10 Things Your Dog Is Trying to Tell You

Dogs speak a language of their own (barking) but they've developed various ways to tell us things that they think we'll understand! Oftentimes, we don't, however, but that's what I'm here for! Here are 10 things that your dog is trying to tell you and what they'll do to get the message across. *Disclaimer* I am not saying that this applies to necessarily ALL dogs, these are just things that I've noticed with my own dogs and with the dogs of my friends. :)

1) They want to play.

When a dog really wants to play, or simply wants attention, they will often bat your leg or arm (whichever is closest to their height at the time) with their paw until you pay attention to them. Another way that they will show you that they want to play is that they will take one of their favorite toys in their mouth and place it on your lap or near you, willing you to pick it up and throw it for them or play with them in another way.

2) They have to "tinkle."

Now if you are outside with your dog, this does not apply as much as they have easier access to a place where they can go to the bathroom, but when you are inside, these signs are vital in order to avoid an accident on your nice white rug. If your dog is restlessly walking around or refusing to settle down in one spot, chances are they have to go to the bathroom. Another very obvious sign is if your dog is whimpering, whining, or making any other unusual noises. This is a way for them to communicate that they desperately need something. The final, most obvious sign is if your dog starts sniffing around the room, most commonly in a circular sweep. If you see any dog start to do this, open the door and let your furry friend outside! This is always a dead giveaway that something very unpleasant is about to occur, and should be acted on immediately.

3) They need water.

This is a more recent habit for my dog, but he has a very interesting way of showing me that he's thirsty. If I'm sitting down, he will place his head in my lap and look at me until I notice. If I start rubbing his head, or snuggling him, thinking that that's what he wants, he simply will not move until I get up and get him a bowl of water.

4) They need food.

This one is fairly obvious, and any dog owner has experienced this before. When dogs are hungry, they often make their way over to the area where they eat, particularly when you're watching, and will stay there and look over at you until you notice and give them some food. Additionally, my dog likes to move around his food bowl until it makes a squeaking noise and gets my attention.

5) They're hot.

Dogs have various ways of showing that they can't stand the heat, some more obvious than others. The first, and most obvious, is panting. Dogs pant because it is their natural way of releasing heat from the body and cooling themselves down. With all that fur, they have to release body heat somehow! Another way to show that they are hot is that they exhibit all of the traits described in #3: if a dog is too hot, chances are that they are in need of water and will try to communicate that to you! Additionally, they will often try to find a place that is cooler, such as under the table, under the couch or even just on the kitchen tiles!

6) They're cold.

This one is less common, as dogs have a thick coat that prevents them from getting too cold, but in the case of air conditioning and freezing temperatures, they make show some signs of being cold. For example, they will curl themselves up into a little ball of cuteness in order to concentrate body heat into one area. If they remain standing, they will tuck their tail in between their legs and stick out their neck to show that they are uncomfortable.

7) They love you.

Kisses! This one is definitely known by all, but kisses are the main way that dogs show you that they love you. <3 Also, my dog loves to curl up on my feet and flop on his belly so that I'll give him a big belly rub to let him know that I love him.

8) Something is wrong.

Obviously barking/ growling is one way that dogs let humans know that something is up, but there are other physical changes that alert people around that a dog suspects something. Their ears will raise into a perked up position, letting you know that they hear or suspect something. Their tail will often sink between their legs as well to let everyone know that they aren't happy and that something is wrong.

9) They're ready for bed.

Dogs are usually very high energy little guys, but they do get sleepy after a long day of playing! To show that they are sleepy, they will often flop on their side and close their eyes, or curl up into a little ball.

10) They want to go on a walk.

This one is probably the easiest sign to read when it comes to dogs. When a dog wants to go on a walk, they will walk over to where their leash is and, if possible, bring it over to you! Or, they will also nudge your leg or bat you with their paws!

Thank you for reading! Obviously, not all dogs are the same, but I've found that these are good to know for many dogs!