The Secret Language Behind Five Common Dog Behaviours

Dogs communicate volumes through their everyday behaviours and body language, often conveying thoughts, feelings, and requests more clearly than words ever could. While a wagging tail or a growl might be easy to understand, more subtle actions such as licking your face or rolling on their back have rich meanings rooted in their instincts and social signals. In this guide, we'll explore five common dog behaviours and unveil the secret messages your canine companion is sending you.

Exposing the Stomach: A Gesture of Trust and Submission

If your dog frequently rolls onto their back exposing their stomach and flashing those big puppy eyes, they are demonstrating submission and trust towards you. This vulnerable position indicates they recognise you as their leader and do not perceive any threat from you. It's a way of saying, "I trust you completely and yield to your authority." This behaviour also appears during play with other dogs, signalling a willingness to submit and keep interactions friendly rather than aggressive. While this often invites a belly rub, remember it is much more than a simple request for affection—it’s part of your dog's social language.

Trying to Lick Your Face: Affection and Ancestral Signals

Licking your face is a complex behaviour with deep ancestral roots. This action stems from wolf ancestors where pups would lick the faces of adults to encourage regurgitation of food, an essential survival behaviour. In your dog, licking is a sign of affection, social bonding, and communication. Dogs also use licking to gather sensory information through taste and smell, helping them recognise familiar scents and people. Beyond affection, face licking can be a polite greeting or a way to seek your attention. Understanding this behaviour strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Leaning on You or Putting a Paw on You: Signs of Affection and Social Connection

When your dog leans against you or places a paw on your arm or leg, they are often seeking closeness, comfort, or reassurance. This physical contact is a gentle way of marking you as part of their social group and expressing affection. However, it can also indicate that your dog perceives you as “theirs,” sometimes adopting a more dominant stance in the relationship. Observing accompanying body language can help you decide if this behaviour is affectionate or a sign you need to establish clearer boundaries to maintain a balanced relationship.

Rolling in Poop and Other Nasty Things: A Natural Instinct

While unpleasant for owners, rolling in smelly or messy substances such as fox droppings or dead animals is a deeply ingrained instinct. Dogs do this to mask their own scent with stronger smells, a strategy inherited from their wild ancestors who hunted prey that rely heavily on scent detection. By masking their scent, dogs believed they could better sneak up on prey. Today, even though your dog might only be chasing a ball, this instinct sometimes kicks in as playful or exploratory behaviour. Regular grooming and supervision during walks can help manage this behaviour responsibly.

Grabbing with the Mouth: Communication and Play

Mouthing or grabbing objects (and sometimes people’s hands or arms) with the mouth is a common dog behaviour related to play and communication. Unlike biting or nipping, mouthing is gentle and not meant to harm. Puppies naturally explore the world this way, and adult dogs sometimes use this to attract attention or express excitement. Notably, some trained assistance dogs use mouthing as a purposeful way to communicate urgent needs or guide their owners. Breeds known for their soft mouths, such as retrievers and Labradors, excel in this type of communication. Training and positive reinforcement help manage mouthing to keep play safe and enjoyable.

Understanding these common dog behaviours enriches the relationship between you and your canine companion. Recognising what your dog is communicating allows you to respond with empathy and care, strengthening trust and harmony in your shared life. Remember, every dog is an individual and context matters; watch for accompanying signals to fully interpret your dog's unique language.

If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, be sure to find a reputable breeder or consider adoption from a responsible organisation. Responsible ownership and respect for your dog's instincts and needs are key to a happy, healthy relationship.