Have you ever captured a moment when your dog showed an “awkward” emotion? These subtle expressions and behaviours are how dogs convey their inner feelings and needs to us. Next, let’s decipher the meaning behind these “awkward” moments.
1. Eye avoidance
When you make eye contact with your dog, sometimes you will notice that they suddenly shift their gaze as if they are avoiding your gaze. This isn’t to say that your dog doesn’t respect you, but they may feel uncomfortable or anxious in certain situations. For example, when your dog does something wrong or feels scolded, they may avoid your eyes to relieve internal pressure.
2. Turn around and leave
Sometimes, you will notice that your dog suddenly turns around in front of you as if running away from something. This behaviour may indicate that the dog is expressing discomfort or dissatisfaction. When dogs become stressed or scared, they may leave the scene, searching for a quieter, more comfortable environment.
3. Observe often
When your dog feels uneasy or wary, they may observe your facial expressions and movements frequently. This is your dog’s attempt to understand your emotions and intentions to better respond to the situation. If your dog watches you often, you may want to see if anything makes them uneasy.
4. Approach by taking a detour
When you call your dog, they will usually run towards you quickly. But sometimes, you may find that they take a long time to get to you or take detours to get to you. This may be because your dog feels embarrassed or uncomfortable in a situation, and they don’t want to confront you directly, choosing instead to approach you more subtly.
Conclusion
Dog’s “awkward” moments don’t happen by accident. Instead, they communicate their innermost emotions and needs to us. As owners, we must carefully assess our dogs’ behaviours and expressions, understand their feelings and needs, and take appropriate measures to help them relieve stress and improve their quality of life. Building good communication and trust allows us to bond closer with our dogs and spend quality time together.