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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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)"
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.
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.
Dog domestication involves the unusual behavior of holding the human gaze.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Had to open the door very carefully, as there would be a long snoot inches behind it
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Soft eyes are the surest sign to me that your dog looks on you affectionately.
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.
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.
Haha as I'm skim reading, read that as "My sister used to do this".
Load More Replies... I had to place one of my dogs in my sister's home for a while, but I visited her as often as I could. She would take any items of mine she could reach and put them all in her bed. I started bringing her dirty shirts she could cuddle... we don't deserve their adoration.
This is how we got Scruffy to sleep in his dog bed when we banished him from our bed because he got territorial about it. We got an old towel, rubbed it on our heads and faces, and spread it out on the dog bed. He jumped right in. I periodically throw it in the wash, but have to “put my scent”, on it before putting it back on his bed.
My husband as in a near fatal car accident 4 years ago. First night I came home with his personal effects, a bag which included the clothes they cut off him, belt, wallet, etc. our 2 dogs and old cat were all over them. They seemed very unsettled, we figured it was the blood and his scent. So the next day I took a t-shirt and lay it across him in ICU. At the end of the day I took it home and put it over is pillow. They all cuddled his clothes/pillow. I have photos of their reactions, so sweet. This became the pattern while he was recovering. It’s how we gave them a little comfort while he was away. When he got to come home 89 days later, they all stayed extra close. One in particular is still his constant protector and buddy.
I tell people to leave personal clothing items they have recently work (and preferably worn while sweaty) if their dog runs off. Recently a lost dog was in such panic/prey mode that the poor thing would run from her owner in terror after being out for two nights. We set up a small kennel with her blanket and the owner stashed dirty underwear under the blanket. Yeah, gross, I know, BUT the garments smelled strongly of her owner, specific odors that the dog knew like her own. Next morning the dog was in the kennel and waiting for her family to come get her. I personally did this with my dog that ran off chasing something when we were working in the woods. I dropped my hoodie off trail where I had last seen her, hiked in to where I needed to do the work, and on the way out I picked her and my hoodie up on the way back to the vehicle.
I edited a book recently about the life of a farmer, and in one chapter he talks about the time his farm burned down. Hundreds of sheep plus his loyal dog, gone. He ended up in the hospital, and they threw away his burned clothes. The very next day someone went out to the garbage bins behind the hospital, and guess what they found? Those clothes dragged out onto the ground, and his lost dog lying curled up on them, waiting for her master to return.
Mine too. It's the pharamones your feet put off. I had a cat that loved sniffing my armpits for the same reason. 🤷♀️
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my sons dog woould chew on my underwear, not oftem but once in a long long time, go get them right out of dirty laundry
my mom's dog used to do this when he knew he was going to the vet. he would sleep on my mom's jacket. because he doesn't like being far from her.
👟🧦🥾🩲👠 Especially your shoes and socks and underwear because they smell the most and are easily transported to hide and "save" for later. But careful, if you "give in" and let them have even one (shoe) to keep, they'll think all (shoes) are now theirs. They don't always differentiate the specifics well🤦🏼♀️
Cooper went INSANE for anything that smelled of MY mother. Oh boy did he love her. I was always begging her for a sweaty t-shirt whenever Ben (my partner) was having his 'moods' that made Cooper very, VERY, afraid. Cooper had shell-shock from his first home. I would dress Coop in my clothes, he would hide under a blanket next to me, and soft mouth my mom's t-shirt.
Mine usually do this when I'm getting dressed for work...and sometimes steal an item to delay my leaving
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.
It's to spread the stuff. Do not go to scoop the poop until he's finished doing the doodoo dance
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My two labs have Swiss analogue quartz clocks attached to their stomachs.
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.
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.
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.
If your dog sleeps in the cuddler position, it means that they trust you and see you as one of the other dogs.
Researchers have found all dogs dream, but puppies and senior dogs dream more frequently than adult dogs.
Watching my dog dreaming is my favorite thing in the whole world ...espacially if she's waving her tail and having happy dreams.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Pretty much every one of those points was blindingly obvious to any even halfway thoughtful dog owner.
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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Lovely hound, I'm going to have to come back to this later. Maybe a few times....
Didn't even read the article. Stop with the TikTok "expert" articles.
This was actually useful. And, if you've such an issue with them why spend any time commenting on it? Seriously, just skip it.
Load More Replies... #14 inaccurate. Rolling over to expose the belly is a well known submissive posture in pack animals. It shows you are not a threat to the superior animal. So while it might mean absolute trust and devotion, it equally can mean I'm terrified - please don't hurt me.
have to say yes to all of these. my family tells me my babies are spoiled and that is why they are always 'bugging' me. i see it as their way of telling me that i am the most important person to them. even when i trip over them, they steal the blankets, stretch to push me out of bed, and probably annoy the neighbors when i come home with all their vocalizations.
I have a comment on #25. My dog hovers under foot when I'm cooking dinner. I give him small bits of dog safe human food like carrots or green beans. If I give him something he doesn't like, he takes it to another room and hides it. I think he doesn't want to hurt my feelings by refusing it and jeopardize the possibility of future handouts.
Grey Hounds are adorable, I wish they would, stop the races, too many dogs, are disgarded left, it breakes my heart, people making money, at the expence of animals, makes me sick !!!
My dog farts really loudly and like to eat the cats poo. I think that means she trusts me enough to expel wind in my presence awwwww. And she definitely eat anything remotely edible and many inedible things because she trusts me. (That's the theme, right?)
Actually, it sounds like there's something missing in her diet or the quality of her kibble isn't as good as you think (because the Pet food Industry is full of money-grabbing pukes who are slowly poisoning our pets to line their pockets).
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Greyhounds aren’t rescued from racing. They retire from racing. Not meaning to start a debate on racing but it’s the owners who retire the dogs, not an outside person that comes in and liberates them.
I don't fully agree, as my neighbor, who lived in England, rescued a former race dog (Greyhound). It's true, the dog was being retired, as it wasn't promising to win the race anymore. So at the young age of not even four, the dog was supposed to be euthanized instead. The dog lived up to turn almost 15 and had a very happy life
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Common sense isn't that common, "Simon in the trees" (😁is that it?) You'd be surprised how many people don't understand animals properly 🤦🏼♀️ because they've been "taught" by TV and movies. 🦴🐕Giving dogs bones, cats milk and rodents cheese (etc) can make them sick and even be deadly. Not realizing that animals hide when they get sick (Survival of the Fittest) so you don't always realize what made them puke when you finally find that little dried up pile behind the couch. 🐶🗞Hitting with a rolled-up newspaper (which only teaches them to be afraid and hide it) and "rubbing their nose in it" when they have an "accident" because they weren't taken outside often enough... doesn't teach them and can actually give them a nasty, fatal infection.🤒🤮 Learning to "read" animals is like learning the American Slang-uage from a mute... and changes a bit from one animal to the next, just like with kids.
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My dog does many or most of these things. Glad to know what they mean now. I am truly his best friend and so grateful to have him.
Your dog is lucky to have you! Sounds like you deserve each other :-)
Load More Replies... And chasing their tail isn't a "cute game", it's a "bottled-up stress" reaction. I recently rescued a Whippet (the medium sized greyhound breed) who, at 7mos. old, had never been outside except for "potty breaks" and constantly yawned, sneezed, tail-chased and lip-licked after I removed her from being in a neglectful, abusive situation. She had to run loose in my yard every day for two weeks before she stopped the constant tail chasing (& could finally listen to learn "commands").
Until we can talk to dogs we can never know why they do most of the things that they do. Most of this is made up to provide an explanation , in the same way religion does and is, just to think we know the answers. It's called teleology.
Hey Paul Mitchell, have you heard? They have invented a push button system and are teaching dogs how to "talk" to us using actual words and "sentences". And for years I've taught my dogs and cats to answer "yes" by sitting (or going to what they want) and to walk away to "tell" me "no"... among other things, to communicate with me in a basic way.
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Yeah, someone with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in occupational therapy is not qualified to give dog psychology. A lot of these tips are plain wrong.
Some of these were pretty good actually. My lil' doggo does most of these for the reasons that the OP states
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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... Pretty much every one of those points was blindingly obvious to any even halfway thoughtful dog owner.
True. Still a necessary post and good for those who are first time dog owners or those just interested in dog psychology
Load More Replies... Lovely hound, I'm going to have to come back to this later. Maybe a few times....
Didn't even read the article. Stop with the TikTok "expert" articles.
This was actually useful. And, if you've such an issue with them why spend any time commenting on it? Seriously, just skip it.
Load More Replies... #14 inaccurate. Rolling over to expose the belly is a well known submissive posture in pack animals. It shows you are not a threat to the superior animal. So while it might mean absolute trust and devotion, it equally can mean I'm terrified - please don't hurt me.
have to say yes to all of these. my family tells me my babies are spoiled and that is why they are always 'bugging' me. i see it as their way of telling me that i am the most important person to them. even when i trip over them, they steal the blankets, stretch to push me out of bed, and probably annoy the neighbors when i come home with all their vocalizations.
I have a comment on #25. My dog hovers under foot when I'm cooking dinner. I give him small bits of dog safe human food like carrots or green beans. If I give him something he doesn't like, he takes it to another room and hides it. I think he doesn't want to hurt my feelings by refusing it and jeopardize the possibility of future handouts.
Grey Hounds are adorable, I wish they would, stop the races, too many dogs, are disgarded left, it breakes my heart, people making money, at the expence of animals, makes me sick !!!
My dog farts really loudly and like to eat the cats poo. I think that means she trusts me enough to expel wind in my presence awwwww. And she definitely eat anything remotely edible and many inedible things because she trusts me. (That's the theme, right?)
Actually, it sounds like there's something missing in her diet or the quality of her kibble isn't as good as you think (because the Pet food Industry is full of money-grabbing pukes who are slowly poisoning our pets to line their pockets).
Load More Replies... Greyhounds aren’t rescued from racing. They retire from racing. Not meaning to start a debate on racing but it’s the owners who retire the dogs, not an outside person that comes in and liberates them.
I don't fully agree, as my neighbor, who lived in England, rescued a former race dog (Greyhound). It's true, the dog was being retired, as it wasn't promising to win the race anymore. So at the young age of not even four, the dog was supposed to be euthanized instead. The dog lived up to turn almost 15 and had a very happy life
Load More Replies... Common sense isn't that common, "Simon in the trees" (😁is that it?) You'd be surprised how many people don't understand animals properly 🤦🏼♀️ because they've been "taught" by TV and movies. 🦴🐕Giving dogs bones, cats milk and rodents cheese (etc) can make them sick and even be deadly. Not realizing that animals hide when they get sick (Survival of the Fittest) so you don't always realize what made them puke when you finally find that little dried up pile behind the couch. 🐶🗞Hitting with a rolled-up newspaper (which only teaches them to be afraid and hide it) and "rubbing their nose in it" when they have an "accident" because they weren't taken outside often enough... doesn't teach them and can actually give them a nasty, fatal infection.🤒🤮 Learning to "read" animals is like learning the American Slang-uage from a mute... and changes a bit from one animal to the next, just like with kids.
Load More Replies... My dog does many or most of these things. Glad to know what they mean now. I am truly his best friend and so grateful to have him.
Your dog is lucky to have you! Sounds like you deserve each other :-)
Load More Replies... And chasing their tail isn't a "cute game", it's a "bottled-up stress" reaction. I recently rescued a Whippet (the medium sized greyhound breed) who, at 7mos. old, had never been outside except for "potty breaks" and constantly yawned, sneezed, tail-chased and lip-licked after I removed her from being in a neglectful, abusive situation. She had to run loose in my yard every day for two weeks before she stopped the constant tail chasing (& could finally listen to learn "commands").
Until we can talk to dogs we can never know why they do most of the things that they do. Most of this is made up to provide an explanation , in the same way religion does and is, just to think we know the answers. It's called teleology.
Hey Paul Mitchell, have you heard? They have invented a push button system and are teaching dogs how to "talk" to us using actual words and "sentences". And for years I've taught my dogs and cats to answer "yes" by sitting (or going to what they want) and to walk away to "tell" me "no"... among other things, to communicate with me in a basic way.
Load More Replies... Yeah, someone with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in occupational therapy is not qualified to give dog psychology. A lot of these tips are plain wrong.
Some of these were pretty good actually. My lil' doggo does most of these for the reasons that the OP states
Load More Replies...