Dog Communication
Why does my dog show the whites of its eyes?
Visible eye white—sometimes called “whale eye”—can occur when a dog turns its head away while keeping its eyes on something. In a tense context it…
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Body language, vocalizations, facial expressions, and signals.
Dog Communication
Why does my dog pin its ears back?
Ears held back can accompany friendliness, appeasement, fear, uncertainty, or concentration depending on the rest of the dog. Ear shape varies by breed, so use…
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Dog Communication
What does a play bow mean?
A play bow—front end low and rear end up—is a common invitation to play and can also help keep rough interaction friendly. Loose movement and…
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Dog Communication
Why does my dog whine at me?
Whining can express excitement, attention-seeking, frustration, anxiety, or a need such as going outside. The trigger and what happens after the whining usually tell you…
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Dog Communication
Why does my dog howl at sirens?
Some sirens contain long, high sounds that resemble sustained canine vocalizations and can trigger howling. Other dogs howl because the sound is novel, exciting, or…
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Dog Communication
Why does my dog sneeze during play?
Brief sneezing during loose, bouncy play can function as part of excited social communication and is common in many dogs. Persistent sneezing outside play, nasal…
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Dog Communication
Can dogs understand our tone of voice?
Dogs are highly sensitive to vocal tone and can learn that different patterns predict praise, concern, excitement, or interruption. They also combine tone with words,…
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Dog Communication
What does it mean when a dog wags its tail?
A wag means arousal, not automatically friendliness. Speed, height, stiffness, the rest of the body, and the situation help distinguish loose social excitement from uncertainty…
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Dog Communication
Why does my dog yawn when I talk to them?
Yawning can happen from tiredness, but it can also appear during mild stress, uncertainty, or a shift in arousal. Look for other signs such as…
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Dog Communication
Why does my dog lick its lips when no food is around?
Lip licking can be a subtle communication or stress signal, especially during handling or social pressure. It can also occur with nausea, dental discomfort, or…
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