirky ritual connects to their wild heritage.
Wolves and wild canines circle to flatten grass, check for dangers, and create comfortable sleeping spots.
Your pampered pup doesn’t need to clear away rocks or snakes, but the instinct persists.
Some experts believe circling also helps dogs regulate body temperature by adjusting their bed’s shape.
The behaviour serves no practical purpose on soft cushions, yet remains deeply programmed.
This harmless routine shows how ancient instincts continue influencing modern dog behaviour in fascinating ways.
