Dogs may not be able to verbalize their emotions the way humans do, but they have distinct body language and behaviors that express remorse and a desire to reconnect after making a mistake. If you’ve ever scolded your dog and noticed them acting a certain way afterward, they may be trying to apologize in their own unique way. Here are twelve signs your dog is trying to apologize!
1. Lowered Head and Ears
When dogs feel remorseful, they will often lower their head and flatten their ears. This submissive posture acknowledges their mistake and signals guilt. They might do this to avoid confrontation. If your dog does this, it is likely trying to apologize for upsetting you.
2. Tucked Tail
When a dog tucks its tail between its legs, it is a universal sign of submission and unease. If your pet does this after being scolded or after doing something wrong, they are acknowledging your disapproval and trying to express their regret in the only way they know how.
3. Avoiding Eye Contact
Believe it or not, but dogs know that direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge or a sign of dominance in the animal world. When your dog avoids looking at you after misbehaving, it is showing submission and is willing to accept that they’ve done something wrong.
4. Bringing a Favorite Toy
Dogs are adorable, especially when they’re trying to apologize to their owners. Your dog will often express its affection and a desire to mend your relationships by bringing you their favorite toy. It’s like a peace offering, as dogs associate playtime with positive interactions and want to restore peace by sharing something they value.
5. Licking
Licking is a sign of affection for dogs. In the context of an apology, it can be used as an attempt to soothe and comfort their owner. When a dog licks your hands, face, or even feet after a mishap, they might be trying to ease the tension and reassure you of their love.
6. Pressing Against You
If your dog leans against you, nuzzles your hand, or rests their head on your lap after being scolded, they’re probably looking for reassurance and forgiveness. This is their way of re-establishing physical closeness and emotional connection, which most dogs rely on for comfort.
7. Offering a Paw
If your dog gently places its paw on you after doing something wrong, it is likely asking for affection while showing submission. This gentle gesture can mean “Please forgive me” or “I still love you, and I want things to be okay.”
8. Soft Whining
Gentle whining, whimpering, or soft barking can be an emotional expression of distress or regret. Many dogs use this vocalization to get their owner’s attention and to seek reassurance. This likely means that your pet is aware of the situation and wants to make amends.
9. Rolling Over
Rolling over and showing their owner their belly is one of the most submissive behaviors a dog can display. If your dog does this after doing something wrong, they are likely signaling that they trust you completely and want your forgiveness.
10. “Puppy Eyes”
The classic big, sad eyes with a slightly tilted head are a dog’s way of appealing to their owner’s emotions. This taps into a natural human response to nurturing, making it hard to stay mad at them.
11. Improved Behavior
When your pet realizes that it has upset you, it might try extra hard to behave. They might sit quietly, follow commands more attentively, or wait patiently for your attention after a scolding. This is their way of showing you that they have learned from their mistake and they are trying to make up for it.
12. Yawning
Yawning isn’t always a sign of tiredness. It can also indicate stress or an attempt to de-escalate a sticky tension. If your dog yawns after getting into trouble, they might be trying to self-soothe or send calming signals to you.
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