Dog Behavior: What’s Your Pet Trying to Tell You?

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Question 1/8
If your dog holds their tail straight out from their body, they are likely:
Answer 1/8
If your dog holds their tail straight out from their body, they are likely:
- You answered:
- Correct Answer:
You don’t have to be a dog to know what a tail’s position says. If it’s tucked under their body, they are probably scared; if it’s pointing straight up, they are showing aggression.
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Question 1/8
Your dog can tell if another dog wants to play by the direction their tail is wagging.
- a
  
  True
- b
  
  False
Answer 1/8
Your dog can tell if another dog wants to play by the direction their tail is wagging.
- You answered:
- Correct Answer:
If a dog’s tail wags more to the right, the dogs around them can relax and could even go see if they want to make a new friend. If their tail wags more to the left, other dogs may get anxious. They’re being told to keep their distance.
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Question 1/8
Dogs are the only animals besides apes and monkeys that can:
Answer 1/8
Dogs are the only animals besides apes and monkeys that can:
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- Correct Answer:
Your dog really does get you. A study showed that dogs pay close attention to the eyes when they’re trying to figure out what their humans are feeling. So you may think you sound stern, but Fido knows you’re really a softie.
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Question 1/8
After your dog does something they are not supposed to, they probably feel:
Answer 1/8
After your dog does something they are not supposed to, they probably feel:
- You answered:
- Correct Answer:
Your pup has a sad face and their ears are back, head is down, and tail is between their legs. They are ashamed of themselves, right? Not so much. Dogs don’t live in regret. It’s more likely to mean they are scared of what you might do to punish them.

But they also might be playing you. One study found that owners who think their dogs feel guilty don’t scold them as much.
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Question 1/8
If your dog barks while the delivery man is walking up, they are showing:
Answer 1/8
If your dog barks while the delivery man is walking up, they are showing:
- You answered:
- Correct Answer:
They think they are doing the right thing, so don’t be too upset with them. It’s likely they are also scared. They bark to let you know a stranger is near and to frighten the person they think shouldn’t be there.
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Question 1/8
You can tell if a dog is likely to bite based on their breed.
- a
  
  True
- b
  
  False
Answer 1/8
You can tell if a dog is likely to bite based on their breed.
- You answered:
- Correct Answer:
Every dog has their own personality, regardless of breed, so their behavior is the best way to know if they are feeling friendly or not. But if they are not your dog, don’t assume you can read their behavior. Always ask the owner before you get too close to a dog you don’t know.
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Question 1/8
When a dog you don’t know well shows you their belly, you should rub it.
- a
  
  True
- b
  
  False
Answer 1/8
When a dog you don’t know well shows you their belly, you should rub it.
- You answered:
- Correct Answer:
Check for signs that they are scared before you get too friendly. If they are looking away and have their tail tucked under their body, they may feel threatened and be telling you they don’t want to fight. But they probably don’t want you to get too close, either.
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Question 1/8
You shouldn’t try to pet a dog you don’t know if they:
Answer 1/8
You shouldn’t try to pet a dog you don’t know if they:
- You answered:
- Correct Answer:
Other signs that you shouldn’t try to make friends at that moment are if they turn or walk away or if they look tense or nervous.
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Good job! You’re a dog’s best friend.

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Not bad, but your dog still has some work to do with you.

Results:

You may want to spend some time at the dog park and try again.

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Sources | Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on July 08, 2021 Medically Reviewed on July 08, 2021

Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on
July 08, 2021

IMAGE PROVIDED BY:

1) Halfpoint / Getty Images

SOURCES:

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: “Barking.”

American Veterinary Medical Association: “How to read dog body language.”

Current Biology: “Seeing Left- or Right-Asymmetric Tail Wagging

Produces Different Emotional Responses in Dogs.”

Hare, B. and Woods, V. The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think, Dutton, 2013.

Horowitz, A. “Reading Dogs Reading Us,” American Philosophical Society.

Humane Society of Missouri: “Canine Communication – Interpreting Dog Language.”

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THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE VETERINARY ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your pet’s health. Never ignore professional veterinary advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think your pet may have a veterinary emergency, immediately call your veterinarian.