Dog Behaviors and What They Mean

Dog behavior is as complicated, or more, as human behavior. Though they lack the ability to talk, they manage to convey a lot through the display of various kinds of behavior. As a dog owner, you may find it quite difficult in the beginning to understand certain kind of dog behaviors and what they mean, but with a little observation and with time, understanding dog behavior will be a lot easier. There are also certain dog behavioral problems that you, as a dog owner should know about, so that you can either prevent them from developing or modify the behavior appropriately. Understanding and modifying dog behaviors will help you deepen your bond with the dog and will make your dog's life as a pet lot easier.

Dog Behaviors and What They Mean
There are different types of behavior that a dog displays and there is certainly something that it is trying to convey through it. So, you can find below some of the most common dog behavior explained.

Wagging of the Tail: This is the most common behavior or gesture displayed by a dog and it means that is extremely happy or pleased. Pet dogs usually display such a behavior when they see you after a long time span and also when they spot their favorite treat or food item.

Digging: Digging, too, is a very common behavior in dogs, exhibited mostly by large breed and medium breed dogs. Dogs usually dig to hide some of their favorite stuff which they would like to hunt for later. This, they do just for a little adventure or when they are extremely playful. Another reason they might be digging is to release some of its energy that has built up.

Sniffing: Dogs sniff due to their strong sense of smell and their inquisitiveness. They do this mainly to acquire the scent of other humans and dogs which helps recognize them during the next meeting.

Barking: This is probably the most natural and normal behavior displayed by dogs. Dogs bark to threaten strangers entering the house, in order to communicate the arrival of a stranger or somebody they are familiar and also to communicate with other dogs. Excessive barking, however, is a behavioral problem and should be rectified with appropriate training. Read more on dog barking.

Whining: Dogs mostly whine when they are said, ill or in pain or to attract attention when they are feeling extremely lovesick and are in desperate need of some pampering. They may also whine when they are fearful of someone or something or to display their displeasure towards something.

Jumping: Jumping is more common in puppies than in dogs and it is a way of displaying affection and excitement for them. It might get troublesome when they jump too frequently which may be to attract attention.

Eating Grass: Dogs eat grass when they feel sick in the stomach as grass helps clear their bowels and treat the condition. Read more on why do dogs eat grass.

Scratching and Scraping: If your dog scratches or scrapes the ground after eliminating its foe, it is marking its territory and it is doing so to make its presence felt.

Urinating in Frequent Gaps: If you notice that your dog sniffs around a lot and urinates at frequent intervals, it does do to communicate with other dogs and to mark the places so that it finds its way back home in case it gets lost.

Hiding: Dogs hide or isolate themselves when they feel extremely fearful or are undergoing stress. They may even refuse to be pampered, eat or drink at such times.

Dog Behavior Problems and What They Mean
As we have already explained, dogs might display sign and gestures to catch someone's attention, however these attempts if not controlled while the dog is still a puppy, might later on become a problem that needs to be dealt with.

Aggressiveness: Aggressiveness is the most common behavioral problem in dogs and there are different types of dog aggression. This kind of behavior may harm you as well as other people, especially children around you. Excessive barking, biting, growling and destructive chewing are some of the signs of aggression in dogs.

Pulling on the Leash: Most dogs pull on the leash to assert the fact that they are the leaders and will show the way. This behavioral problem needs to be prevented earlier on with training and reinforcement. Read more on dog leash training.

Soiling in the House: When your dog messes in the house despite being toilet trained, it is trying to convey its unhappiness or displeasure on certain things like being left alone or a change in food. It can be rectified with behavioral training.

Chewing and Biting: Chewing and biting is more common in puppies than adult dogs who display such behavior when they are teething. Adult dogs display such behavior when they are being trained and are unhappy about something. Read more on dog bites.

For more information refer to dog training.

Hope you have got at least a fair idea of dog behaviors and what they mean. Remember to be patient and affectionate when dealing with any kind of dog behavioral problems. Make use of the information above to train your dog appropriately and help it make a wonderful pet for you.