Dog Behavior — Every Signal Explained
11 dog behaviors from the Pawclue puzzle library, with cited sources. Tap any to read the full explanation.
- The Play Bowcommon
A dog drops its front legs and chest low while keeping its rear high. What is this?
- Tail Waggingcommon
Which statement about dog tail wagging is TRUE?
- Head Tiltcommon
Why does a dog tilt its head when you speak to it?
- Sniffing the Groundcommon
On a walk, your dog suddenly stops to sniff a specific spot intensely. The MOST likely interpretation:
- Shake-Offcommon
Your dog does a full-body shake (like shaking off water) when there's no water. What's happening?
- The Rear-End Sniffcommon
When two dogs meet, they typically sniff each other's rear ends. Why this spot?
- The Out-of-Place Yawnuncommon
Your dog yawns when you bend down to hug it. The most likely meaning:
- Lip Lick (No Food)uncommon
Your dog licks its lips when no food is present. The most likely interpretation:
- Whale Eyeuncommon
You see the whites of a dog's eyes — a clear crescent of sclera visible. This is called "whale eye." What does it indicate?
- The Guilty Lookrare
Your dog has the classic "guilty look" — ears back, head low, avoiding eye contact — after destroying something. The most accurate interpretation:
- The Alpha Wolf Mythrare
Many old-school training methods are based on the "alpha wolf" concept — that you must establish dominance over your dog. Current research shows...