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29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account
The champion sprinter of the dog world, the Greyhound is a gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered companion with an independent spirit. However, many greyhounds who have been bred for racing have spent their lives in confinement, being subjected to cruel practices that resulted in injuries and even death. Luckily for this pup, it was able to get out.
"Millie was adopted from dog racing in 2018 and has come a very far way since the day we met," her owner Taylor Huerta told Bored Panda. Now, Millie spends her days in a loving home where Taylor takes care of her every need.
In order to bring awareness to this amazing breed, Taylor also created Instagram and TikTok accounts for her precious pet. "Millie's ... content is intended to educate, entertain, and engage her followers," Huerta said. "From psychology facts to tips on decreasing anxiety in dogs, Millie's content is useful to any and all dog lovers of the world."
This time, however, let's focus on the former. The information that Taylor shares has allowed us to understand dog behavior on a much deeper level, and we think you'd appreciate it too.
Meet Millie, a greyhound who was rescued from dog racing in 2018
Image credits: milliethenoodlehorse
Her owner Taylor Huerta has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in occupational therapy
@milliethenoodlehorse 🥺 #dog #dogs #dogsofttiktok #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #foryourpage ♬ original sound - Millie The Noodle Horse
And shares very interesting dog psychology facts on her pup's social media accounts
@milliethenoodlehorse 🥺 #dog #dogs #dogsofttiktok #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #cute #forupage ♬ Steven Universe - L.Dre
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#1
Whenever your dog leans on you and puts their whole body weight on you.
That's actually their way of hugging you and telling you that they love you.
littlesaresare 3 years ago
Or their way of slowly and steadily pushing you out of bed during the night.
Huerta has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in occupational therapy, so you can be sure these posts were well fact-checked. "Psychology is a major aspect of my career and has always been a fascination of mine," she said.
"I knew little about dog psychology before adopting Millie, but felt as though I quickly became her guide/therapist. From separation anxiety to social anxiety, I got a first-hand glimpse into the psychology of a dog. It became my passion to educate myself on [the subject], and through many hours of research, I gained a better understanding of Millie," Huerta explained, adding that she hopes her content can enrich the bond between other dog owners and their four-legged companions too.
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#2
Dogs will actually sneeze when they are play fighting to show that they are just playing around and they don't actually want to hurt you.
Millie's owner believes that in order to give a pup the best possible life, we must try to understand them more than just physiologically. The good thing is that when you spend time with them and really invest yourself in it, you start noticing things you were oblivious to before. "You learn to recognize what triggers specific behaviors and how can you develop effective and safe strategies to overcome them. This is especially useful if you have a recently adopted or rescued dog," Huerta said.
And she definitely knows what she's talking about. "Millie is a 5-year-old retired racing greyhound. Unlike her father, Millie was too scared to race and was placed for adoption at less than 2-years-old. I had to teach Millie so many things once adopted; like going upstairs (we lived on the third floor), going potty on a leash, and to trust people. It is an honor to be able to share Millie's story and help other dog owners better understand their fur baby," the woman said.
#3
Zoomies are short bursts of energy your dog just can't seem to control. Researchers have found only happy healthy dogs get the zoomies. So if your dog is doing the zoomies, then you are doing everything right.
Marciano Junior 3 years ago
Didn't know what I call as "crazy dog mode" have a word "zoomies". And taking a look at google it goes even further: "Zoomies, or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs)"
#4
You may feel guilty when you catch your dog quietly, staring at you before you leave the house. But fear not, their calmness is a sign that they trust you and know that you're coming back.
#5
Whenever your dog looks deeply into your eyes, right before they poop, it means they feel vulnerable and they trust you to keep an eye out for them.
Grumble O'Pug 3 years ago
Dog domestication involves the unusual behavior of holding the human gaze.
#6
If your dog is smelling your crotch, this is your dog's way of checking your health and mood. Dogs use a sense of smell to read details and their surroundings. So your dog is just checking to see if you're okay.
Karin Gibson 3 years ago
My dog smells my breath to check my health. He told me I was ill by constantly doing this. He would jump up every time I sat down and stare into my eyes. I had Breast Cancer.
#7
Yawn is not quite the same as a human yawn. Dogs yawn in order to reduce stress and reduce anxiety, which helps them calm down and remain comfortable.
#8
Researchers have found that dogs have a best friend. Dogs love humans and other animals too, but any dog owner can attest that they have one true best friend. They're loyal to one and that's the dog owner.
#9
Does your dog do a little dance or get the case of the zoomies when you come home? Researchers find that a happy, noisy, tail wagging greeting is one of the surest signs that you and your dog are connected.
Auntriarch 3 years ago
Had to open the door very carefully, as there would be a long snoot inches behind it
#10
When your dog tilts their head while looking at you, this is because they're trying to read your body language and they are analyzing your tone of voice.
#11
If your dog is sleeping on their side with their legs extended, it means your dog feels safe, is relaxed and at a comfortable temperature.
#12
Researchers find that if your dog chooses to sleep next to you, it means they trust you like no one else. Scientists have found that sleeping with your dog helps you sleep better throughout the night and decreases overall stress.
Weim Central 3 years ago
Unless your dogs are bed and blanket hogs like ours. Oh and don't forget the pillows. One for their head and one as a back rest. Ridiculous.. we know.
#13
A happy dog will roll on their back and expose their belly to you. This is a sign that they are happy and trusting of you. In fact, a dog initiates physical contact, such as bumping up against you, putting their head in your hand or pulling at you is expressing their happiness and their desire to be with you.
#14
When a dog is happy, their eyes will be a normal, soft shape. Their gaze will be relaxed and gentle and they will blink often.
GoddessOdd 3 years ago
Soft eyes are the surest sign to me that your dog looks on you affectionately.
#15
If your dog sleeps on your clothes, it means they love you. Your clothes have your scent on them and they just want to get closer to you.
Karin Gibson 3 years ago
My setter used to do this. I sort washing out into piles and when I go back Barney would have made a pile and be sleeping in the middle.
#16
If your dog kicks backwards, after going to the bathroom, it's not to cover it up. It's done to mark their territory, using the scent glands in their feet.
Auntriarch 3 years ago
It's to spread the stuff. Do not go to scoop the poop until he's finished doing the doodoo dance
#17
If you get a cut and your dog tries licking it, this is because your dog has antibacterial compounds in their saliva. So when they try to lick your cut, this is because they're trying to help you heal faster.
snipergun 3 years ago
Well, besides this. They also have bacteria (in mouth and whole body) which can do more harm. However same as with people, 1 household usually has synchronized bacteria (and immune responses) they carry, so it's very small chance that your own dog would give you dangerous infections. But visitors and children should always wash hands meeting other dogs and not let dog lick open wounds. My dog hates smell of blood, she won't lick her own wounds when injured either, so that also happens.
#18
Dogs roll in the grass for the same reason children do it. It's soft, smells good and is a fun way to release energy.
#19
A healthy, happy adult dogs usually sleep for up to 16 hours a day. If your dog is not sleeping that much, this could be a sign of stress.
#20
Researchers have proven that dogs know the difference between an hour and five hours. If conditioned to, they can predict future events, such as regular walk signs and feeding schedules.
Karin Gibson 3 years ago
My two labs have Swiss analogue quartz clocks attached to their stomachs.
#21
When a dog is looking at their best friend and their owner, their brain releases a hormone called oxytocin, better known as a love hormone.
Nugua 3 years ago (edited)
He does not “fall in love“, that implies something romantic. Oxytocin is a bonding hormone rather than a love hormone. It strengthens social bonds, especially in mothers during pregnancy and after birth. So by looking at you they strengthen the family bond between them and you, but not in a romantic way.
#22
Once your dog has finished a meal, have a look to see what they do. Studies have shown that dogs that go straight to you after eating are displaying obvious signs that they love you. They aren't motivated by food or treats and are simply showing affection because they enjoy being close to you.
#23
If your dog sleeps in the cuddler position, it means that they trust you and see you as one of the other dogs.
#24
Researchers have found all dogs dream, but puppies and senior dogs dream more frequently than adult dogs.
Sandra Charlot 3 years ago
Watching my dog dreaming is my favorite thing in the whole world ...espacially if she's waving her tail and having happy dreams.
#25
If your dog has a habit of carrying the food from one location to another, don't worry. This is common behavior. Dogs do this as a way to protect their valued resources from being stolen.
#26
So if you accidentally step on your dog's paw in the middle of the night, chances are they'll think it's on purpose.
Yeah, you heard 3 years ago
I'm not convinced about this. If you accidentally kick or bang a dog, then say sorry (e.g., with a belly rub or head stroke) they seem to understand.
#27
This position is done to preserve body heat and protect vital body parts. This is also a favorite position for dogs when they get cold.
#28
When dogs sleep in the burrower position, they are searching for comfort and security. Burrowers are affectionate, but very needy. They often need lots of attention and affection in order to fall asleep.
#29
The Superman position allows your dog to get up quickly indicating that they are just taking a nap. It also means they're in a playful mood and would love for you to play with them.
What do you think ?
sharron lynn parsons 3 years ago
It is wonderful that he was rescued, but it bothers me, about the many who are left behind, sorry, I am just realistic, the Grey Hounds are great pets, I hope many find loving homes, spread the word, about them !!!
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Ellie Rosser 3 years ago
Pretty much every one of those points was blindingly obvious to any even halfway thoughtful dog owner.
Steph 3 years ago
True. Still a necessary post and good for those who are first time dog owners or those just interested in dog psychology
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sharron lynn parsons 3 years ago
It is wonderful that he was rescued, but it bothers me, about the many who are left behind, sorry, I am just realistic, the Grey Hounds are great pets, I hope many find loving homes, spread the word, about them !!!
Load More Replies... Ellie Rosser 3 years ago
Pretty much every one of those points was blindingly obvious to any even halfway thoughtful dog owner.
Steph 3 years ago
True. Still a necessary post and good for those who are first time dog owners or those just interested in dog psychology
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