The Most Common Misunderstood Dog Behaviours

Dogs are wonderful companions, but even the most devoted dog guardians can misinterpret

what their pets are trying to communicate. Misunderstood behaviours can lead to frustration,

broken trust, and even ineffective training. Here are some of the most common dog

behaviours that are often misread and what they actually mean.

1. Tail Wagging Means They're Happy - Right?

Not always. A wagging tail doesn't automatically mean a dog is friendly or relaxed. The key is how they’re wagging it. A loose, side-to-side wag with a relaxed body usually indicates

happiness. But a high, stiff wag can signal tension or alertness. In some cases, it may even

be a warning. Always read the whole body, not just the tail.

2. Jumping Up is Just Excitement

While many dogs do jump to greet people, it’s not always a sign of affection. It can be a

learned behaviour that’s been unintentionally rewarded, such as giving attention when it

happens. For some dogs, especially younger ones, it’s also a way of coping with

overexcitement or uncertainty.

3. Growling is Bad Behaviour

Growling is one of the most misunderstood signals. It’s not "bad" it’s communication. A growl is a dog’s way of saying, “I’m uncomfortable, please give me space.” Suppressing or punishing growling can lead to a dog that skips the warning and goes straight to a bite. Instead, it’s crucial to address why the dog feels the need to growl in the first place.

4. Chewing Means They're Being Naughty

Dogs, especially puppies and adolescents, chew to explore their world, relieve teething

discomfort, or burn off excess energy. If a dog is frequently chewing inappropriate items, it’s

often a sign of boredom or stress, not spite or "badness." The solution usually involves more appropriate outlets and better management, never punishment.

5. They're Being Stubborn

This is a big one. Labelling a dog as stubborn overlooks the real issues, which are usually

confusion or lack of motivation. Dogs don’t deliberately disobey to be difficult. More often,

they don’t understand what’s being asked or the environment is too distracting. Interactions

should always be fair, consistent, and rewarding.