Dog's Life
He's All Talk
The smile, the big wag, the nose lick. Dogs have a language all their own, but they're specifically talking to you. By Laurie Dent
"No animal should ever jump up on the dining room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation." -Fran Lebowitz, author
Dogs get us. It's that simple. There's a certain look, posture, smile that happens; some unexplainable bond that creates this lifelong relationship that we speak about with enthusiasm. We think of our dogs as adorable beings, and in the moment we come face to face, we've found a very best friend.
In the most fundamental way, dogs are great communicators. We understand that a beeline for the front door means he's happy to see you. We know that a lethargic walk means he's feeling under the weather. We know a pooch is craving a snack when we catch him staring at the treat jar. Our dogs read us with ease—the average pooch understands up to 165 words, signs, and signals, says Dr. Stanley Coren, best-selling author of books such as What Do Dogs Know? and professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. And some breeds—Labradors, Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Golden Retrievers—can comprehend up to 250 words, signals, and sounds.
As you share your life with your dog, experiencing everything from camping trips to catnaps, you can learn to better interpret what your best friend is telling you with a few tips. After all, your dog DOES talk—and understanding what he means only makes your relationship more special.
How Ya Feeling?
In any communicative exchange, there are verbal and visual cues, a situation, and context—which all work together to help you interpret a message. When it comes to reading your dog, most of the message will be in the situation and his body language. For example, when he's happy, his tail is mid-level and relaxed, and his mouth is open. You see his pink tongue dangling over the front teeth. He might feel like running around, or he may roll over to get his belly rubbed. Akin to happiness is confidence. Your dog demonstrates confidence by standing tall with his ears up and tail slowly wagging, his eyes alert and making direct contact. And when your dog sticks up his tail and rear end and lowers his front legs as if he's bowing (like the downward dog yoga pose), he's feeling playful and frisky, and he's definitively saying, "Let's play!"
Paula Felps, a Dallas writer, says her dogs know exactly how to communicate their love for playtime. "Simon loves having his belly rubbed, and when we're sitting on the couch together, he will 'grab' my arm with his paw and try to pull it toward his tummy," says Felps of her Boston Terrier. "When Zoe wants to go for a walk, she will come to where I'm sitting and lean all her weight against my leg until I'm forced to move...at which point she does her 'happy dance.'"
Barking is another direct way your dog talks to you. Dogs that bark during play are expressing pride and happiness, and are saying, "Look at me!" Conversely, a dog barks when a stranger is near. In these situations, he's giving you a warning that says, "I'm protecting you."
Just like humans, there are times when insecurity and fear creep into the situation. Once you understand the times in which your dog feels insecure (meeting new people) or afraid (clashing thunder, running vacuum), you can work to mitigate those circumstances. You can sense that your dog is feeling a bit insecure if he licks his nose when you speak to him. (This cue is tricky because a dog also licks his nose to get it wet and thus capture scent molecules, so rely on the context of the action to help you understand your dog.) If his tail and ears are down, his head lowered, and his back arched, he's afraid. In these situations, he might also show his teeth, he might growl or whine, and his body may tremble. And if your dog hides under the table, bed, or between your legs, he's telling you he's not feeling safe. The best way to help your dog through these situations is to speak in soothing tones and give him lots of affection to help him feel calm and secure. (Helpful sites used to learn about your dog's body language include www.wagntrain.com/BodyLanguage, www.dogfocused.com/dog-behavior/dog-body-language, and www.pet-tails.com.)
World Wide Wag
When your dog wags his tail, he's happy, right? Not all the time, say the experts."I tell people that a wagging tail is like a smile, but we don't smile only when we're happy," says Stacy Braslau-Schneck, a certified pet dog trainer and owner of Stacy's Wag'N'Train, in San Jose, Calif. "Both a smile and a wagging tail could indicate nervousness, excitement, a desire to 'appease' conflict." So how can you tell what your dog is saying with his wag? Dr. Coren explains the following wag traits:
- Broad wags at a moderate pace means your dog is happy and he's showing you he likes you.
- Small side-by-side wags at a fast pace means your dog is excited.
- Slow wags with the head lowered means your dog feels insecure or is trying to comprehend a situation.
- Holding the tail high or curved over the back with short, fast wags says, "Give me space." Coren says, "It really does depend upon how the tail is being carried and the speed of the wag."
Figuring Out The World
Another way we take cues from our dog to see what he's saying is by looking at his hackles, the hair on the back of his neck. When a dog is on alert, the hair stands up. Keep in mind that raised hackles doesn't necessarily mean your dog is mad or afraid—it can just mean he's being extra attentive to a person or situation.
"I believe that this is the same response as flushing in humans," Braslau-Schneck says. "And some humans flush or blush easily at slight provocations, or for several reasons, including excitement, anger, and embarrassment. I tell people that hackles indicate that the dog is 'aroused', that is, feeling a strong feeling, but we have to look at the rest of the body and the behavior of the dog to figure out what that feeling—or feelings—might be."
A dog's sense of smell is ultra keen, and it's one of the main ways he learns about his environment. When you see him sniffing, he's curious and interested in making sense of an object, whether it's to find it, identify it, or tell if someone (or some pooch) has been in the vicinity.
The Smile
Every dog lover shines with pride when his best friend smiles. You see your dog grin when he spots you from across the room and runs to your lap. You feel it when you're playing a game of catch. You notice it when he's enjoying belly rubs. While dogs are limited in their facial expressions (compared to humans), there's a definitive emotion being communicated when his mouth is open, tongue hanging out, and he's panting! Dogs smile when they're happy and pleased.
"They have a wonderful, relaxed smile that they give when they are happy," Braslau-Schneck says. "I see it frequently while hiking or training with my own dog, Flip. ... There are those times when we'll be walking down a trail ... and he'll look up at me. His body is loose, his ears up but relaxed, his eyes soft, his forehead smooth-and his mouth is open with that grin that seems to say 'I'm having the best time!' That's pretty clear communication."
Take Time to Talk
The best way to read your dog is to spend as much time with him as you can. Watch him and engage him in a variety of situations, from playing games to taking leisurely walks. In turn, speak to him frequently—dogs understand tone of voice and volume, and give him plenty of smiles because he knows that the expression is a positive one. With time together, you'll learn to better speak his language and he'll learn to better speak yours. And before you know it, you'll even be able to tell one bark from the other. Tell us how you and your dog talk at Sound Off.
About the Author
Laurie Dent lives with Squishy, a rambunctious, one-eyed pug, and an extremely curious schipperke named Java.
Comments:
On November 8th, Lauren & Pansy from Huntsville,Ala wrote:
My ten year old Boxer, Pansy, is my best friend. She holds the end of the leash in her mouth when we are walking--it looks like she is walking me! We grew up together, (I'm 9) and she knows lots of tricks!
On October 22nd, sandra wrote:
My dog, Milo (a 6 month old Beagle) makes sounds every morning when I talk to him--like he understands what I am saying and is talking back to me. I will say "I love you Milo", and he makes sounds like he's answering back.
On October 13th, Jan W. from oswego,ks wrote:
My dog loves to sleep with us. He gets on the bed and looks around the edge on the floor and at me. He wants his pillow so I know I'd better get it for him. And then off to sleep he goes with me.
On October 5th, Quinn from AZ wrote:
My chow, Tiny, understands anything I say, such as "outside," "cookie," "bath," and more. We play hide-and-go-seek--and if someone else says "Where's Sissy?," she runs around, whining and looking for me.
On August 31st, bobbie wrote:
My 13-year-young mix, Lacie Lee, speaks to me very often by her diferent barks, looks, and ankle biting when I put on my shoes to go outside!!!! She knows house shoes from outside shoes as well!
On August 29th, haley wrote:
When my friend's Golden Retreiver, Joe, wants what you've got on your fork, he puts his nose under your elbow and bounces it--hoping for dropped food. :) Silly boy.
On August 27th, Alicia Buckley from Orlando , Fl. wrote:
My Shepherd/Pit mix , makes such eye contact with me and even when I do not speak and smile her tail begins to wag .. she knows my facial expressions !!
On August 25th, Cathy Lafferty from NJ wrote:
My beagle, Daisy, will sit at the closet door where her food is kept and whine. And if the whine isn't enough, then she'll bark until you get her something to eat. She is my best friend.
On August 23rd, Jennifer from TN wrote:
My basset hound, Cletus, is my best friend! He loves to play chase. He'll chase me all through the house and when I stop and turn around he gets excited and runs so I can chase him!! It's so funny!
On July 1st, Eric Barrie from Marietta, GA wrote:
My boxers love to "butt face". They bend in there middle like a kidney bean and show you both there butt and face at the same time. I get greeted with this treat every night when I come home.
On June 29th, Johnny w from violet la wrote:
Baxter, my boxer, barks and wags his tail when he wants something. I tell him "show me!" and then he runs to what he wants. If it was water, he looks at the water bowl and so on.
On June 16th, Katie L. from DE wrote:
My American Bulldog is very intelligent. She goes to where her water, treats, and food are located, then looks up at you. When she is excited--usually with food--she does circles and jumps.
On June 16th, Jim D wrote:
My Dalmatian does many of the behaviors described in the Comments section. He also "talks" in his sleep: short yelps that sound frightened. I wonder if he has "nightmares"?
On June 13th, Peggy from Baton Rouge, LA wrote:
My pitbull is a big baby. I know that he's hungry when he licks one of my fingers. If he needs to potty, he paws my arm.
On May 3rd, Ashley A. from LA wrote:
My dog is so funny because every time I give her dog food, she does this weird bark and rolls around!!
On April 13th, Maritza from Flori-duh wrote:
My Rockie talks to me with his eyes LOL when he wants my food he looks at my food then looks at me, repeatedly. It's funny or if he wants to go outside. He sits by the door and looks at it then me.
On April 9th, Lynn J. from Minnesota wrote:
I had a Cairn Terrier (female) who had an astounding range of vocal sounds she used to communicate with me, in addition to the normal ones. She just loved to verbalize her feelings!
On March 15th, Samantha & Kato from BOSTON! wrote:
My Boxer Kato gives the best hugs!! He wraps his arms around your shoulders and shows you how much he loves you. He's the best friend I've ever had!!!!
On February 15th, Nikki from Napa wrote:
My dog sits on her butt and puts her hands in the air like she is waiving at you.
On January 12th, Dwanna Rouse from Monticello, AR wrote:
I have a mixed breed, Fancy. She cries if I leave and checks every sack when momma gets back cause she knows there is a treat for her! she will actually whine momma if I ignore her! She is a joy!
On January 6th, Colleen wrote:
My dog loves Beneful.
On January 3rd, Matt R. from Washington, DC wrote:
My 1YO white Lab, Camino saw me crying and started to whimper. I let him out of his cage and i was on the ground. He then tackled me and was lying on top of me and licking my hands making me feel betr
On December 21st, Maryanne from OH wrote:
I am enjoying my second Shih Tzu. They are such great little companions. He is so jealous of my cat!They both sleep on my bed after he gets settled then she joins us!
On December 21st, amy p. from Mississippi wrote:
My miniature schnauzer, Lucy, goes crazy when she gets out of the bath. She runs around all over the house at the speed of light!
On December 21st, Sarah from Paradise wrote:
My two dogs will actually smile at us -- it's hilarious!
On December 14th, Terese from Maryland wrote:
2 lab mixes and no language barriers. They rush to meet me at the door; bounce like rabbits when I grab the leash, and "talk" to me in long silly growls when they are trying to get a treat out of me.
On December 13th, Emely from Houston Texas wrote:
my puppy marley always get a red ball her gave her and throw at me so i can throw it and play with her. Also she will stand infront of the door when she wants to go outside.
On December 10th, Elsie wrote:
it doesn't what kind of dog they are; they all are special to the people who love them. The world would be a MUCH better place if everyone was a dog, of for that fact, a cat.
On December 8th, Sarah from Fairway KS wrote:
My Weim Bella loves everyone, but especially kids. When our neices and nephew come over she follows them around to play and make sure they are stay safe and happy : )
On December 5th, Susan Seal from Jax, Fl wrote:
My dog Bo lets me know when he is thirsty by bringing his bowl to me and throwing it at my feet. My other dog Sassy lets me know when she wants to go out by ringing the bells on the back door knob.
On November 30th, Maureen S. from Pennsylvania wrote:
My dog loves his picture taken. He sits proudly with his mouth wide open, with his tongue hanging out. He actually smiles for every picture I take of him, as if he knows what is going on.
On November 27th, Tammy Carter from Cheraw, SC wrote:
My toy poodle peewee, who is now gone, would always let us know when he had to go potty. He would stand in front on you and go around in circles. He was great.
On November 26th, Jennifer E. from West Haven, CT wrote:
When my boyfriend gets home & he pulling into the driveway, all I have to say is, "Daddy's home" and Ella & Marley go running to the door barking and jumping to greet him!! What a great welcome home!!
On November 24th, Valerie A. from Midland, MI wrote:
Our yellow lab, Jessie, is our JC Penney Dog...she poses. When we say,"go to sleep" she lies down, shuts her eyes and puts her head on her paws. Perfect for a sofa advertisement.
On November 24th, Jane from Kans. wrote:
We have 13 dogs, Each one special and different and very communitive. We love them all amd all are rescues that some fool threw away.
On November 20th, elsa from Southern CA wrote:
My two dogs communicate in different ways. Molly talks when she wants something, a short bark for "I have to go out", a wine for "Is it time to eat yet?" Max quietly talks with his eyes, face,body
On November 20th, Debbe from WV wrote:
Daisy, my rescued shepherd mix, gets in my face when I am laying on the couch and gives me one low whimper to go outside. She is sooooo smart.
On November 19th, Phyllis from Texas wrote:
Our Blue Heeler, Butch makes a deep growing noise, when ever I give him a tight hug, also: we slowly open and close our eyes to each other. It took him awhile to catch on but now we do it all the tim
On November 18th, Sherrie L. from Fernley, NV wrote:
My Maddy, all of 15 lbs Jack Russell Terrier., When I m
sick, Maddy will put both front paws firmly on my chest
and look out to say I,m here to protect you till your well.
On November 15th, Anna Wulfekuhle from IA wrote:
My dog loves running so when ever we say "run", "walk" or "go", he perks his ears up to know what we said is true then he runs to a door and alternates bouncing on his paws and stares at you, smiling
On November 10th, kris from peoria il wrote:
my abbie sleeps right beside me with her head on my shoulder every night. she is such a love bug!!
On November 8th, Karen wrote:
My 10 year old black Lab, Stoney will keep tabs on me when we are off leashing on a trail. With him a few feet ahead of me he will periodically look back to make sure I am still following him.
On November 8th, Virginia from TX wrote:
Bear and Honey tag team me to make sure I get it.
Time for dinner, snacks, walks. I am well trained to serve them. Honey has special bark to report invading wild animals in the yard. Smart Westies.
On November 7th, Tere from Georgia wrote:
My spaniel mix "snorts" at me when she wants something, putting her face as close to mine as she can and delivering a short, sharp "snout snort" at me, like a mini-sneeze. It's my call to attention!
On November 6th, ANITA WESCOTT from S.C. wrote:
WE HAVE SEVEN DOGS RANGING FROM 6LB CHI TO A 106LB GREAT DANE/LAB MIX. ALSO HAVE A GREAT DANE PUPPY WHO WILL BE ALMOST 140 WHEN FULL GROWN. ALL LET US KNOW IN OWN WAY WHAT THEY WANT
On November 5th, Valerie A. from Midland, MI wrote:
Our sheltie, Dickens, is 14 yrs.old. He is deaf, but he now understands all kinds of hand motions. I try to look him in the eye when I praise him, with a big smile and he smiles right back.
On November 5th, Dee C wrote:
I have a chihuahua mix, I am a diabetic and when my sugar drops during the night she wakes me up by giving me continuous kisses. She started doing this when she was about 9 months old
On November 3rd, Emily Young from Irvine, CA wrote:
Our dog Molly barks @ 7am to let us know it's time 2 go potty. Then @ 12pm & 3pm she barks bc it's time for a treat! She also barks to let her sister Lily know that it's 6:00 & it's dinner time!
On November 3rd, Kelly Hahn wrote:
Rocky, my little Fox Terrier ,loves to go for walks. As soon as he sees that I am getting my shoes on or heading for the door, he starts jumping around and barking as if to say, "Lets go!"
On November 3rd, Jenifer R. from AZ wrote:
My 2 yr old lab, Maddie, loves to make me laugh. My husband will say, "Maddie get your momma!" and she will run over and nose at and lick my face, tickeling me and making me laugh. She is so cute!
On October 26th, Ellen F. from MO wrote:
Our Sheltie/Beagle mix, gone now after 13 years, was very afraid of thunder. She would go in the windowless bathroom and jump in the tub. We figured she must have heard on TV it was the safest place
On October 25th, Carol Galvin from Boston, MA wrote:
My 2 yr.female Papillon luvs a mail order/Flea Mkt set of Flying Monkeys $11. These monkeys have a strong elastic through their arms that allows the screaming monkey to be flexible w/wiggly elastic .
On October 24th, Shellie from Kansas City, MO wrote:
My Newfoundland, Fang hops around like a rabbit every time I put on my tennis shoes. She thinks she is the only reason for them on so I have to sneak if I am wearing them and she is not leaving home!
On October 23rd, Shorty140 from QUEENS N.Y wrote:
OK MY DOG WHEN I COME HOME FROM WORK SHE WAGS HER TAIL AND SHOWS ME HER TEETH TO ME IT SEEMS LIKE SHE IS SMILING DOES THAT I"M RIGHT OH AND JUMPS OVER ME AND LICKS ME?
On October 22nd, Jenn G from Texas wrote:
My Pekingese, Sufjan, is so smart! He knows words I say, and he barks when I say what he wants/needs. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me! He's absolutely phenomenal. :)
On October 21st, xandra Townsend from Bellevue Wash. wrote:
Unlike other dogs,mine only eat the "iron" & "beef" pieces and the rest I collect to give to the Humane Society.Anyway I can get you to send me a big bag of just those two pieces in it? Desperate mom.
On October 15th, Marcial Bedell from Wichita Kansas wrote:
We have just recently adopted a 1 year old English Bull Terrier (female). Have only had her for 3 days, it is hard to communicate with her because she is deaf. Any ideas on how to communicate with her
On October 15th, Bil Yaeger from New York wrote:
My Weim' August is my best friend. I've had 3 surgeries in 3 years and each time he lays on me as I recover. If anyone comes close he will remind them that HE is responsible for my safety with a growl
On October 15th, Kim L from Wi. wrote:
My ratcha Vinny is the sillist. He loves to smile and when I grab my purse he knows we are going for a ride and will nudge my purse to get me going.
On October 14th, Deanna J. wrote:
My Min Dashund almost never barks...she grunts and "talks" to get our attention. If she's barking, something is wrong...like the time she found a snake in our yard. Yikes!
On October 13th, Becky F. (AK) from Full time RVers wrote:
Zach, 13 YO cocker, wants to be as close as can be. When we arrive home, he makes his special sounds to greet us but we're not sure if it means: You should've taken me or I'm so glad you're home. LOL
On October 8th, jen wrote:
Our adopted bull's fierce-sounding bark frightened me when I first heard it. Realizing he was just asking to play, I taught him to express himself a little more quietly. He is the biggest sweetie!
On October 8th, Christi from cincinnati wrote:
I just can't describe my dog in 200 characters or less...suffice to say rescuing him was the best thing I've EVER done!!!
On October 7th, Sheryl F from CO wrote:
Ginger, an 80 lb terrier mix, stares at me from 1/2 inch away if she thinks it's time for me to get up. Loki (Doberman mix) pokes at me with her pointy nose for attention or treats.
On October 6th, Albert Swensoln from Grandview, MO wrote:
my new dogs love your product, but the expense in twice the cost of other simiilar products. Are ther any coupouns you offer for this product.
On October 5th, Nancy W from TX wrote:
Everytime I would be getting ready to live for my moms, I would ask my dog "Do you want to go see grandma?", he would jump off the bed with excitement and head towards the front door.
On October 5th, Nancy W from TX wrote:
Everytime I would be getting ready to live for my moms, I would ask my dog "Do you want to go see grandma?", he would jump off the bed with excitement and head towards the front door.
On October 5th, Stephanie H. from IN wrote:
Barkley, my 3yr old Boston Terrier waits for me at the bottom of the stairs to go to bed. I say Night Night, he flies up the stairs, nudges me with his nose, to lift the covers up for him-Pampered!
On October 4th, Judy from OH wrote:
My young shepherd-husky mix uses different intonations, almost bleating sounds to let us know when he is hungry, when he is sad, and when he is sorry. It is hard to be angry when he apologizes!
On October 4th, Nancy from NC wrote:
When my girl wants a tummy rub she will lay on her back & hold her front paws to up to her face. I tell her "don't mess up your hair" & she rubs her paws all over her face & head to earn a rub.
On October 4th, Maricel Arrogan from Philippines wrote:
My Dog Peso loves to play ball and stuff toy, when he brings it out from the bedroom, it means he wants to play with me.
On October 3rd, Denise Woods wrote:
My Robbie, now gone, used to come to me right at noon while I was working on the computer. I never knew how he knew the time. He would nudge my elbow with his nose and say, "Time for a walk."
On October 2nd, Anne S. from WV wrote:
My dog "Bailey" is a total show-off. He gets everybody's attention when he is spinning around and around like a tasmanian devil. It is usually in a mud puddle or in the sand on the beach. Too cute!
On October 2nd, Kathy from Wichita, KS wrote:
Wesley, our 5 yr old Golden, who is an inside dog, will bark at the back door to go potty, then can open the back door to get back in!!!
On October 1st, Patty Dietz from Maineville, OH wrote:
Our dog, Max, a 3.5# yorkie knows the name of every toy he owns. Just ask him which one you want, he runs to get it, brings it back, wags his tale and smiles as if to say "aren't you proud of me".
On September 30th, Robin D from Arizona wrote:
My Norwich terrier Marley comes & firmly scratches the bottom of my foot 3 times when I'm sitting in my chair & then bends over BACKWARD with his paw in the air to let me know he wants me to hold him!
On September 28th, Karen Gavin from McCook Nebraska wrote:
Our Jack Russell mix Rat Dog lets us know when she wants a snack...she barks and shows us her behind when we say "Show us your booty" and she heads for the kitchen!!
On September 20th, Mercedes Marton from Lansing Mi wrote:
When we found our beagle 8 years ago on a cold and foggy night, he jumped into our van and said :
"Look, I'm cold, hungry, wet and tired. Step on the gas and let's go home."
On September 19th, Dee J from NJ wrote:
I have a Pom & Dauchie who wait with loud hellos as I come in the door. Until I sit & pet them & they kiss me several times; they do not quiet down. They insist on greeting me.KoKo talks & sings, too.
On September 18th, Ronda Davis from Douglas, Ga. wrote:
My 18 mo. old bull-pei, Daisy, knows that at night when I fix the coffee pot, it 's bedtime. When she hears the pot clink, she heads to her bed and always stops to give me that 'time to go' look.
On September 18th, Dee J from NJ wrote:
My Mom's new dog which we got at an SPCA and is 9 now barks twice to go out and barks once to get her leash on to walk when I am there and leash up my dog to leave. She has to take a walk.
On September 18th, Charm wrote:
My now-deceased Australian Shepherd learned how to spell. We started spelling out words when we didn't want her to know what we were talking about. She picked up on other unsaid things too. Brilliant!
On September 17th, Lee P. from Wamego, KS wrote:
The smile on my youngest Saint's face when I get home from work says it all! Of course it's accompanied by lots of kisses and an ample supply of slobber!
On September 16th, Nancy Krol from Lakeland, F L wrote:
Maxi will sit, look at me. I say "show mommy" and she leads me to the door. She will also scratch on my leg and again, "show mommy" and she leads the way. Who's the Alpha? I wonder!
On September 15th, Samantha wrote:
My gorgeous girl, Annie, who is bluetick/beagle smiles big when my boyfriend and I are laying on the couch with her in between us. It's as if she's saying "Ah, life couldn't be better!"
On September 15th, Teri from Minnesota wrote:
Mudpuppy, my 14 1/2 year old chocoloate lab mix lets me know when she wants to go outside (or come back in) by "knocking" on the door with her paw.
On September 14th, Lori from Kentucky wrote:
My 9 year old bichon, Oliver, loudly delivers his "monkey" bark when he figures out we are on our way to the Paw Park. He is beyond jubilant and screeches and howls, anxious to get to his friends.
On September 13th, susan from ok from Hollis Ok wrote:
My ten yr old half Golden Retriever half Brittany Spaniel always barks over his food bowl before he eats his meals. We say he is blessing his food.
On September 13th, Jill A. from Toronto, Canada wrote:
My 8 year old Pitbull stands in front of me and does a dance to tell me he has to go outside! Also during a storm (thunder & lightening) he goes and hides under the blanket on the bed.
On September 10th, Jennifer from Texas wrote:
My black lab Dakota loves to be talked to when you are saying something to him he cocks his head to the sid and raises his is as if he is really interested in what you are saying.
On September 10th, Louise from Australia wrote:
My 11 year, old 45 kilo, Doberman/Shepherd, Ben wil jump on my bed and lie on top of me when he wants me to get up.
On September 9th, Eunice V. from RI wrote:
When I lay down or sit on the couch my dog likes to lift my hand so I can scratch his ears and if I stop he gently takes my hand with his mouth and throws it back so i can scratch him again.
On September 6th, TOM HILDEBRANDT from SHIVELY CA. wrote:
ONE THING I HAVE LEARNED IN LIFE ABOUT DOGS AND PEOPLE, "THE MORE I KNOW PEOPLE THE MORE I LOVE MY DOG."
On September 6th, Joan from Ca. from California wrote:
My Pug, Lulu, doesn't even know she is a dog. She has so many human characteristics. She cocks her head from side to side when she is curious. She lets us sleep in the kingsize bed with her.
On September 4th, Judy P. from Oriskany, N.Y. wrote:
My dachshund will only twirl, chase her tail, and yap almost silently when she want one of her beloved chicken tender treats. My Corgi will sit in front of me, stare & wag her tail until I pet her.
On September 3rd, Lana from WY wrote:
My Dane Sheba gives a sound much like Chewbacca when we get home from work. Its her way of saying YOUR HOME PLAY WITH ME!!!
On September 3rd, Lori H from Cocoa Beach, FL wrote:
When my 3yr old Black Lab Zoee wants to be petted she places her paw on my arm and pulls my hand towards her.
On September 2nd, Toni from CA wrote:
Katie has a normal bark when she feels threatened (strangers outside the fence), but she uses a piercing "yip-yip-yip" when she wants to play. If we ignore that, she bangs her food dish on the patio.
On September 1st, Bob Leach wrote:
My 12 year old Lobo can tell time. Every day about 11:30 & 4:30 he finds me & just stands there & barks. Time to eat.
On August 27th, Madeleine A. from IL wrote:
My dog is dead now but he was a Great Dane and he would pull off my socks when I was sleeping to wake me up.
On August 26th, Lorraine W NH from raymond nh wrote:
my dog sits at the bottom of the stairs and barks at exactly 8pm everynight. she wants to go to bed but will not go without us.
On August 26th, Laura from Naples, Fl wrote:
Sissy only bites the shop vacuum when it is not being used on her.
On August 23rd, Tina Switzer wrote:
My basset, Honey Dew likes to "pillow talk". Every morning she jumps on the bed lays her head on my the pillow and softly ahrrrr, arrrhhha, arrrhrrr. If I don't quickly repond she gives me a thump.
On August 19th, Kristina F. from MI wrote:
My dog loves to get her belly rubbed. Whenever I start she will never let me stop. If i stop she will push her nose under my hand and try and get it to move to her, or she will paw at me. :)
