Dogs use their noses for several purposes. In fact, dogs have 220 million olfactory receptors while humans have only 5 million. Dogs are dominated by their noses and can smell at least 1,000 times better than humans. When they are sniffing the air, it could be a sign that they sense danger approaching or that they’re trying to track prey.
During this, they will remain completely still. They stay absolutely silent so that their prey won’t see them. Dogs are able to smell the difference between individuals — both dogs and people. They can smell the difference between family members, even identical twins!
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.
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.
Flipping Their Tongues Up Means They're 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. This adorable behavior showcases their understanding and remorse. Dogs have an innate sense of guilt and use body language to express it.
Alongside their tongue gesture, they might also wear an innocent face, manipulating their owners with irresistible cuteness. They are fully aware of their owners' weakness for their adorable expressions, and they cleverly utilize it, even when they commit acts like peeing on the floor. These actions highlight their ability to charm their way back into their human's good graces.
Stretching
Unlike humans, dogs don't only stretch after waking up from a nap or to limber up their muscles. Stretching for dogs can also serve as a beautiful expression of affection and love towards someone. So, when you arrive home and witness your dog stretching, it's not necessarily an indication that they were snoozing.
Instead, they are using this moment to convey their sheer excitement at your presence. It's their adorable way of saying, "Hey, I'm thrilled to see you! Please shower me with your love and affection in return." Embrace their heartfelt stretch and reciprocate with warmth, joy, and love.