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

@milliethenoodlehorse 🥺 #dog #dogs #dogsofttiktok #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #cute #forupage ♬ Steven Universe - L.Dre

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29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

295points

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littlesaresare 3 years ago

Or their way of slowly and steadily pushing you out of bed during the night.

180points

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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.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse , flickr Report

Final score:

266points

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YoyoSthlm 3 years ago

My dog sneezes when he's super excited:)

61points

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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.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

264points

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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)"

46points

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29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

224points

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s. G 3 years ago

This makes me cry. The day I left for college, my mother let me know that my dog stayed by my bedroom door, scratching the carpet and waiting for me to open the door so he could have his nap. I haven't seen him in three years and I miss him so much.

82points

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29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

201points

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Grumble O'Pug 3 years ago

Dog domestication involves the unusual behavior of holding the human gaze.

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29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

190points

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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.

171points

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29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

187points

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Tunder 3 years ago

This also works for humans

38points

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29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

186points

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GoddessOdd 3 years ago

Cats too.

43points

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29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

185points

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Auntriarch 3 years ago

Had to open the door very carefully, as there would be a long snoot inches behind it

39points

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#10

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

180points

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Scagsy 3 years ago (edited)

I read that also it's their way of letting you know that by tilting their head they are paying attention, in a non-confrontational stare.

51points

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#11

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

175points

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Nixxy 3 years ago

Our dog only deos this when near the fire

24points

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#12

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

168points

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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.

67points

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#13

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

160points

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earringnut 3 years ago

I guess I really am my cuddle monster's best friend.

19points

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#14

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

160points

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GoddessOdd 3 years ago

Soft eyes are the surest sign to me that your dog looks on you affectionately.

24points

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#15

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

150points

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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.

38points

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#16

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

145points

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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

52points

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#17

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

144points

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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.

40points

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#18

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

142points

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Ann Dennis 3 years ago

And there's something smelly right there. :)

45points

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See Also on Bored Panda

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#28

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

98points

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Jodi Baer 3 years ago

Ha! I know the feeling.

19points

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#29

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account 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.

milliethenoodlehorse Report

Final score:

98points

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Ann Dennis 3 years ago

"Superman" position?

13points

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Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

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I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

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What do you think ?

POST

Ray_gunn 3 years ago

Aww please do one for cats!

29points

J. Normal 3 years ago

You are the cat's servant. The End :)

61points

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Meet Millie, a greyhound who was rescued from dog racing in 2018

Her owner Taylor Huerta has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in occupational therapy

And shares very interesting dog psychology facts on her pup's social media accounts

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