Unlike humans, dogs don’t only stretch after waking up from a nap or to limber up their muscles. Stretching for dogs can also serve as a beautiful expression of affection and love towards someone. So, when you arrive home and witness your dog stretching, it’s not necessarily an indication that they were snoozing.
Instead, they are using this moment to convey their sheer excitement at your presence. It’s their adorable way of saying, “Hey, I’m thrilled to see you! Please shower me with your love and affection in return.” Embrace their heartfelt stretch and reciprocate with warmth, joy, and love.
Sniffing the Air
Dogs use their noses for several purposes. In fact, dogs have 220 million olfactory receptors while humans have only 5 million. Dogs are dominated by their noses and can smell at least 1,000 times better than humans. When they are sniffing the air, it could be a sign that they sense danger approaching or that they’re trying to track prey.
During this, they will remain completely still. They stay absolutely silent so that their prey won’t see them. Dogs are able to smell the difference between individuals — both dogs and people. They can smell the difference between family members, even identical twins!
Flipping Their Tongues Up Means They're Sorry
When a dog feels like they've done something wrong, it'll stick its tongue out and flip it up as a way of apologizing. This adorable behavior showcases their understanding and remorse. Dogs have an innate sense of guilt and use body language to express it.
Alongside their tongue gesture, they might also wear an innocent face, manipulating their owners with irresistible cuteness. They are fully aware of their owners' weakness for their adorable expressions, and they cleverly utilize it, even when they commit acts like peeing on the floor. These actions highlight their ability to charm their way back into their human's good graces.
Exposing Their Belly Is a Sign of Respect
When a dog exposes its belly to you, it shows that it respects you and is being submissive. It might also be a sign that he wants to play with you. You can encourage them to continue this behavior by rubbing their belly.
If you do rub their belly, then they’ll want to continue this behavior as they’ve learned that you are going to give them a nice massage every time they do this. But, a dog can also roll on its back when they’re being attacked by another animal. Basically, rolling is usually a good thing! So let the good times roll.
Tucking Their Tail
When your dog is in distress, one common behavior they exhibit is tucking their tail between their legs. This gesture indicates a range of emotions such as uncertainty, nervousness, fear, guilt, or even shame. It serves as a clear signal that something is amiss in their world.
Recognizing this sign, it's crucial to provide comfort and create a sense of security for your furry friend. You can achieve this by offering gentle pets and speaking to them in a soothing tone. Additionally, rewarding them with delicious dog treats can help alleviate their distress, showing them that you're there to support and care for them during challenging times.