Tiny noises scurry across the tile floor accompanied by the riffing from a tiny nose. A little doggy trots over to the room and decides to plant itself in an awkward position to sleep. The dog almost looks like a fluffy twisted piece of gum, but how can it enjoy this? Does this awkward positioning mean something? Are there any other dog behaviors that can signify anything? Welcome to the world of doggy psychological behavior. The behavior of a dog can signify subconscious emotional responses. Here are some behaviors you may see within a dog and what it may signify:
Sleeping positions:
-Belly Up (on the back with legs in the air): when a dog sleeps belly up, it signifies that they have trust in you and are trying to keep cool. Dogs that sleep belly up are loving and trusting. These dogs feel comfortable to sleep anywhere because sleeping belly up exposes vital organs in which a dog would never show in an environment deemed unsafe. As dogs age, they may stop sleeping belly up due to arthritis.
“I have a dog named Princess” said Allison Toll
-The doughnut (curled up in a ball with limbs tucked): When a dog curls up in this position, they actively seek body warmth and are seeking to protect themselves. These dogs are caring yet often anxious. In this position, all vital organs are tucked away for protection. This can be seen when a dog enters a new environment (such as when they get first adopted) and often in strays.
-The Burrower (sleeping in pillows, clothing, etc): Burrowing dogs often seek comfort and security. They use the pressure of a blanket, shirt, towel, etc to self regulate their emotions (also seen with dogs who have anxiety disorders). These dogs are very affectionate but needy. Dogs may also burry to minimize distractions when sleeping.
–Head And Neck Raised: When a dog uses the side of a bed or any other surface to elevate the head and neck area it may be a warning sign your dog may have issues breathing properly. This position helps them open up their airways. If you see this behavior, let your local veterinarian know as soon as possible.
Feeding:
–Eating Their Foods Very Quickly: This behavior stems from natural instinctual competition (another animal stealing its food), food scarcities, etc. This behavior may also hint at other issues as underlying stress or anxiety. In rare cases it is linked to parasites or diabetes. It is important to make sure dogs eat slowly with specialized bowls so your dog can avoid bloating, choking, vomiting, etc.
-Sudden Loss of Appetite: A sudden loss of appetite often signals underlying medical issues ranging from minor to severe. Causes include but are not limited to infection, pain, dental problems, organ failure, cancer, pancreatic problems, etc. It may also be caused by recent vaccinations to stress from changes in environment or routine. Other factors include spoiled food and overfeeding.
“the only thing on earth that loves you more than itself is a dog” said pet owner Josh Billings
Playing Behaviors:
-Zoomies(Frenetic Random Activity Periods): Zoomies are when dogs have bursts where dogs start running in circles. It is a harmless method of releasing energy and reliving stress. This is often seen when owners arrive home, after baths, and in young puppies. Pay extra attention/notice if they become more frequent or destructive as it may signify anxiety, the need for more exercise, or mental stimuli.
-Play Growling: Dogs will play growl to express excitement during play and communicate with dogs that rough activities are only playful. This is normal when the dog appears relaxed and with a saggy tail. However, warning signs include becoming stiff, growling is louder, tail is stiff, and lips curl back. Those signs signify the dog is stressed, overstimulated, or scared.
“Every time a dog looks at me, I feel like I’m at home,” said pet owner Clara Bennet.
In the end all dogs have fun, silly ways of expressing how they feel. Whether it’s twisting, lying, licking, or curling in a ball, you can now know why they do it! But always remember! If you see any of your pets with concerning behaviors, please seek out a local veterinarian.
