4. Eat poop

Dogs eat feces for many reasons:

• Curiosity - investigating novel things
• Exploring the environment - remember, dogs explore the world with their mouths
• Boredom - young puppies especially are motivated to engage with the world around them and if they are in a barren environment, faeces may be the only thing for them to interact with
• Hunger - Dogs are naturally scavengers and while bird and cat faeces may seem ultra gross to us, to dogs, they contain some nutrients
• Anxiety - when they associate the presence of faeces with being punished and are attempting to ‘hide the evidence’.

Eating poop can also be triggered by a nutritional deficiency. Make sure you feed your dog a well-balanced food, and contact your veterinarian, especially if your dog is also losing weight.

5. Pant

Dogs have very few sweat glands (mainly in their paws) and therefore cool themselves down primarily through panting. Panting expels body heat from their mouths by using evaporative cooling.

 However, it's important to pay attention to panting, as this can also be a sign of pain, stress, anxiety, or other health problems. If you notice your dog panting when it is not particularly hot, consider what else is going on in the environment and seek veterinary advice if needs be.  

6. Sit on my Feet or Between my Legs

This is often mistaken for possessive behaviour, but is more likely a sign of anxiety or stress. Your dog is trying to feel safer by staying close. Some trainers encourage pet parents to teach the command ‘middle’ where your dog sits or lies down between your legs for this very reason.

7. Drag their bum on the ground

This behaviour is called scooting and while it may seem funny (or kind of disgusting), it is always a sign that something is irritating your dog's anus. It's possible that your pup's anal sacs are full and need to be expressed, or that the skin around the anus is itching. If your dog’s anal sacs are filling up too quickly or not expressing normally when they defaecate, discuss dietary changes with your veterinarian. Your dog may need more fibre in their diet or a specialised diet to reduce allergies.

Other things that can irritate the area and cause scooting are ingested materials like grass or hair that have become trapped in the anus.

8. Urinate in the house

If your dog is house-trained, it may come as a surprise if you see them urinating in your home or find evidence after the fact. Changes in a dog’s behaviour always have an underlying reason even if it is not obvious to us. Formerly reliable dogs who suddenly begin urinating inside need to see the vet, since their behaviour may be due to a health issue like a urinary tract infection or an endocrine disorder. Anxiety and cognitive dysfunction can also be reasons house-trained dogs may urinate inside.

Of course, if your dog was never completely house-trained, this is something that needs to be addressed with a qualified behaviourist.  

9. Yawn

Although you might think he needs some sleep, a dog yawn doesn't always signal that your dog is tired. Yawning can be a sign of anxiety, fear or stress. If your dog appears to yawn more around a new person or situation, in a new environment, consider ways to help them feel more relaxed with treats, toys or a safe space such as a crate.

Recognising and correctly interpreting the myriad behaviours that dogs exhibit can help us to understand our canine companions better which not only improves the bond we share, but also means that we can more easily identify when they are not feeling well, whether physically, mentally or emotionally, and get them the help they need.