For a human being, yawning means drowsiness or boredom. As for a dog… not always!
Even though humans and dogs have coexisted for a long time, dog body language remains a mystery to many. Have you ever stopped to think – and understand – why your pet yawns when he gets close to you?
In 1997, dog trainer Turid Rugaas wrote the book “Speaking in Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals.” In Norwegian’s work, she compiled more than 30 signals that dogs send to show that they don’t want to fight. One of them: yawning.
For some puppies, therefore (especially those who have not lived with humans or who were abandoned very early), yawning would be a way of communicating that “they don’t want to fight”.
If your pet yawns at you, it means he doesn’t like what you’re doing. So if he comes closer and starts yawning, stop what you’re doing, and if he wants to come closer, he will.
Calming cues you may not know include: turning his back, bending over, sniffing the floor, licking his lips and nose, or turning his head to the side and lifting a front paw.
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Other reasons
Additionally, another explanation for dogs yawning is anxiety and excitement, like when humans shake their feet out of nervousness. Stressful situations, such as training classes, can also cause your pet to yawn.
Another curious explanation is yawning as a “sign of sympathy”. When one dog yawns, another yawns in turn; It’s a way to show that they’re comfortable with the situation.
Naturally, “sleepy yawning” cannot be ruled out: the best thing, in this case, is to let the pet rest.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
