Dog Talk: What Your Dog's Behavior Is Really Telling You

You ever watch your dog do something weird and wonder, “Is that meaningful… or just canine silliness?” Our dogs don’t speak English, but they are talking to us constantly — with their bodies, their eyes, their barks, and yes, even their quirks. Understanding these behaviors gives us a window into what they’re feeling and needing, and it deepens that bond in a way nothing else can.

Why is this dog staring at me?

Here are some everyday dog behaviors that actually mean something:

What did you say?

When their head tilts to one side, it’s not just adorable — dogs often do that to better hear or understand what you’re saying, especially if you use an excited or high-pitched tone. It’s their way of tuning in to you. But if the head tilt is constant or paired with other signs of discomfort, it could be worth mentioning to your vet because it might be a health issue like an ear infection.

You’ve probably seen your pup stretch tall with their front paws up after you walk in the door. That’s one of their ways of greeting you — a “hello!” in dog language. Some of these greeting stretches go back to instinctive canine behaviors.

Your back!

Dogs also use scent to gather information. That infamous “sniffing butts” behavior might seem weird to us, but it’s how dogs read another dog’s identity, health, and mood through scent — kind of like reading a profile in social media form.

Ever notice your dog licking you? While it can be attention-seeking, it’s often a social or bonding behavior carried over from puppyhood when they would lick littermates.

And let’s talk about the humping. Before you get embarrassed, most of the time it’s not about dominance or sex — it can be excitement, play, or just a way they’ve learned gets a reaction from you.

Tail wagging is another one that gets misunderstood. A wagging tail isn’t always a happy tail — the way a dog wags, where the tail is on the spine, and what the rest of the body is doing all matter. A slow or low wag can indicate uncertainty or stress, while a loose, wide sweep usually means a comfortable and engaged pup.

What tail wagging means to your dog

When your dog stares at you, it can mean they want something — maybe a treat, a walk, or just attention — but eye contact also builds social connection. Some dogs find direct eye contact comforting, and others might find it intimidating depending on their personality and past experiences.

Beyond those individual acts, the most important thing I’ve learned in pet care is that dogs communicate with their whole body. Their ears, eyes, mouth, tail, posture, and energy all speak at once. A relaxed mouth and wagging tail often mean comfort, but a stiff body with a tense stare could mean stress or uncertainty.

If you want a deeper look at decoding canine communication from head to tail, the American Kennel Club has a great primer on understanding canine body language that breaks down these signals in more detail.

At the end of the day, dogs are constantly telling us things — “I’m happy,” “I’m stressed,” “I want to play,” or “Hey, I need that treat now.” The more we pay attention, the better we get at responding in ways that make them feel safe, understood, and loved.

Your Furry Godmothers

At Your Furry Godmothers, we are trained to pay attention to any and all messages you pets are telling us. We want you pets to be well cared for and to have all their needs met. We want you babies to feel safe in our care, so we listen with our eyes and with our ears.

If you are in out service area, we would love to set up a free "meet and greet" with you and your babies to discuss our services and get to know each other. Call us today at (405) 673-3306 and let's talk.