Dogs are intelligent creatures with their own unique ways of communicating with us. These fur babies may not be able to speak, but they do communicate using verbal and non-verbal cues. From barking and growling to tilting their heads and chewing—dogs use a combination of body language and physical behaviors to let us know how they’re feeling. Whether your dog is a family pet or a service dog, like a dog that has an emotional support animal (ESA) online certification, it’s important to understand their communication. Let’s look at the eight most common behaviors dogs use to communicate with humans:

1. Howling

Howling is a common form of communication in dogs and can indicate anything from loneliness and distress to joy and excitement, depending on the context and situation. It is scientifically proven that older dogs howl the most due to the distress they have caused by aging, such as losing their sight, hearing capabilities, or even dementia. It is important to keep a lookout for this sign, for your dog may need help.

2. Tilting their heads

Tilting the head is often interpreted as your dog’s way of showing confusion or interest in something you’re saying or doing. Head tilting could be your dog’s way of trying to understand anything from a funny noise you made to seeing something new in their environment that has caught their attention!

3. Chasing their tails

Dogs chase their tails typically out of boredom, which is why it’s important to ensure your pup gets plenty of exercise so they don’t become bored and start chasing their tails too often. Seeing your dog chasing their tail is a way of them telling you they need more stimulation or play. For puppies trying to chew their tail is a way of becoming aware of their body; for older dogs, it can indicate a cognitive disorder.

4. Eating grass

Eating grass may seem odd at first but it could be a sign that your pup isn’t getting enough nutrients from its regular food. Dogs need roughage and fiber in their diet to help them pass stool and run their digestive functions smoothly. Eating grass is a way of compensating for the lack of fiber-make sure you’re giving them the best quality diet possible! Eating grass can also initiate vomiting, and a dog may eat grass when his or her stomach is upset.

5. Giving you puppy dog eyes

Puppy dog eyes are one of the cutest things ever, and your dog knows it.  Puppy dog eyes indicate submission, love, loyalty, trustworthiness, and respect toward you! It’s definitely one thing we all love about our canine friends! But be cautious; these smart canines also use it as a manipulation tactic and a way of asking for attention or food.

6. Exposing the belly

Dogs expose their bellies as an act of submission and a cute behavior that shows trust towards you. When your pup rolls over and shows its belly, it means he or she feels safe around you enough to show this most vulnerable area. We know you can’t resist giving that cute belly a rub.

7. Barking and growling

Barking is one of the most common ways that dogs communicate with humans. Barks can be used to alert us of danger, express excitement, or as a way of getting our attention. Similarly, growling is a form of communication that can indicate fear or aggression in certain situations.

8. Chewing or ripping up items

Chewing is an instinctive behavior for all puppies, but it can also be used as a way for your dog to express discontentment when left alone for too long or in response to changes in its environment. Getting a pet babysitter to watch your dog when you are away from these canine buddies needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Similarly, ripping up personal items such as furniture and clothing can be seen as an act of defiance for your dog if they feel neglected or left out. If you find your dog is chewing many of your personal items, it may indicate they are lonely. In this case, it may be wise to enlist the services of a pet babysitter who can provide quality walks, play, and care for your furry friend while you’re busy. Just Google “pet babysitters near me” for reliable pet care professionals.

There are many ways that our furry friends communicate with us using body language and sounds; these eight are among some of the most common ones we see in our canine companions every day! Understanding these behaviors will help foster understanding between you and your pet, improving relationships overall.