Training a Dog - What Is Your Puppy Saying?

Puppies communicate with their families in a variety of ways. One is the use of their mouths. A dog's mouth is the equivalent of a human's hand; it is used for grabbing, feeling, and talking. Puppies will use their mouths to tell you how they feel!

What does it mean when your puppy yawns?

Yawning can mean a few things according to your puppy. It is up to you to observe the context in which he is yawning. Has he just had a play session and is laying down for some relaxation? A yawn in this instance would simply mean that he is tired and ready for a nap. However, puppies also use yawning to show that they are stressed and uncomfortable. This is often seen during car rides, while at the vet office, and during events in which a lot of movement and loud noises are present, making the puppy feel nervous.

What about when he licks his lips?

Lip licking, again, has a few meanings depending on the context. If you just grabbed his food dish and about to fill it with some tasty morsels, you can bet that he is becoming excited for a meal. He will lick his lips to spread his saliva, which has enzymes that help break down food and can also increase the smell factor when he's sniffing the food as it falls into his dish. On the other hand, if your dog is nervous and wants to be left alone he will also lick his lips as a way of saying, "Back off, I don't want to be bothered." In this instance, you should always leave your dog be.

My dog loves to give me kisses... right?

Many dogs love to lick their owners, usually on the face or hands. When your puppy is licking your face, especially your chin and mouth area, he is telling you that he accepts you as the leader and he will follow your command. Puppies will lick their mother's mouths, and even wolf cubs do the same to their moms or the dominate member of their pack to show submission. If your puppy continuously licks your fingers, you probably have something yummy on there and he just can't get enough of it! Be sure to always wash your hands before and after playing with or handling a puppy!

What does panting mean?

Panting is typically associated with temperature control in a dog's body. A dog will use his saliva as a conductor to push the heat out of his body when he is warm. Puppies will pant if they are warm, but they will also use it as a form of communication with you and other animals. When terribly stressed and scared, a puppy may lay his head lower, making himself look as small as possible, and pant heavily. He is telling you that he is worried, and does not like the situation he is in. This is often seen in a vet's office, or if the puppy is overwhelmed with rough play and/or dominance behavior of another dog.

It has also been recently discovered that one type of pant may be doggy laughter! You will witness this during play, and the laughing pant will sound like a couple short but heavy rushes of air being pushed outwards. It usually only lasts moments before play resumes!