10 Things Your Dog Wishes You Knew About Them

Your dog may not be able to talk, but they have lots of things to say to you. From how they experience the world to the little things that make them happiest (like treats), they wish you understood them just a bit better. Here are 10 things your furry best friend wants you to know.

I Don’t Misbehave to Annoy You—There’s Always a Reason

If I chewed up your shoes, shredded a pillow, or knocked over the trash can, I swear I wasn’t trying to make you mad. Dogs don’t do things out of spite—that’s a human thing. I might be bored, anxious, or just full of energy with nowhere to put it. If I don’t get enough exercise, playtime, or mental stimulation, I’ll find my own way to stay entertained. (Spoiler: You probably won’t like my version of fun.) 

My Wagging Tail Doesn’t Always Mean I’m Happy

Not all tail wags mean the same thing. If my tail is stiff and wagging fast, I might be feeling tense or overstimulated. If it’s low and wagging slowly, I might be uncertain or nervous. A big, loose, full-body wag? Now that means I’m happy! Instead of focusing just on my tail, look at my whole body—relaxed ears, soft eyes, and a wiggly butt are all signs that I’m truly excited.

I Need More Mental Exercise, Not Just Physical

Sure, I love running, chasing, and playing fetch, but my brain needs a workout too! Imagine if you had nothing to do all day except stare at the walls—you’d go a little stir-crazy, right? That’s how I feel when I don’t get enough mental stimulation. Teaching me new tricks, giving me puzzle toys, or even hiding treats around the house for me to sniff out makes my day way more exciting. 

I Get Lonely, Even If You’re Just Gone for a Few Hours

You might only be gone for a couple of hours, but to me, it can feel like forever. I don’t understand work schedules or time the way you do—I just know that when you leave, my favorite person in the world is suddenly missing. Leaving me with a special toy, a treat puzzle, or even some background noise can help, but nothing beats seeing you walk through that door. 

I Show My Love in My Own Way—Even If It’s Not Always Obvious

Some of us have more subtle ways of showing affection. I might follow you from room to room, lean against your leg, or drop my favorite toy at your feet. Even if I’m not a big cuddler, I still adore you. If I sigh and settle down next to you, bring you a random sock, or give you those soft puppy eyes, that’s me saying, “You’re my favorite person.”

I Understand More Words Than You Think

You probably think I only understand basic commands like “sit” and “stay,” but I actually pick up on a lot more! I listen to your tone, watch your expressions, and recognize words you say often. If you casually mention “walk” or “treat” in a conversation, I definitely heard it. Some of us even learn entire phrases—so don’t be surprised if I get excited when you say, “Let’s go for a ride” or “Who’s a good boy?” 

My Nose Tells Me More Than My Eyes Ever Could

You rely on your eyes to understand the world, but for me, my nose is everything. I can smell things you don’t even notice—like where you’ve been, what you ate, or even how you’re feeling. (Yes, I can tell when you’re stressed!) That’s why I stop to sniff everything on our walks. I’m not just being slow—I’m reading a world of information left behind by other animals, people, and even the weather. 

Loud Noises Freak Me Out More Than You Realize

Thunder, skyshots, and even the vacuum cleaner can send me into panic mode. My hearing is way more sensitive than yours, so those sudden, loud noises feel overwhelming. If I start pacing, hiding, or trembling, it’s not me “acting dramatic”—I genuinely feel scared. Please don’t force me to face my fears head-on. Instead, give me a safe space, distract me with something fun, or just sit with me until it’s over. Knowing you’re there makes a big difference.

I Don’t Always Understand Why You’re Mad

If you come home and yell at me for something I did hours ago, I have no idea why you’re upset. I live in the moment. If you don’t catch me in the act, I won’t connect your anger to what I did. That guilty look? It’s not guilt—it’s me reacting to your frustration. I learn best when you correct me right away, so if you want me to stop doing something, show me what to do instead. 

You Are My Whole World

You have work, hobbies, and friends—I have you. My entire day revolves around waiting for you, following you, and making you happy. I don’t care what we do as long as we do it together. Whether we’re playing, walking, or just sitting on the couch, I’m happiest when I’m with you. My love is unconditional, and no matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you.