Dogs sleep with their bum facing you as a sign of deep trust, affection, and security, showing they feel safe enough to be vulnerable while also subtly guarding you by keeping an eye on the surroundings with their front, making it a compliment that says, "I trust you to watch my back". It also can be a natural pack behavior, a way to share their scent (a sign of inclusion), or simply their most comfortable way to sleep, allowing them to relax while remaining aware.
When your dog sleeps right next to you, he is demonstrating trust in his “alpha” human. Your immediate presence provides the security and comfort pack dogs instinctively seek during slumber.
Affection and Bonding: Dogs are social animals and enjoy being close to their owners. Sleeping pressed up against you is a way for your dog to show affection and strengthen the bond between you (1).
If your dog sit face away from you, pay close attention! it's a sign of trust and a way for the dog to protect its owner. It's also an invitation for interaction, like a request for a cuddle. This behavior can vary based on the dog's personality and breed, as well as its relationship with you ! #dog.
Dogs communicate a lot through scent, and their back ends are full of scent glands. By pointing their bum toward you, your dog may be offering a form of scent-sharing or social bonding. As weird as it sounds, it's one way they reinforce your connection — similar to how dogs sniff each other to say hello.
To say "I love you" in dog language, use soft eye contact, raise your eyebrows, give gentle massages (especially ears), lean into them, and engage in play or shared activities like walks, which build trust and affection through shared experiences and physical connection, releasing oxytocin for both of you.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
“The most honest scientific answer to whether or not dogs can sense the paranormal is that we simply don't know,” he says. “Much like ghosts or spirits themselves, science can neither completely prove or disprove such a claim—at least not yet.”
"Silent killer" in dogs usually refers to deadly diseases that progress with few early symptoms, primarily Heartworm, Hemangiosarcoma (a type of cancer), and sometimes Leptospirosis or Canine Parvovirus, all characterized by vague initial signs, rapid progression, and severe organ damage, making prevention and early detection crucial.
Do Dogs Like Being Pet While Sleeping? While some dogs may not appear unhappy to be pet while they're sleeping, dogs are just like humans when it comes to having their sleep interrupted. In other words, they typically don't like it.
7 Ways to Tell If Your Dog Has Imprinted On You
To show your dog you're the leader, provide calm, consistent structure through training, clear rules (like waiting before going through doors or eating), and leading on walks (dog beside or behind you). It's about confidence, not aggression, ensuring your dog feels secure in a balanced environment where you control resources and activities, not by overpowering them but by offering reliable guidance.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
In conclusion, dogs are sensitive creatures that can remember and react to raised voices. While they don't hold grudges, repeated negative experiences can impact their behavior and emotional well-being. Understanding your dog's emotional states and body language is crucial for building a strong and loving relationship.
Sleeping beside you helps ease their worries. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that co-sleeping reduces separation anxiety in dogs, creating a sense of security and trust. For rescue dogs or those with past trauma, being close to their human at night can be particularly soothing.
Based on my research, dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell and emotional intuition, which allows them to detect changes in their environment and the people they know. At the cemetery, the dog likely recognized my mother's scent (her clothing specifically) and connected it with the emotional atmosphere.
Now it seems they may also be able to listen to us in their sleep. A small pilot study of 13 dogs reveals dogs' brains deep in the throes of slumber light up in response to other canine and human voices, similar to when they're awake.
They see fewer colors because of color blindness, and they see in higher contrast. This provides better night vision and the ability to track movement. A dog's peripheral vision is wider, but they see less detail.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
The time it takes for a dog to adjust to a new home can vary from one dog to another. Normally, it takes 2-3 weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, but it can take up to 3 months for them to fully adjust behaviourally.
Generally, dogs dislike hugs, not being allowed to sniff, a lack of routine, and more. Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do—if they tolerate it, it's just because they love you or don't want to be dominant.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
Leaning into you
Leaning against your leg (or whatever part is closest to them) is a big sign that they love you. If you find your dog leaning against you, take a moment to pet him and show him some extra affection.