Dogs have been known as ‘man’s best friend’ for centuries. The bond between us and our furry friends is special and unique.

However, there are certain behaviors that pet owners assume their dogs are displaying, when in fact they aren’t! Here are seven ways you may have misunderstood your dog:.

1. Wagging tail equals happiness

A wagging tail may mean that your dog is happy, but it can also mean that he is anxious, unsure or scared. By looking at the rest of your dog’s body, you may be able to determine what message your furry friend is trying to send.

If your dog is holding his body tense, with his ears laid back, and eyes wide, he may be telling you that he is uncomfortable, even if his tail is wagging!.

2. Growling equals aggression

Growling is a dog’s way of communicating, and it doesn’t automatically mean aggression. Dogs may growl when they are playing, scared, or uncomfortable. Growling is an important tool for dogs to communicate with their owners.

In some cases, growling can be warning signs of a more serious issue such as fear-based aggression. It’s important to try to understand your dog’s body language, the situation, and the context to better understand what he is trying to say.

3. Chewing means destruction

Chewing may be destructive in your home, but for dogs, it is a natural behavior. Dogs have a natural instinct to chew in order to relieve anxiety, boredom, and to keep their teeth clean.

It’s important to provide your furry friend with appropriate chews and toys to keep him occupied. If your dog is excessively chewing, it may be due to an underlying issue such as separation anxiety, so it’s important to get to the root of the problem.

4. Rolling on their back equals submission

Rolling on their back can mean a variety of things for your furry friend, and it may or may not be related to submission. A dog who rolls onto his back may be asking for a belly rub or playtime.

It can also mean that your furry friend is releasing tension and trust that you will protect him from any perceived threats. However, rolling onto the back with a tense body, may be a sign of anxiety or fear and it is likely your furry friend is trying to retreat and show surrender.

5. Licking equals affection

When dogs lick you, it may not necessarily be a sign of affection. Dogs lick for a variety of reasons such as to gather information about your scent, to show submission, or to request attention. Excessive licking can also be a symptom of anxiety.

If your dog is excessively licking, it’s important to determine the underlying causes and behaviors so that you can better address the issue.

6. Tail chasing means silly

Tail chasing is a common behavior among dogs, especially puppies. Tail chasing may be perceived as silly, but it may also indicate that your dog is bored or in need of exercise.

In some cases, tail chasing can be a sign of health issues or even compulsiveness, so it’s important to keep track of how often and how frequently your dog is chasing his tail.

7. Trembling equals cold

Trembling is a common behavior among dogs and often indicates that your furry friend may be cold and in need of some warmth. However, trembling can also be a sign of fear or anxiety.

If your dog is trembling, it’s important to look for other cues to determine the cause. If you notice any other changes in behavior, it may indicate an underlying health issue, so it’s important to seek advice from a vet.