Studies show that dogs wag their tails to the right when they are happy or confident and to the left when they are frightened. Interestingly, there is a scientific reason for this. The left side of the brain controls movement on the right side of the body and vice versa.
Since the left side of the brain is associated with positive feelings like love and serenity, a happy dog wags his tail to the right. Conversely, the right half of the brain is associated with negative feelings like fear and depression, so a frightened dog wags his tail to the left.
Dogs with their tails pointing down to the ground or even tucked between their legs are feeling fear and stress. Dogs with their tails held up like a flag are feeling confident, perhaps even aggressive. Relaxed dogs hold their tails in a neutral position, but neutral depends on the breed.
There's a few things to take into consideration with this scenario: some tails naturally curl or bend toward the head, so the dog could be relaxed. But if the tail is being held (or pulled) in the direction of the dog's head, then it could indicate the dogs is overstimulated, on high alert, or highly excited.
A Circle Wag. Also called the “propeller wag” or “helicopter tail”, this behavior is a surefire way to tell that a dog is happy.
Next time you see your dog's tail wagging, think twice before you assume they are happy. Remember that they can actually be feeling stressed, anxious, angry, or uncomfortable while still wagging their tails.
One of the most common reasons why dogs love to lick their owners is simply to show their affection. Since you're the one taking care of them, you're essentially their world! When dogs lick, pleasurable endorphins are released into their blood which makes them feel calm and comforted.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
Quick wag: A short wag usually happens during greetings when a dog is feeling tentative. Big, broad wag: This indicates a friendly dog who is not threatening anyone. Slow, reluctant wag: This might indicate a dog who is feeling anxious.
Dog massages, snuggles and a good brushing can help distract a dog from its triggers and make it easier for them to feel safe and at ease. Mentally stimulating toys can provide a distraction for pets experiencing anxiety, hyperactivity and boredom.
When the wagging tail goes below half-mast, the dog is likely feeling fearful and defensive. The lower the tail wag, the stronger the emotion. The low tail wag is often accompanied by a lowered body posture and, sometimes, submissive urination.
Dogs who follow you to the bathroom
As their owner, you are the one who meets most of their needs, including for affection, so following is a sign of this attachment. They may also be waiting for routines they enjoy such as a walk or dinner time.
A dog who licks you is showing you that they love you, so it's no surprise many people call them "dog kisses". It's a natural action for dogs — a way for them to express how they feel about you. Charlotte adds: "It's important that you don't force a dog to give you 'kisses or cuddles'.
Dogs use a foot to bridge the communication gap. Your dog quickly learns that handing you their paw receives a positive reaction. By giving you their paw, oftentimes, they just want a pet.
That said, most researchers believe dogs can remember important people and significant events in their lives for years, perhaps until death. So, yes, your dog remembers your scent, your face (especially your eyes), and your voice and associates them with happiness, love or snuggling, or maybe just with food.
Your dog licks you to show they care, to get attention, to understand you better and because they enjoy it. However, the reason they may prefer your feet could be because they're bursting with scent information that tells them a lot about you, where you've been and what you've been doing.
Regardless of the dog breed they belong to, most dogs can hear sounds anywhere between 80 feet and one mile away.
Cuddles & Sleepy Snuggles ?
Dogs choose to sleep where they feel most comfortable and at ease, so if your dog enjoys sleeping in your bed, or likes to snuggle up to you for a nap, they feel trust in you that they will be safe to do so.
The researchers conclude that their data shows that dogs find being in the vicinity of their owner is rewarding. Dogs will learn to do behaviors just to gain access to their owner and will remain in their owner's presence even when there are no interactions between the human and the dog.