When a dog has his tongue hanging out of his mouth on one side, it’s a sign that he feels calm and happy. You may often see your dog like this after going for a walk or playing fetch. But, if your dog has his tongue to the side more often than not, it can be a reason to worry.
This condition may be the “hanging tongue syndrome.” This is usually the case with breeds with flattened noses like boxers or bulldogs. If your dog is like this, get them to the vet. It’s not necessarily a good thing for them to have in the long run.
Playing Detective
Have you ever been on a walk with your dog when they suddenly stop dead in their tracks and put their foot up in the air? While you may think that they stepped on something and hurt themselves, this behavior is completely normal. What they are doing is actually trying to figure something out that caught their attention.
It’s a sign that their brains are working. While lifting their paw they might also start to sniff like crazy. So, you can just chalk this behavior up to your dog being Inspector Gadget. They really are the secret service of the animal kingdom.
Straightening Their Tail
When a dog sticks their tail straight in the air, it can be a show of confidence or excitement. Some dogs do this when they meet other animals or dogs. If their tail stays erect and is a little shaky, it is a sign that they expect a challenge.
When a dog feels happy, content, and loved, its tail is usually more leveled with its body. But if their tail is low or between their legs, it could mean that they feel insecure. The tail really is one of the key indicators of how your pooch might be feeling, especially when they are immersed in nature.
Why Do Dogs Dig up the Yard?
No, he’s not just evil and trying to ruin the new flower bed you’ve planted. Digging for dogs is an instinctual activity written deep in their DNA, especially in terrier breeds. Dogs usually dig in the yard to hide or uncover their valuables, like toys or bones. Feral dogs may dig holes to uncover prey under the ground in tunnel systems.
They also bury their dead young much like humans. If you want your dog to stop this behavior, then you will want to properly train them. Otherwise, they will continue this innate behavior. There is a time and place for digging, so it should be moderated.
The Reason for Biting
Being bit by a dog isn’t a pleasant experience. But actually, a bite can indicate affection and that the pup wants to play. When dogs play together there’s often a lot of biting involved. There is nothing aggressive about this behavior. A dog will bite a person as a way of communicating their current state of mind.
The dog could be reacting in aggression, fear, or nervousness. There are, however, ways to prevent a dog bite from ever happening if you stay in tune with the dog’s body language. The earlier you can help your dog with this kind of behavior, the easier it will be in the long term.