How To Understand Your Dog Better

Do you ever feel like you and your dog speak two different languages?

You’re not alone.

Misunderstandings between humans and their canine counterparts are one of the most common problems among dog parents.

But never fear – with patience and effort, you can learn to bridge the communication gap and build a stronger bond with your furry friend.

In this article, we share 13 ways on how to understand your dog better.

Dogs Communicate Through Body Language

little white brown black dog sitting in high grass

A dog’s body language can tell you a lot about its feelings.

For example, when a dog’s tail is held high and waving, it often means they are excited to see you.

If their ears are up and alert, they’re likely paying attention or listening carefully.

Similarly, when their eyes seem wide and full of emotion, this typically means that the dog is curious or possibly anxious.

Dogs Like Routine, So Stick To A Regular Feeding And Walking Schedule As Much As Possible

Dogs are creatures of habit and often thrive when placed on a predictable schedule of meals, walks, playtime, and bedtime.

Keeping their routine as consistent as possible means that your pup can count on receiving proper nutrition at the right times and going outside for plenty of exercise and potty breaks.

Regularity also helps to reduce stress in dogs since they can more easily decipher what is coming next each day.

It’s ok to have your dog’s routine occasionally disrupted due to travel or other unavoidable circumstances.

But try to get back on track as soon as possible for your pup’s health and comfort!

They Are Sensitive To Changes In Their Environment

little puppy on a suitcase

Dogs can sense changes in their environment, making them one of the most perceptive animals out there.

They can detect subtle nuances like a new person or pet in the house, loud noises from outside, and even temperature or air pressure shifts.

This sensitivity is why it is so important for owners to be aware of drastic changes in their dog’s environment.

Taking steps to identify and limit stressors from home will help ensure a healthier, calmer canine experience for both pet and owner alike.

Pay Attention To Your Dog’s Vocalizations 

Dogs communicate with us in many ways.

Learning to interpret their barks, whines, and other noises can help you decide what they’re trying to tell you.

By paying attention and learning about your pup’s vocalizations, it will be easier for both of you to communicate more effectively.

You can even use informative books and videos as a guide to help you better understand your pup.

With the right understanding, you and your dog can form a strong bond of trust and friendship.

Taking the time to learn how to communicate with your pup through their vocalizations will create an informative dialogue between the two of you.

And this allows for greater connection and understanding.

So the next time Fido barks in excitement when you come home from work, take a few moments to listen!

You never know what he might be trying to tell you.  

Take Note Of Your Dog’s Eating Habits 

dalmatiner dog eating from a food bowl

One of the most informative ways to do this is by taking note of their eating habits.

Whether it’s how quickly they eat, what time of day they like to eat, or if certain foods make them excited, understanding these behaviors can provide insight into your pup’s needs and preferences.

Noticing when and what your dog eats can also be useful in discovering any health issues they may have.

Taking notice of their eating habits is an important part of being a responsible pet owner and helps you understand your pup better!

Be Observant Of Your Dog’s Behavior Around Other Animals And People 

Observing your dog’s behavior around other animals and people is critical for understanding them better.

Not only will you be able to identify signs of aggression or fear in their behavior, but you will also see moments of joy and contentment.

Watching your dog interact with other creatures can provide insight into its personality, likes, dislikes, and overall demeanor.

Additionally, it can be informative to pay attention to how your dog is treated by others in public and see how they respond.

These observations can help you create a better bond with your pup as you become more aware of their needs and behaviors.

Keep A Journal Of Your Interactions With Your Dog 

That can be an informative and valuable tool for understanding their behavior.

It will help you keep track of important things like vet visits, medications, and any behavior problems that come up. It will also give you an idea of how they react to different things.

By writing down details about every time you interact with your puppy, you’ll be able to find patterns in their behavior, which can help you make decisions in the future.

This information needs to be written down so we can better understand our dog friends. For example, we should keep track of how their mood changes in new places and how often they bark at strangers.

black little dog chewing on a toy

You Need To Know That Dogs Have Different Personalities Just Like People Do 

It’s no secret that dogs are incredibly loyal and loving companions.

But what many people don’t realize is that just like humans, dogs also have distinct personalities.

Research has shown that the same behavioral traits found in humans can also be seen in our canine friends.

That means that each dog is unique and special in its way.

Knowing this can help us to better understand our furry friends and appreciate their characteristics even more.

Dogs Are Social Creatures That Need Companionship, So Make Sure You Spend Enough Time With Your Furry Friend

Dogs are naturally sociable creatures that thrive when they have companionship from their owners.

Spending quality time together is beneficial not only for your pup but also for you as well.

Not only does it allow you to cultivate a bond with your pet, but it also reduces feelings of stress and can be therapeutic for people and animals.

Show your pup how much you care by having regular play time together, cuddles, or brushing their fur – any small acts of love go a long way!

Dogs Need Exercise, So Take Them For Walks Or Runs Every Day (Or At Least A Few Times A Week)

two dogs laying and playing in grass together

Ensuring your dog gets enough exercise is vital for its health and well-being.

Going for regular walks or jogs with your pet can be a great way to spend time together, and it’s an opportunity to bond with your furry friend.

Taking them out for fifteen minutes of physical activity daily can help keep them healthy, providing stimulation, mental enrichment, and regular social interaction.

If possible, make use of different pathways or parks while on walks; the change in scenery will keep your pup interested and avoid boredom.

Exercise also helps dogs expend excess energy, so they feel calmer when inside the house; it is good for us humans and our four-legged companions too!

You Also Need To Understand Why Dogs Bark 

Dogs bark for various reasons, from expressing excitement or alerting their owners to potential danger.

Understanding why dogs bark can help us to better understand and communicate with our canine companions.

Dogs may bark at people or other animals in response to fear, aggression, territorial behavior, or curiosity.

Other times, they may communicate boredom, hunger, discomfort, or pain.

Pet owners need to recognize the different types of barking to address any underlying issues before they become a problem.

By understanding why dogs bark and responding appropriately when they do so, we can create stronger bonds with our furry friends.

dark brown and black dog laying in grass barking

Figure Out What Your Dog’s Favorite Activities Are 

Knowing what activities your dog loves can be important for so many reasons.

Not only does it help us to understand our canine friends better, but it can also give us insight into their behavior and emotions.

One way to discover your dog’s favorite activities is by paying attention to the types of games they seem to enjoy the most.

When playing with your dog, observe which games they enjoy more than others.

Do they like chasing a ball or tugging on a rope?

Do they appear happy when you give them commands such as sit or stay?

Once you know what type of activities your dog likes most, you can use them as rewards when they obey commands or perform desired behaviors.

Rewarding your dog with their favorite activities can be much more effective than simply giving them treats, and it can provide a fun way for you to bond with them.

Deal With Behavioral Issues Such As Chewing And Digging 

Dogs are incredible and loving creatures, but they can also display a range of behavioral issues, such as chewing and digging.

Chewing is often seen in puppies teething and trying to ease the pain of their teeth growing in, whereas older dogs may chew out of boredom or stress. Digging can be intuitive for some and attention.

In order to tackle behavioral issues such as chewing and digging, it is important to consider your pet’s lifestyle.

Ensure they are getting the right nutrition from their diet – if they have a poor or unbalanced diet, this can lead to behavioral problems.

Additionally, it’s important to give them enough exercise and attention.

Providing them with interactive toys and puzzles can help to keep their minds stimulated and prevent boredom.

If these measures do not work, it is best to consult a veterinarian or an animal behavior specialist.

white brown dog laying in grass playing with a yellow ball

They can provide further guidance on dealing with the issue.

Dogs are amazing creatures that can provide us with companionship, love, and laugh-out-loud moments.

By taking the time to understand how they think, feel, and communicate, we can deepen our bond with them and make sure their needs are being met.

We hope this article has given you insights into your furry friend and equipped you with the knowledge to better care for them.

Before You Go…

Now you know how to understand your dog better.

If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!

Dimitra Kokologianni, DVM
Dimitra holds a Masters’s degree in public health and a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. She is a versatile professional with over 7 years of experience. Her passion for animal welfare and preventive medicine makes her an excellent resource for our readers.