No, it’s not just evil and trying to ruin the new flower bed you’ve planted. Digging for dogs is an instinctual activity written deep in their DNA, especially in terrier breeds. Dogs usually dig in the yard to hide or uncover their valuables like toys or bones. Feral dogs may dig holes to uncover prey under the ground in tunnel systems.
They also bury their dead young much like humans. If you want your dog to stop this behavior then you’ll want to properly train them. Otherwise, they’ll continue this innate behavior.
Water Loving
Surprisingly, certain feline breeds love water! Bengals, Japanese Bobtails, and Turkish Angoras are just some of the breeds that love to take a dip and go for a swim.
Cats are stimulated by objects that move, so your feline might also be fascinated by a leaky tap. Hours will go by while your cat tries to swat water droplets and enjoy the strange sound of water hitting the sink.
Yawning Doesn’t Only Express Exhaustion
While humans yawn only when they feel tired or sometimes bored, it’s not the same way for dogs. One reason could be that they feel safe around you and trust you. In nature, animals yawn as a sign of submission. When your dog yawns 15 times, you can be sure that they’re very relaxed. But, yawning also may indicate anticipation or stress.
When your dog is waiting in the vet’s office, he may yawn repeatedly as a way to deal with nervousness. Dogs may also yawn before going on a walk, as a way to control their enthusiasm.
Growling Birds Are a Thing
Apparently, growling is not exclusive to canines and felines. Some bird species use this vocal practice too. And similarly to cats and dogs, when birds do it, it is meant to signal aggression.
When you hear your bird growl, don't try to pick it up or touch it. Instead of trying to comfort it, just take a look around, try to detect what it is that could be bothering it, and eliminate whatever it is.
Cats Ghosting You
Felines are fiercely independent creatures. Sure, they love to cuddle up with their owners and have their heads scratched, but they also need some alone time to recharge. Don't we all? That's why there's no need to worry if you haven't seen your beloved kitty in a few days.
Your cat is doing what comes naturally to it. Venturing into the world as a solo explorer, discovering new sights and smells. It is also a way for your cat to get some space and quiet especially if your home is busy and loud. After a few days, your kitty will suddenly reappear, probably at its food bowl.
Dog Squinting or Blinking
Surely, you've been emotionally manipulated or just brought to a puddle of "awww" from the cuteness of seeing your dog with that slight squint, looking straight at you. When your dog squints or blinks, it usually means he's looking to get your attention in order to spend some quality time with you.
If your dog starts doing this often, maybe you're spending too much time apart and you need to make some more time for your fluffy friend.
Wiggle That Head
Have you noticed the way your snake's head wiggles every once in a while? Especially when you feed it? That's perfectly normal snake behavior, just something it does when smelling something interesting.
That being said, if the wiggles are getting intense, you should contact your vet, as this might be an indicator of extreme stress or even a neurological problem (spider morphs of pythons are usually more susceptible to it).
Why Your Dog Paces Back and Forth
If your dog paces back and forth, this can be for a number of reasons. Your dog may be bored, nervous, or excited. Like humans, they also pace around the room. If your dog is pacing around you in circles, it can be a sign that they want to play with you. They want to know whether you are open to playing.
When two dogs meet, it’s common that they will chase each other. This isn’t something threatening or something to fear, it’s just their way of playing.
Back-Up
There's a reason why a round back is named the "cat pose" in yoga. To get a good stretch after a long nap, kitties will often round their backs. Usually, though, a cat will round its back when it feels frightened or feels the need to defend its territory.
It's an effective way to make its body appear bigger and more threatening to ward off any potential danger. Mixed with hair standing up and a few hisses, your cat can transform itself into a formidable feline threat!
Water-Phobic
Leave your cat out of bath time! They hate getting their fur wet so it's understandable that they claw and jump to get away from a body of water.
Not only is bathing unnecessary, but it also gives their fur a strange texture and taste that won't be appreciated during the next grooming session. Soaking wet fur also weighs your cat down and makes them less agile. Let your cat handle its hygiene habits and you can stick to soaking in the tub.
Open Mouth, Relaxed Tail, and High Ears
Many people wonder when is the best time to approach a dog. Well, when you see one with an open mouth, a relaxed tail, and ears pointing straight up, that's when.
When a dog is like this, it means they are in a neutral and relaxed state and they feel safe in their current environment. So if you want to get some cuddles in, this might be a good time!
Eye of the Cat
Getting a glimpse of your cat's eyes when fully dilated can be slightly spooky. Cats are usually on the prowl for prey when there's little light outside.
To ensure they find dinner, their pupils will expand to let as much light in as possible. If your kitty has big eyes during the day it may be a signal that it's in heat, or that it's feeling stressed. It's always a good idea to keep a (cat) eye out for dilation changes.
They Do More Than Tweet
Just like people, birds use their voices for various purposes — warning others, protecting territory, socializing, attracting mates, and more.
When your winged friend is making one sound or another, it could be trying to interact with you! If you hear it whistling, singing, or talking, these are good signs indicating a happy bird. Depending on how much they enjoy company, they might even be louder if there are more people around.
Droopy Wings
Droopy wings are something you usually see in either very young or very old birds. The young ones might present wing drooping as part of how they learn to fold their wings.
When presented in older birds, droopy wings usually mean they are tired or possibly sick. When wet, birds might also let their wings droop to help their feathers dry more quickly.
"Making Biscuits"
"Making biscuits" or kneading does not mean your cat is moonlighting as a baker. It refers to the gentle motion of pushing paws into a soft surface, usually accompanied by purring and drooling.
Kittens will usually knead their mother as they drink milk because it helps to activate the mothers' milk glands. It's thought that the sensation of "making biscuits" makes the cat feel safe and secure, just as they did when they were around their mothers as kittens. Another benefit of kneading is that it releases pheromones from glands in their paws. It lets them mark their favorite blanket (or even their favorite human) as their territory.
Yawning Can Be a Sign of Discomfort
While yawning can be a sign that your dog feels comfortable, it can also express something completely different. If your dog is yawning a lot in public, it’s not a sign that they’re tired and ready for their afternoon nap. It can actually express that they feel uncomfortable and anxious.
If you’re in an unfamiliar place and you notice your dog doing this, stay aware of this so that you can be there to comfort your dog and give it some love.
After Meal Cuddles
Does your dog come to cuddle you after eating? Just like sleeping in your bed at night, this could be another sign of their love for you. After a meal, just like many humans, dogs want to take a good nap. And, they want to be near their favorite person when they do it.
Actually, this is an intense way for canines to express their adoration of their favorite human, you! Just a tip: if your dog tends to do this, watch what you feed them. You don’t want any gas passing while they’re cuddling up against you.
Why Your Puppy Bows
A dog bows for several reasons. The way that they bow is by lowering their heads and keeping their body erect. Most of the time, it is a sign that they want to play. They might add in swinging hips or start wagging their tails in a wild and excited manner.
This is the most common sign your dog will give you when they want to play. Dog trainers call this the “play bow.”
The Cute Side Tongue Means Something
When a dog has its tongue hanging out of its mouth on one side, it’s a sign that it feels calm and happy. You may often see your dog like this after going for a walk or playing fetch. But, if your dog has its tongue to the side more often than not, it can be a reason to worry.
This condition may be the “hanging tongue syndrome.” This is usually the case with breeds with flattened noses like boxers or bulldogs. If your dog is like this, get them to the vet.
The Meaning of Howling
Some people may try to quiet their dogs when they howl but there’s a reason for your dog doing this. This is a dog’s way of yelling. Just like yelling is a way for humans to release any angry feelings they have inside, dogs do the same thing by howling.
Owners assume that dogs howl in order to assert their dominance but in reality, they are doing so because it feels good for them to do it.
Clicking Bird Tongue
Parrot keepers know this all too well. You feel annoyed and you don't know why and then you realize there is some irregular clicking sound that is driving you mental. The culprit is your beloved bird who is, again, clicking its tongue against the inside of its beak.
Well, apparently, Mr. Feathers is doing it to entertain himself or to ask for some attention, so if you wish to make the clicking stop and your bird happy, just pick it up and show it some love.
Your Snake Isn't Really Yawning
There is no denying that a yawning snake is actually quite adorable, but interestingly, the action does not indicate sleepiness!
As you know, snakes pick up scents with their tongue, so opening their mouth so wide allows them to sample the air on a much bigger scale. If the scent they pick up indicates that there's food nearby, the snake might "yawn" even wider as a preparation to swallow its potential prey.
Exposed Dog Belly Is a Sign of Respect
When a dog exposes its belly to you, it shows that it respects you and is being submissive. It might also be a sign that it wants to play with you. You can encourage them to continue this behavior by rubbing their belly.
If you do rub their belly, then they’ll want to continue this behavior as they’ve learned that you are going to give them a nice massage every time they do this. However, a dog can also roll on its back when attacked by another animal.
Dog Yowling
While you may think your dog is trying to yodel, this may be your dog trying to communicate with you. In fact, many owners swear that their dogs can speak to them.
A writer for an animal journal comments about his dog's yowling: “Our German Shepherd rescue, the sweetest dog we have ever owned (unless you happen to be a cat), is 9. She ‘talks‘ about everything! Grumbles, over being denied a cat lunch, has 5-minute conversations over going out for a walk, exchanges pleasantries (you would swear) over how happy she is to see someone.”
Birds Can Purr Too
Cats are not the only animals that purr. Apparently, some bird species do it too! The sound is a little more similar to a soft growl and could indicate either contentment or annoyance.
We know this sounds like the same reaction for two conflicting emotions, but hey, humans cry when they are both sad and happy. To better understand what your bird's purr means, factor in the little dude's body language and environment.
Cucumber Phobia
Do yourself a favor and type "cat scared of cucumber" into your search bar. Sit back and enjoy a plethora of hilarious content showing cats leaping in fear after catching sight of the vicious vegetable.
While cucumbers aren't typically regarded as nightmare fuel, experts think that the cucumber's size and shape can set off alarm bells in a cat's brain that a snake is nearby. This mix-up explains the jump scare reaction from your cat and laughs from millions of viewers online.
Your Hamster Isn't Begging
Everybody knows what it means when a dog is standing on its hind legs with its front paws held up — it wants food. Preferably, the food you are currently eating.
When a hamster does it, though, the meaning is different — it indicates that the little critter is feeling threatened. When that happens, don't try to handle it, as it might behave aggressively or even bite.
Dogs Eating Poop
It's extremely disgusting, but it's not that uncommon. When a dog starts eating its own or other dogs' feces (also called coprophagia), it usually comes down to one of two things; either it is a behavior that can be corrected through training, or it is a sign of malnutrition.
The best thing to do is to take your dog to the vet if it starts doing this too often. If your vet rules out any nutrient deficiency or medical reason, then it's time to go to a trainer to help your dog break the habit.
Not Always Fetch Time
There are several theories as to why your dog sometimes brings you a toy. One of them says that they think of you as their alpha and they want to gain your respect. Another theory says that it’s your dog’s way of showing his trust in you, by bringing you its most prized possession.
It can also mean they are happy to see you. In this case, throwing the object away can hurt the dog's feelings. So the next time your dog brings you a toy, try holding on to it to see if it makes your dog happy.
Why Your Dog Pants
No, panting doesn’t mean that your dog is out of breath or about to have a heart attack. Actually, this is the way that dogs cool off when they’re overheating. Since they aren’t able to sweat like humans, this is their own way of lowering their body temperature.
If you see your dog panting, it’s a good time to give them water. Another reason for panting may be that your dog is trying to alleviate pain or stress. Most dogs pant on the reg, but it’s important to monitor this and make sure that all their needs are met.
Why Do Dogs Dig up the Yard?
No, it’s not just evil and trying to ruin the new flower bed you’ve planted. Digging for dogs is an instinctual activity written deep in their DNA, especially in terrier breeds. Dogs usually dig in the yard to hide or uncover their valuables like toys or bones. Feral dogs may dig holes to uncover prey under the ground in tunnel systems.
They also bury their dead young much like humans. If you want your dog to stop this behavior then you’ll want to properly train them. Otherwise, they’ll continue this innate behavior.
Chasing Their Tail
Tail-chasing, in most cases, is simply a sign of playfulness, but keep an eye out if your dog starts doing this excessively. It might mean there's a health or behavioral issue behind it; for example, if your dog chews at his tail when he catches it, then there might be skin allergies or anal glands that need to be emptied at the vet.
If your dog starts chasing its tail all the time and in an obsessive manner, it may be a sign of OCD. Yes, this affects animals, too. You're better off checking with your vet, just to be on the safe side.
Gory Gifts
The ideal token of appreciation from your cat may not be a dead animal left at your doorstep, but hey, it's the thought that counts!
There are some heartfelt reasons behind your gory 'gift'. It means your cat considers you part of the family and wants to share its catch with you. It's also a way for kitten-less cats to pass on their hunting knowledge to their vulnerable human companions.
Not Hiding Droppings
A confident cat might leave their droppings out in the open for everyone to see and smell. It's not the most attractive cat behavior but it's purely instinctual. Since their droppings are packed with scent markers, in an act of defining their territory, cats might leave their exposed droppings around the house.
This behavior is common when a new cat joins the family. Another reason for a droppings display is that your cat may be unhappy with the litterbox conditions. Either the scent of the sand isn't quite right or the box needs a good clean. No one said that having a cat was glamorous!
Detective Dog
Have you ever been on a walk with your dog when they suddenly stop dead in their tracks and put their foot up in the air? While you may think that they stepped on something and hurt themselves, this behavior is completely normal. What they are doing is actually trying to figure something out that caught their attention.
It’s a sign that their brains are working. While lifting their paw they might also start to sniff like crazy. So, you can just chalk this behavior up to your dog being Inspector Gadget.
Catnip Cravings
This peculiar herb sends even the most docile of cats bouncing off the walls. Nepetalactone is to blame! It's the chemical found inside the catnip that activates the brief but bizarre response cats seem to have to it.
It's thought to stimulate the same areas of the brain as pheromones do. This explains why your cat will roll around in it or even try to nibble it. Catnip is non-addictive and non-harmful so your feline can enjoy the experience worry-free!
Chatterbox
In their natural habitat, birds chatter before their bedtime as means of social interaction. Does your parrot chatter? Probably. But what kind of chatter are we talking about? Soft or loud?
When your bird is chattering softly it can mean it is content. If your bird is still young and of the talking kind, it can just be practicing talking. Loud chatter might be your parrot's way of attracting your attention.
Flicking Dog Ears
When a dog flicks their ears, it means that they’re listening. This is actually what most animals do to listen. When they hear a sign which isn’t familiar to them and they’re trying to figure out what it is, this is how they react.
If you see your dog flicking their ears, let them figure out for a second what it is that they’re listening to. It’s also adorable for you to see your dog being so observant and inquisitive.
Bunny Bliss
Walked into the room to find your rabbit lying on its stomach with its legs behind or spread out to the side? Maybe it was lying on its back with its legs in the air? Fantastic. That rabbit is on cloud 9.
Bunnies go into that position when they feel blissfully relaxed. Sometimes a bunny will go into one of those positions after a happy hopping session.
"Bunting "
Getting a little head bump from your cat, or "bunting" means you're in its good books! When your cat rubs its head against you, it covers you in pheromones. This sends a signal that you are its property, which in the cat world means you're loved.
In stressful environments, bunting is also an effective way for a cat to make a space feel calm and comfortable. A few head-rubs on items around the room and they'll feel right at home.
Shallow Sleep
Cats take the phrase "sleeping with one eye open" to a new level. They have the ability to sleep with their eyes half open or one eye open and one closed.
It's known as "Shallow Sleep", and is an evolutionary behavior that your cat will employ when it needs to get some rest but doesn't feel completely comfortable in its surroundings. This dozing technique ensures your cat can keep an eye out for danger while getting some much-needed rest.
Laser Focus
Chasing a little red dot around a room may sound boring to most, but is an ideal playtime activity for cats. It ticks all the right boxes to get your feline's predator juices flowing.
Cats enjoy this activity as it lets them flex their built-in hunting features while getting a good workout in. Your cat will use its superior peripheral vision and tracking abilities to spot and hunt down the laser pointer wherever you may be aiming it. It also makes for a great reusable toy that won't get ripped to shreds.
Blep
Possibly the cutest behavior on this list, a cat 'blep' refers to when a cat leaves its tongue hanging out its mouth. While this would make even the most ardent dog-lovers switch sides, cats don't do this for brownie points.
Instead, they leave their tongue out to survey their surroundings using their very strong sense of taste. Their taste buds can detect pheromones from nearby cats and scents from potential prey. There are also less practical reasons behind a blep. When relaxed, a cat's jaw muscles will loosen, allowing its tongue to flop out or it can simply forget to reel its tongue back in.
Sniffing Other Dogs' Butts
You've surely heard the line, "Can you imagine if people greeted each other like that?", amongst your dog-owning friends when referring to dogs' butt-sniffing. Well, there's obviously a reason behind this; since a dog's sense of smell is at least 10,000 better than a human's, they use their nose to learn about the world around them.
Dogs learn about each other by sniffing each others' butts; they can learn about the other dog's gender, reproductive status, temperament, diet, and more.
A Flick of the Tongue
Snake owners know that their scaley companions smell with their tongue, but what does it mean when they flick it? Well, that depends on the pace of the flicking. If it's slow, your snake is simply looking around, absorbing its environment. If it's rapid, it means that the snake's attention is caught by something — usually potential food.
Avoid handling your snake when witnessing rapid flicking as the hunting instincts are on so there are more chances of it biting you.
Landing on All Fours
No matter the height and no matter the jumping point, a cat will always land on all fours. Cats owe this life-saving skill to a "righting reflex" that kicks in the minute they're falling from a great height.
It may look like your cat is performing an acrobatic skill, but it's just the reflex helping the cat flip around to land right-side up. With the help of their finely-tuned ears to orientate themselves mid-air and their uber-flexible bone structure, they're able to twist their way out of any bad landing.
Screen Time
It's not just humans that can't keep their eyes or 'paws' off their screens, felines fall prey to electronic distraction too! The strange sounds and images flashing across the screen stimulate the same senses used to hunt quick-moving prey.
Put on a video of birds chattering on loop and watch your cat transfix for hours! It doesn't stop at watching, cats can now engage in their screentime. Yes, your cat can become a gamer by playing e-games tailored for felines!
Winging It
Your bird's wings can be a great indicator of how it feels or what it's trying to communicate to you. A good example of it is wing flipping. This easily-noticeable sign can have different meanings: negative feelings like anger or pain, or the little guy is just fluffing and adjusting his feathers.
Depending on the species, this can also be a part of a mating ritual. When this behavior is paired with hunched shoulders and a bobbing head, it means it wants attention and food.
What's the Droppings Pattern?
When your rabbit does its business, where do the droppings end up? (Like, before you clear them out to the nearest trash can.) If they are scattered (instead of in a typical pile), these droppings are there as territory markers.
This usually happens if there has been a change in environment, or if there is more than one bunny present in the house.
Racing Around the House
Also known as the "zoomies", cats will occasionally break into a sprint around the room without warning.
As cats have become domesticated, they have less of a need to hunt, defend their territory, or protect themselves from predators. Their bodies instinctually still store the energy for these activities should the need arise. A good zoom around the room is a great way to get rid of some unused fuel.
Eating Grass
Felines love to gobble up grass. It may not be appetizing to humans, but it keeps your kitty healthy!
The grass is packed with folic acid which boosts hemoglobin production. Since cats find it difficult to fully digest it, eating a few shards keeps their bowel movements regular and helps them regurgitate anything that may be causing stomach problems. So let your kitty have some lawn for lunch!
Scratch That
No, your cat isn't trying to ruin your new couch on purpose. There are a few reasons why your feline feels the need to scratch your couch to pieces.
Cats will scratch objects to sharpen their claws. A cat is both a predator and prey and so it must keep its nails ready to defend itself or to catch dinner. It's also a way for cats to mark their territory — not only are scratch marks visual cues that the area is taken, but the act of scratching releases pheromones embedded in a cat's paws. Scratching objects also helps to remove dirt and skin cells to keep their nails and paws clean.
Lean on Me
Does your dog ever lean on you when you’re hanging around? While you may not even notice that they are leaning some of their body weight against you, this is a sign that they’re hugging you. It’s not that they’re lazy and can’t stand up on their own but it’s their way of connecting with you.
Next time you notice your dog doing this, don’t nudge them off of you. This can be hurtful. Instead, you should allow them to express their affection for you.
Knocking Objects Off Surfaces
We've all caught our cat red-pawed after hearing our precious possessions smash to the ground. No, your cat didn't knock your expensive flower vase onto the floor out of spite. Boredom is to blame!
If your cat has been on a knocking-objects-off-the-shelf-rampage, it needs some fresh stimulation. A few new toys or a change of scenery might just do the trick and keep your valuable items above ground. Pushing things around with their paws is also a way cats learn about the textures and shapes of the objects in their environment.
Standing up on Its Hind Legs
If your fuzzy friend is demonstrating this kind of behavior, don't worry, it's is not joining the circus. Your rabbit could either be intrigued by something or simply begging for whatever piece of food you might be holding in your hand.
That's right, just like dogs, bunnies beg. In fact, they can sometimes be even worse than their canine counterparts. Being overweight can be dangerous for rabbits, so as long as you don't overdo it with the treats you have nothing to worry about.
Walking in Circles Before Lying Down
Sometimes your dog may walk in circles before they lay down. If you’re wondering why they do this, it actually is a habit that perhaps their wolf ancestors passed down to them. Wolves do this before they lay down in order to flatten leaves or debris that have made their resting spot uncomfortable.
While your dog probably doesn’t have any debris lying around their dog bed or kitchen floor, they seem to have retained this habit and it’s quite funny to watch them do it.
Stuck Up a Tree
Whether it's racing after prey or trying to outrun a potential predator, cats have no problem climbing up trees. Their agile bodies and sharp claws help propel them up with ease. However, in all the commotion, it's common for cats to climb a little too high and get stuck.
Cats can struggle to get back down from the treetops because their instinct is to jump, not to climb down. This creates some hesitation which tends to delay the descent. Felines just need a little encouragement (with some tasty treats) and they'll eventually gain the confidence to get down safely.
Licking People
When your pup licks you it's usually to say "I love you", or to seek out your attention. Also, you might just taste good; don't forget we have nutrients and minerals in our skin.
If the licking becomes too intense, training your dog to not do this can be done with basic training. The best way to go about this is to ignore your dog when it licks you and reward it with a treat when he stops. Oh and that myth about dogs' saliva being cleaner than humans'? Just a myth.
Paw Five
You probably don’t appreciate being slapped by another human — most likely, that person is upset with you. If your dog slaps you with his paw, this isn’t exactly a sign that it’s angry with you. Actually, it can be its way of trying to get your attention.
However, a dog slapping another dog is a different story entirely. It is a sign of trust, that the dog trusts the owner. It’s basically how humans pat each other on the back, which is a friendly or congratulatory gesture.
Flehmen Grimace
The Flehmen Response refers to the face your cat makes when it stares into the distance, nose wrinkled, and mouth agape. It's the feline equivalent of the loading sign and means your cat is computing a strange scent.
This rather off-putting grimace allows the scent to pass through the cat's sensitive sensory structure that's located on the roof of its mouth. With that facial expression, no scent is too complex for your furry little friend.
Inflated Iguana
As humans, we have our own tactics that make us look bigger and more impressive (high heels, bomber jackets, shoulder pads). Lizards, such as the arboreal chameleon and the green iguana, have a similar strategy. In order to appear more intimidating to possible threats, they fill themselves with air, which gives off the illusion of a bigger body.
This bigger appearance is only visible when you look at them from the side, though. If your lizard is displaying such behavior, check its environment for the possible threat and eliminate it.
When Cats Expose Their Stomach
Warning! Do not give your cat a tummy rub when it shows you its stomach. Repeat! Do not give your cat a tummy rub when it shows you its stomach. It's not asking for a belly rub!
In fact, since that area houses all their vital organs, cats will instinctively scratch or bite anyone that goes near their tummy. So why do they expose their stomachs if they don't enjoy belly rubs? It's a way to tell you that they trust you and feel safe to expose their most vulnerable area around you. The bright side is that what you'll miss in belly rubs you'll gain in your cat's ultimate sign of trust.
The S Coil
Over the time you and your snake have been together, you must have seen it coiling into pretty much every possible shape, including a classic S. Normally, it's nothing o worry about, but if the S shape is paired with a retracted head and a curved stance, stay back — this is an animal feeling threatened and preparing for an attack.
The snake might also hiss/puff up while coiling. These are all signs to check the conditions of its tank (temperature/humidity), make adjustments if needed, and leave the beast alone.
The Reason for Biting
Being bit by a dog isn’t a pleasant experience. But actually, a bite can indicate affection and that the pup wants to play. When dogs play together there’s often a lot of biting involved. There is nothing aggressive about this behavior.
A dog will bite a person as a way of communicating their current state of mind. The dog could be reacting in aggression, fear, or nervousness. There are, however, ways to prevent a dog bite from ever happening if you stay in tune with the dog’s body language.
Why Your Dog Lays on Your Feet
Dogs love laying right on their owners’ feet whether you are sitting at dinner or watching television on the couch. This sweet sign shows your dog’s loyalty and desire to protect you. They want to be as close to you as possible. And if you try and get up, they won’t have a problem with letting you move.
This behavior is another one that has been passed down from their ancestors. Dogs love to sleep with their pack. If you are a good and trusting caregiver, then the dog will consider you as their family. They also consider you the leader of their pack.
Tilting Their Head to the Side
A lot of people speak to their dogs in a higher pitch. When you’re talking to your dog in your “doggie” voice they sometimes tilt their head to the side as if to understand what you’re saying. Dogs are very good at reading and responding to your body language and vocal cues.
They’re capable of recognizing different words so it’s possible that they are listening for words and inflections they associate with fun activities like a treat, walk, or outside. Some experts believe that dogs tilt their heads to the side in order to adjust their outer ears to better pinpoint the noise.
The Bunny Dance
Is your rabbit hopping around like a maniac? Good! That means it's happy! Whatever you are doing as a caretaker is obviously working well enough to get your little furry friend to do a little happy dance.
Not to be confused with a baby's pacifier, this hopping dance is also known as a binky. We wonder where the similarity comes from. Maybe because both cases are associated with something cute and small.
Following You Around
You haven't got a furry shadow, it's just your kitty following you around the house. No matter where you are, your cat will likely follow you there. It's usually because your cat just wants to hang out and play with you!
Most domesticated cats spend a lot of time alone at home. Your cat wants companionship and entertainment and has picked you to provide it! It's also a way for your cat to leave its scent wherever you go and mark its territory. It's a friendly reminder that your cat actually owns your home and not you. Good to know!
Wiggling Like a Caterpillar
If you think your dog looks happy when it gets into a good wiggle, kicking its legs up in the air while wiggling around on its back, well you're right! At least, most of the time.
Sometimes your dog might be excessively wiggling as if to reach an itch or another irritation. Or sometimes, this might be their way to get your attention. Why not stop what you're doing for a few minutes and give them attention?
Snake Eyes
Are your snake's eyes changing color? Don't worry, you haven't accidentally stepped into a fantasy film. Your little cold-blooded friend is simply getting ready to shed. Before shedding, snake eyes turn opaque, pale, or even white.
Since shedding is an uncomfortable process, keep your snake handling to the bare minimum from you moment you start seeing the change of color until the shedding is complete.
A Bird's Eye View
Parrots, along with other bird species, can rapidly shrink or expand their irises at will. This quick movement is called "pinning" or "flashing" and it can have several different meanings: the bird is excited, intrigued, or frightened and angry.
As your feathery friend's caretaker, take a look at its environment and look for other physical cues to decipher what's going on.
Frozen Hamster
Sometimes, you might find your hamster standing in a frozen position, completely stiff with its ears erect. Don't worry, nobody put a curse on it. There can be several reasons for this behavior: surprise, fear, or maybe they are just trying to concentrate and listen carefully to a mysterious noise.
To determine which of the reasons it might be, take a look at the environment and your furry friend's enclosure. This should clear things up.
Walking and Sitting on Whatever You're Busy With
Instead of letting you work, so you can afford to buy their food and toys, cats will walk or sit right on top of whatever you're busy with. Are they trying to tell you to take a break? Nope!
Your feline feels safe around your scent, so whatever object smells like you will draw them in. Cats' territorial nature is another cause for this slightly annoying trait. They understand that whatever object is taking up all your attention must be important and they want in! Using the pheromone glands in their paws, they claim ownership over whatever they decide to walk on. That's right, in your cat's mind, your laptop now belongs to them.
Tucking Their Tail
When your dog is in distress, it may tuck its tail between its legs. Dogs do this when they are feeling uncertain, nervous, scared, guilty, or ashamed. It's usually not a good sign.
If you observe your dog doing this, you should comfort it and make it feel safe. You can do this by using pets and a soft voice. Doggie treats can also do the trick.
Slow Blink
Cats are notorious for not wearing their hearts on their sleeve. It can be difficult at times to tell if your cat likes you or thinks you're an annoying vending machine.
An easy way to gauge if your love is requited is to notice how your cat blinks at you. If your cat makes eye contact with you and slowly blinks, congratulations, it loves you back! Slow blinks are an acknowledgment that you're its caretaker and that it loves you for it.
Boxed In
Ever bought your cat a fancy new toy, only to discover they're more excited by the cardboard box that it came in? You're not alone. Cats love cardboard boxes! They provide small and comfortable spaces for cats to climb into and dodge potential predators.
Cardboard is also a great material for heat retention. Since cats love being warm, a cardboard box is an easy DIY sauna for them. It's also not too soft and not too rough, making it the perfect chewable and scratchable surface.
There's More to a Bunny's Chin
Have you ever had your bunny rubbing its chin on something? Maybe the sides of its house or its water container or even you? This action is called chinning.
Since the little creature's scent glands are located in the chin, this is its way of marking territory. It is the same territorial mechanism that cats use when they rub their foreheads on their owners or objects around the house.
Chewing on the Furniture Doesn't Mean They're Hungry
Just like growing children, puppies will want to chew on toys and other objects in order to relieve the pain of growing teeth. But, if your pet is always chewing the furniture and they aren’t a puppy anymore, this could be a sign of something else. It can be a sign that they aren’t getting enough physical activity and need a way to get their energy out.
You can start by getting them out of the house for a walk. While this won’t solve everything, it’s a good starting point. You can usually tell when your dog isn’t getting enough exercise and this is one telltale sign.
Flipping Their Tongues Up Means Your Dog Is Sorry
When a dog feels like they’ve done something wrong, it’ll stick its tongue out and flip it up as a way of apologizing. They know that they did something wrong and are apologetic.
When they do this, they may also try and put on an innocent face because they know that their owners are suckers for their cute faces. They’ll do this even when they do something like peeing on the floor.
Using Your Body as a Bed
Not only do you make a good companion and provider of food for your kitty, but you also make for a comfortable bed. Cats love to snooze on their humans, be it morning, noon, or night.
We're great conductors of body heat, which keeps them toasty. You'll often find that cats will curl up on your chest or between your legs so they can soak up as much body heat as possible. It's also their way of showing their love and affection towards you. Sleeping is a vulnerable activity since their defenses are down. So if your cat is choosing to spend sleepy time on you, it means they trust you.