When the dog urinates near a sofa leg or in the corner of the room, it is marking its territory. It is the dog's way of owning the space and communicating its intentions. Similarly when the dog nibbles the owner or a human, it is showing affection. A big yawn, with a tongue sticking out and the mouth closing with a big noise is an expression of love. On the other hand, raising the upper lip to to show the teeth is a warning. This warning works both ways between human and dog and vice versa also. Similarly, looking a dog in the eye is a direct challenge. A pet dog will normally avoid the confrontation, but a strange dog will be willing to fight it out.
Dogs fear abandonment. They are social creatures and like to stay in a family, together. They feel lonely when they have to stay alone and may show obsessive behavior like tail chasing, whirling, self mutilation. Sudden defecation, or a sudden limp may be cries for attention. Similarly a dog may react by sitting on the owners clothes/bed or dive at the ankles when it sees an attempt by the owner to leave the house without it's company. The dog requires reassurance and loving and not scolding when it behaves in this fashion.
It is important for a dog owner to understand the small signs and nuances of dog behavior for better communication. When a dog does not understand the owner, it may cock its head to one side asking for a clarification. And when a dog wants to avoid doing something you want it to do, it may start scratching itself or try to divert the dog owners attention some other way. These nuances have to be understood by the dog owner and will allow the owner to handle the dog correctly with love and not, with irritation.
Dogs love to be scratched and petted. It may ask you to continue doing something it is enjoying by raising its paw and bending it or putting it over its face, especially when lying in a prone position. A dog enjoying scratching behind its ear may purr. This purring noise is a sign of happiness. And when a dog wants to play, it may extend its front legs, arch its body and yawn. The dog tries to communicate its needs to be loved and to play. It is important for the owner to react positively to this kind of dog talk for long term happiness of both the dog and the owner.
The dog also understands when the owner is angry with it. When it is scolded, it will look away, flatten its ears and tentatively raise one forepaw. Accept this apology and move on. Life is too short to hold grudges. Love, forgive and move on.
