Dogs are expressive creatures and have many methods of communicating their feelings to us. They use several behaviors and vocal cues to convey what they want and what’s happening in their world. Some of these behaviors tell us they understand what we say, while others clarify or strengthen their feelings of hunger, need to play, stress or anger. Whether your dog is a family pet or a service dog that has an emotional support animal (ESA) online certification, it’s important to understand their communication. Let’s explore some of the ways dogs communicate with us:

1. Barking or growling
Many dogs will alert us when they want to go out or are startled by something (i.e., knocking at the door). Others use this to assert themselves, but often how they bark reveals their mood, state of health, and level of arousal. Some dogs bark and growl to get our attention, others for territorial reasons, and others to express a need or desire.

2. Chewing
Dogs chew furniture, rugs, and other items to relieve stress and boredom. But if they are trying to communicate with you, this is likely a sign of frustration. If they have destroyed personal items, they are in pain or discomfort. Some dogs chew on objects to mark their territory, while others do it because they lack adequate bladder control.

3. Howling
Howling is a way for dogs to communicate across great distances with other members of their pack. Dogs separated from their families or in new environments, including those that have just moved, will howl to try and locate each other. But your dog may also howl when alone, bored, upset, or lonely. So if he’s howling at night while you’re not home, it could mean he feels abandoned or frustrated.

4. Licking
When dogs lick us, it’s usually a sign of affection. But sometimes, it can be a way for them to communicate that they are uncomfortable or need something. If you notice your four-legged friend licking himself obsessively, he could be agitated or anxious about something. This can also signify that he has fleas or ticks.

5. Tilting their heads
Dogs show curiosity and interest by tilting their heads. It’s a gesture that makes them seem more human, and it’s one of the reasons we consider dog lovers to be so in tune with their pets. This is also a way for dogs to understand us better when we talk to them. Some dogs will tilt their heads to the side when trying to understand something we’re saying.

6. Chasing their tails
Dogs often chase their tails when they’re excited or bored. Some dogs also do this to try and catch insects, balls, or other objects floating in the air. But if your dog is constantly chasing their tail and looking like they’re having fun, there could be a good reason. They could be attempting to retrieve something they dropped during playtime or following a scent trail.

7. Eating grass
It’s normal for dogs to eat grass, but if your dog is eating it excessively and showing other signs of pain or discomfort, there could be a digestive problem. In some cases, grass is the only edible source of fiber in dog food. But dogs eating grass could also suffer from an illness or infection.

8. Digging
Dogs dig to relax, relieve stress, and maintain good physical health. If they are digging excessively or in areas that are not safe, such as your flower beds, they could be bored. Some dogs enjoy digging to bury bones or toys to retrieve later. If this is the case with your dog, give him treats, new bones, or toys regularly.

9. Exposing their bellies
When dogs expose their bellies, it shows trust and submission. It’s a behavior that encourages us to pet them and affectionately play with them. If your dog is not usually comfortable with belly rubs but rolls over when you approach, this could be a sign of illness such as heartworm disease.

10. Giving you puppy dog eyes
Dogs have a unique way of showing affection and good intentions. They will often stare at you with their puppy dog eyes, giving you a look that says, “I need to be loved; can’t you see that?” This is a behavior they have developed over time to get our attention and understand what makes us happy. If your dog is left alone for long periods and gives you this look when you return, he may be lonely or need more affection from you.

Dogs have many different ways of communicating with us. Knowing what these are, what they mean, and how to respond to them is a great way to ensure that your dog knows you are a kind and caring owner.