From certain playtime activities to loving cuddles, these 20 behaviors are sure to bemuse your pet dog.

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As any animal-lover will tell you, having a dog around the house can be a lot of fun. But did you know that certain human behaviors throughout the day have the potential to bewilder your canine friend? You might not even be aware that you’re doing it! So to help you keep your pooch unperturbed, we’ve taken a closer look at 20 of these confusing actions.

20. Leaving them alone

You’d be hard-pressed to name a more social animal than a dog: they just love having company! But there will be times when their owners need to step away for a period. Maybe they’ve gone to work or headed out for some shopping. Shouldn’t be a problem right? Well, tell that to their pooches.

You see, when certain dogs are left by themselves, they don’t know if their owner will be coming back or not. The canines should get out of that mindset as time goes on, but it doesn’t always happen. So yes, that might explain why your dog happily greets you after a few hours of separation. You haven’t abandoned them!

Image: YouTube/Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution

19. Playtime nibbles

Puppies are always learning from their daily interactions with humans, so we have a responsibility to steer them down the right path. Then again, that’s not as easy as it sounds. For instance, during playtime we might encourage the young dogs to lightly chew our hands if they get excited.

Image: YouTube/Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution

In truth that’s a big no-no and animal expert and vet doctor Antje Joslin explained why on the Insider website. She said, “If gently nipping your hand in play is okay, the puppy won’t know that it’s not okay to bite a child or other person that’s trying to pet them.” Yikes. To prevent that from happening, just call playtime off when they attempt to gnaw you again. The message should be clear.

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18. Inconsistent rules

If you own a dog, then household rules are an absolute must. Without them, there’d be utter chaos! And it’s just as important to uphold those regulations as time goes on. After all, that’s the only way your canine friend will learn what it can and can’t do. So that’s why inconsistencies have the potential to cause big problems.

For example, you might let your dog rest on the sofa one day, but get angry at them for being a couch potato on another occasion. That can really throw pooches off, as now they won’t know what to do. The steadiness of rules give our faithful friends a lot of reassurance, while inconsistencies can lead to distress and panic.

Image: YouTube/Ruff Beginnings Rehab Dog Training and Rescue

17. Tug-of-war

With a whole host of games to choose from, playtime with your dog should be pretty enjoyable. But here’s the thing – one of those activities could plant an unwelcome seed in the canine’s mind. We’re referring to tug-of-war sessions. To fully explain, Dr. Joslin opened up to Insider.

Dr. Joslin noted, “Though this kind of play is fun for both the puppy and the parent, it’s also very confusing. For example, if tug-of-war is okay in play, then why is it wrong if the puppy wants to play tug-of-war with the socks on your feet?” So rather than supporting that behavior during playtime, offer your pooch a treat to release the object.

16. Loving hugs

Who doesn’t love a hug every now and again? It can be the perfect pick-me-up! Mind you, young dogs might not be so appreciative of the gesture. Why’s that? Well, when a canine gets restrained by a different pooch, the outcome isn’t always positive. For instance, it could signal the beginning of a physical scrap.

The close contact also prevents the dog from making a speedy getaway if it so desires. So when you think about your loving dog-hug more closely, it shouldn’t be too surprising if your pooch can’t sense the positive intentions that you’re trying to convey. Can your mutt honestly tell the difference? You could try to show your affection in another way.

15. Soothing words in times of stress

When a loved one’s going through times of great stress, we automatically try to calm them down with words of reassurance. “It’ll be okay, you’ll be fine,” – stuff like that. So if your dog is showing signs of anxiety or fear, you might instinctively decide to adopt a similar strategy. That’s not a good idea, though.

To explain why, a vet named Heather Venkat spoke to Insider. She said, “You can actually make your dog think it’s good to be scared if you pet them and say, ‘Good boy.’ You’re actually encouraging fearful behavior through sweet talk and petting.” In place of the calming words, you could attempt to help your pooch through their issues.

14. Not going for walks

Exercise is an absolute must for dogs, and they usually get their daily dose through walks with their owners. That activity is pretty good for the humans too! But what happens if you neglect those important strolls? How are canines affected by it? Well, they can become extremely restless, which is bad news for your house.

You see, unstimulated dogs have a tendency to dig and gnaw more. It’s not even done out of spite – they just want something to do! Yet those actions can cause owners to get angry, upsetting their pooch in the process. So quite simply, don’t skimp on the walks. It wouldn’t be fair on either of you.

13. Watch your hands

It’s fair to say that our hands get a workout every single day. They’re constantly in use. And that’s especially true if you own a dog. From feeding your beloved pet to giving them plenty of fuss, it’s a very “handsy” job. Yet certain canines might view your appendages in a negative light.

After all, we also utilize our hands to do things that dogs don’t like – such as cutting their claws, giving them medication or just brushing their hair. All this means that some poor pooches can become pretty anxious whenever your extremities get too close. To ease that problem, use positive incentives while you’re training them.

12. Unequal attention

For some animal-lovers, one dog at home just isn’t enough. But as you start to add new faces to your household, you’ve got to find a balancing act when it comes to handing out attention. If you don’t, you could inadvertently cause a serious issue. Canines really take that stuff to heart!

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To give you an idea of what we mean, Dr. Venkat provided a couple of examples. She told Insider, “If you always take one pet for car rides or give them treats more than the other, the other dog may become depressed.” So you’ve got to offer all of your pooches an indistinguishable amount of fuss.

11. The food situation

It goes without saying that animals and humans have their own set ways when it comes to eating food. Dogs are very particular in that respect, as their instinct drives them to search out snacks wherever they may be. It could be leftovers in a trashcan, or a sandwich in your lunch pail.

Keeping that in mind, younger canines are sure to be confused when their owners tell them off for such behavior. Given that it’s ingrained in their species, they don’t know any better. If anything, dogs might be equally baffled as to why us humans aren’t pulling food from the trash for a snack! Still, a spot of dog-training could iron out any wrinkles.

10. Timing their training treats

There’s no denying the fact that training a dog can be a very challenging experience. Then again, it’s incredibly rewarding when you manage to pull something off successfully. Yet one aspect of this delicate process has the potential to be overlooked – and it’s not as innocuous as you might think.

Emma Bowdrey, who’s a canine behavioral expert, informed Insider, “When doing something like training your dog to sit, it’s so important to praise them or give a treat at the right moment. If you give a treat too soon, they’ll simply learn to hover. If you wait too long, the dog will attempt some other behavior to see if that gets them the treat.”

9. Forcing them to meet other dogs

Throughout our lives, we’ll meet plenty of shy people at school or at work. Each one is sure to be dealing with their bashfulness in their own way – whatever works for them, right? It’s slightly different with reticent dogs, though. In those situations, their owners have to take charge and aid them.

But you’ve got to be careful how you handle it. Dog trainer Bowdrey told Insider, “Forcing a shy dog into social situations with other dogs will often confuse them and intensify their fear.” So what can you do? Well, the best course of action is to gently introduce your pooch to their fellow canines proximity-wise, edging them physically closer over time.

8. Shaking a finger

Alongside verbal commands, you’ve got to use physical signals to communicate with dogs as well. Yes, it can seem like a hassle, but you’re not Dr. Dolittle. Anyway, one motion in particular could leave your pooch both confused and anxious, even if you didn’t mean it. What could it be?

As it turns out, dogs associate wagging fingers with feelings of annoyance from their owners. Simply put, in their minds that motion usually precedes a telling-off. The website Healthy Pets actually described it as a “universal stress-inducer for dogs,” so unless you’re about to discipline your canine, watch those digits.

7. The keywords

Unsurprisingly, keywords are absolutely crucial if you’ve got a dog at home. Thanks to their training, phrases like “sit” or “fetch” should yield the desired results. But for those of you who are going through the aforementioned process right now, an animal expert has some very important advice to share.

Animal medic Sara Ochoa informed Insider, “When training your dog, try to stick to the same keywords. It can be puzzling for a dog when you ask them to ‘go potty’ one day and ‘go pee’ the next day.” Instead of mixing it up, you’ve just got to ensure that each term is as short and sweet as you can make it.

6. Staring at dogs you don’t know

Sometimes it can be very difficult to look away from a pair of puppy-dog eyes. They’re so precious! Mind you, as alluring as it might be, you’ve got to be careful around canines that you don’t know. In fact, you really shouldn’t stare at them at all. Nothing good can come from it.

You see, according to website iheartdogs, certain dogs interpret prolonged eye-contact with strangers as provocation. And that’s obviously bad news if you want to make a positive impression. Subsequently they could become distressed, so you’d be at a disadvantage in earning their trust. Just look at the floor instead. Or anything else for that matter!

5. Visual drive

No matter how emotionally close we get to our pets, there are still fundamental differences in the ways we approach our lives. For instance, dogs are driven by their sense of smell. They’ve got incredible noses, so trips outside are absolutely perfect for them. Yet it’s not like that for humans.

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Sure, we can appreciate pleasant scents, but it doesn’t drive us every day. Instead, we rely on our eyes – and that no doubt confuses our canine friends. After all, why are we getting so much enjoyment out of that colorful, flashing box in the lounge when we could be sniffing the garden air?

4. Scolding past mistakes

Discipline is very important to maintain if you own a dog – they’ll run wild without it! Then again, you’ve got to be mindful of when your pet makes mistakes in the house too. By ignoring that simple fact, you could be doing more harm than good as you tell them off.

Dr. Venkat went into more detail during her chat with Insider. She explained, “Your dog cannot make the connection that you are mad about what he did earlier that day, and will think you are punishing him for no good reason.” To swerve that situation in the future, it might be an idea to put safeguards in place that help prevent repetition of the error.

3. Not rewarding obedience

Obedience is a funny old thing with dogs. Sure, they’ll listen to your commands and instructions, but the compliance doesn’t come for free. You see, canines want to be rewarded for their deeds. Now for some pooches, that desire can be quenched with a bit of fuss, while others seek headier prizes.

If you follow through with that, obedience shouldn’t be an issue. Mind you, not all owners are built that way. In fact, they might withhold any kind of treat for their dog’s efforts. And as a result, the canine could decide to stop listening altogether and develop behavioral problems. So when it comes to treating your pooch properly, there’s a straightforward question you should be asking yourself. In a nutshell, “What’s in it for them?”

2. Punishing them for their animal instinct

Yes, dogs are a man’s best friend, but we can’t forget one important thing – they’re still animals. No matter how much time you spend with your pooch, their instincts won’t just disappear. On that topic, Dr. Ochoa made an interesting point while talking to the Insider website.

Dr. Ochoa noted, “Dogs aren’t humans with fur, and they’re going to roll in the mud and do things that normal dogs do. Don’t scold them for acting like a dog.” So remember, the next time your pet decides to get up close and personal with the dirt outside, hold your tongue.

1. Confusing names

Choosing your dog’s name can be a lot of fun, but certain monikers are capable of causing issues. After all, you’ve got to remember that your pet needs to recognize the title. And that’s not the only thing you have to consider. Dr. Joslin shared her views on this matter during her chat with Insider.

Dr. Joslin explained, “You will want the name to start with a letter that has a sharp, distinct sound. A name that starts with a ‘D,’ ‘T,’ or ‘K’ sound will be easy for your dog to learn. Avoid any names that sound similar or rhyme with the most common dog commands. Names that sound like ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ ‘heel,’ ‘no,’ and ‘come’ could easily confuse your pup.”

But it seems we’re not the only ones causing confusion. Yep, dogs also do lots of things that leave us baffled. Thankfully, though, experts have attempted to decipher these somewhat strange canine behaviors. So next time your pooch gives out an almighty yelp or exposes their belly, you should know what they’re trying to tell you.

41. A quick look

When your dog gives you a glance and then quickly stares at something else, don’t worry. It’s not a bad sign! In fact, it indicates that your canine friend is respectful of you and compliant. Remember this, though: if you’ve got any snacks on your person, that short look will turn into a prolonged gaze. Yes, dogs love their goodies.

40. Scooting

Scooting may look like an eccentric behavior at first, but try not to laugh too much. Because it’s a sign of anal discomfort in dogs, the website Petsworld reported. From a simple itch to an infection, they drag their backsides along the ground to alleviate the problem. Poor pooches.

39. Stretching

Who doesn’t love a good stretch? It really helps to shake the cobwebs away after staying in one position for a while. But what about dogs? Is it the same for them? Well, according to the website PetHelpful, they like to do it when they see their owners following a spell apart. Simply put, stretching is a sign of affection.

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38. Raised hackles

When a dog’s hackles (hairs on their spine) start to prick up, you should probably try to calm them down. This reaction is more often than not a sign of fear, anxiety or anger. Plus they’ll appear to be quite attentive as well, carefully watching their surroundings. Your pooch might be like this around other canines too, so be ready!

37. Flicking their ears

Dogs are renowned for their fantastic hearing, but they don’t always recognize certain sounds. So to combat that problem, the animals flick their ears in an attempt to zone in on the emission. It’s just like when we’re trying to pick up a radio signal by adjusting the antenna. Hopefully they avoid the static!

36. Sitting between your legs

When your pet tries to sit on you, it could be interpreted as an act of domination. Almost like the animal is trying to claim control over its master. But that’s not the case with dogs, according to PetsWorld. In fact, if they position themselves on your lap, it might be a sign that they’re feeling worried or frightened. In other words, they’re after a feeling of security, and your lap provides it!

35. Yelping

If you own a dog, there are few sounds more troubling than that of a yelp. What does it mean? Well, it might indicate two different things, according to the website Rover.com. Either your canine chum is crying out in shock, or they’ve just hurt themselves. It certainly gets your attention either way.

34. Opening their mouth slightly

Did you know that you can tell a lot about a dog’s mood by just looking at their mouths? They’re easier to decipher than cats anyway. For instance, if a canine keeps its jaws open a little, that’s a sign that the pooch is content. You could almost say that it’s their way of smiling.

33. Pacing

While speaking to the Dogster website in March 2020, canine expert Amanda Gagnon touched upon the act of pacing. She said, “Dogs will pace because they’re bored or carry excessive energy. Less common reasons for pacing are mating behaviors, attention-seeking behaviors and medical issues.” Regarding that last point, the problems can range from stomach ailments to their mental health. So remember a hug and a stroke goes a long way.

32. Licking their crotch

When your dog starts to lick its genitals, you can’t help but look away. Because it should be a private moment, right? According to the VCA Animal Hospital website, the pooch usually does this to cleanse themselves after peeing. If they stay down there, though, you might want to consider visiting a vet.You see, constant licking could be a sign of an urinary tract infection.

31. Jumping

Does your dog leap at you when you return home at the end of the day? More often than not, that’s their own way of saying hello. Yet according to famed canine expert Cesar Millan, there could be another meaning behind it. “Jumping up is a sign that your dog is attempting to assert their dominance over you,” read a post on the Cesar’s Way website.

30. Sniffing the air

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, latching on to scents in an instant. They put all of us to shame. But why do our lovable pals sniff the air? Well, it’s the canines’ way of picking up on any nearby hazards, says website PetHelpful. And you probably won’t hear a peep out of them while they’re doing it, as they don’t want to give themselves away.

29. Narrowed eyes

When a person narrows their eyes, they’re usually focused on whatever’s in front of them. Dogs are fairly similar in that regard, albeit with more aggression. Because if a pooch sports that particular look, they want to establish themselves as an intimidating force. So be careful!

28. Howling

Yes, wolves aren’t the only animals that howl. And dogs can fire out this distinctive sound for a few different reasons. The website Rover.com claimed that it’s both a sign of loneliness and a way of marking their territory. Plus the cry is seen as a “guide” to their absent owners, too.

27. Pulling back their mouth

Dogs can get pretty noisy, right? So when you’re greeted by periods of silence, you can’t help but wonder if your pet’s alright. Well, should you find that their mouths are shut and pulled back, they’re not okay. Canines are afraid or anxious in those instances, notes the animal welfare website ASPCApro.

26. Shaking their head

Have you ever questioned why your dog rattles its head on occasion? Wonder no more. As vet Jennifer Coates explained on the PetMD website, “Head shaking is a brilliant way for dogs to get something out of their ears that shouldn’t be there. When dogs feel itchiness or irritation in their ears, they instinctively shake their heads.”

25. Panting

While humans pant when they’re trying to catch their breath, it’s a bit different with dogs. Cesar’s Way revealed, “Because dogs sweat through the pads on their feet, most of their body heat is expelled through their mouth when they pant. It’s their primary means of regulating body temperature. Dogs also pant to cope with pain.”

24. Straightening their tail

You can often tell a lot about a dog’s mindset through the movement of their tail. But why does it straighten up sometimes? Is that a bad sign? We can assure you – it isn’t. In fact, ASPCApro noted that it’s a way for canines to show their excitement. Plus, a stiff tail also indicates arousal… so there’s that too!

23. Follows you everywhere

Have you ever wondered why your dog sometimes follows you all over the place? Well, Dr. Rachel Barrack could have the answers. She informed the American Kennel Club in 2018, “Young puppies can often imprint on their owners and look to them as they would their mother.” Barrack went on, “If every time you’re with your dog, he gets affection or treats, he’s likely to [follow you around] more often.”

22. Walking in circles before bed

We all like to get comfortable prior to going to sleep, right? So why should dogs be any different? But your pooch doesn’t just walk in a circle beforehand to get cosy. As per the VCA Animal Hospital, it’s an act that’s embedded in their genes. Much like their forebears, they want to find a spot ready to face danger.

21. Exposing their stomach

It’s always nice to show your dog affection, but you still might be caught in two minds when it rolls over onto its back. Should you give your pet a belly rub, or focus on another area? Well, the canine is actually highlighting its “respect” for you in those instances, according to PetHelpful. So tickle away!

20. Pricking their ears

If you’re bored at home, you could entertain yourself by watching the behavior of your dog’s ears. Thanks to their ever-changing movement, they’re just as unpredictable as any TV drama. Why do the pooch’s lugs prick forward, though? What does it mean? Well, ASPCApro reported that it’s a sign of arousal.

19. Growling

Once a dog starts to growl, you should be wary of what to do next. Because this aggressive sound acts as a “warning” if the canine is anxious, Rover.com noted. So you obviously don’t want to make things worse. Yet at the same time, the website suggested that growling happens when a pair of pooches horse around together.

18. Pawing your legs

It’s pretty easy for a dog to get your attention, but you might not know what they actually want. If only we were all like Doctor Dolittle! According to animal welfare journalist Josie Turner, one act is simple enough to understand. As she wrote on the website AnimalWised, a paw to the lap indicates that they’d love some fuss from you.

17. Chasing their tail

You might think that it’s quite normal for a dog to chase its tail. And that’s true if they don’t do it too often. But should your canine pal be fixated on the act, there could be an underlying issue. Yes, ear infections have been responsible in the past, says the Hill’s Pet Nutrition website. So keep that in mind.

16. Crouching

When certain animals crouch down, they’re usually ready to spring back up and catch something. That’s not always the case with dogs, though. Because crouching could indicate that they’re feeling anxious or afraid of their surroundings. Then again, it’s sometimes a sign that your pet is eager to have a little fun as well.

15. Freezing their position

When something startles you, how do you react? Do you run away, or find yourself frozen to the spot? Dogs are no different in that respect, as the jolt can affect them either way. According to ASPCApro, a terrified pooch might just stay put, unable to move. So we’d advise you to be very cautious around them if that happens.

14. Wagging their tail

A tail wag can tell you everything that you need to know about your dog’s mood. So you should watch them closely. For instance, PetHelpful noted that a slow wiggle from a “natural position” highlights that the canine is eager to have fun. And when it’s raised, they’re exuberant. But if their tail’s low, it’s a sign of unhappiness.

13. Showing their teeth

While dogs are fairly calm for the most part, they’re not afraid to let you know when something’s bothering them. On those occasions, the animals show their teeth. The website Wag! claimed that canines have different tipping points, so not every dog will be annoyed by the same thing. Just like humans then.

12. Digging

If you’ve ever wondered why dogs love to dig, Cesar Millan provided an answer via his website. He said, “Digging is an instinctual activity, written deep in a dog’s DNA. Dogs in natural packs will dig to hide food or to uncover food such as small rodents. A den dug in the cool earth can also provide shelter from the heat.” Who knew?

11. Mounting and humping

Let’s face it. There are few things more embarrassing than when your dog mounts and humps anything during its daily walks. But is it just a sexual act? You bet it is! By jumping on a person or another pooch, the canine looks to pleasure itself, with the ASPCA website confirming that that applies to both males and females. Time to cover your children’s eyes.

10. Whimpering

While writing for the PetHelpful website, canine fan Januaris Saint Fores made an interesting point. He said, “If a dog produces a low, short whine or whimper, he’s excited, anxious or submissive. A prolonged whine or whimper shows that he’s uncomfortable or in pain. According to my own observations, most dogs use these body languages to ask for attention.”

9. Eating poop

We hope you’ve got a strong stomach for this one. Yes, dogs do eat poop from time to time, but what drives them on to it? Well, they could devour the mess if they’ve done it somewhere they shouldn’t have. Or the pooch might be looking to try it out of curiosity, according to Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Can’t say we’ve ever felt the same.

8. Yawning

Now we know what you’re thinking – “dogs yawn just like us, right?” Well, we hate to break it to you, but when a canine is caught yawning, it’s not necessarily an indication of tiredness. In fact, Hill’s Pet Nutrition reported that it’s actually an outpouring of anxiety. It could happen near people the dog doesn’t know, so be mindful of that.

7. A wrinkled muzzle

When a dog’s snout starts to crease up, you’ve got to be very careful. As Fores explained on PetHelpful, “If your canine friend is wrinkling his muzzle, he’s angry or aggressive. You should stop the thing causing this behavior and move away to avoid being attacked.” They should calm down eventually.

6. Bowing

People usually bow as a sign of respect to another person. But of course, dogs do it for an entirely different reason. Because bowing showcases their happiness. Unlike crouching, they’ll bring their torso down to the floor and rest their paws in front of them.

5. Tucking their tail between their legs

You might be surprised to hear that dogs do indeed tuck their tail between their legs at times. It’s not just a derogatory phrase! Why does it happen? Well, ASPCApro claimed that scared pooches react in that manner, so it appears to match that famous old phrase. And their appendage moves in an almost-robotic way as well.

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4. Biting

Yes, dogs are prone to biting people, but why do they do it? As per Cesar’s Way, “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. [But] there are ways to prevent a dog bite from ever happening if you stay in tune to the dog’s body language.”

3. Licking their lips

When your dog starts to lick its lips, don’t be deceived. If it’s away from its bowl, food has nothing to do with the action. In fact, it’s a sign of nervousness noted canine expert Amy Bender while writing for the website The Spruce Pets. She called the behavior an “appeasement gesture.”

2. Tilting their head

Is there anything cuter than a dog that tilts its head? They’re absolutely adorable! Normally, canines exhibit this behavior when an object piques their curiosity. People do that too. And PetHelpful also said that pooches try to pick up distant noises this way, zoning in on their location.

1. Head pressing

Should there ever come a time when your dog starts to push its head on a wall or flat surface, don’t ignore it. Please. You see, Hill’s Pet Nutrition reported that the canine could be suffering from a severe neurological ailment. In other cases, it might be a bout of poisoning. Either way, you must contact a vet as quickly as possible.