How do dogs say sorry to each other?
Missouri Schuster
2025-06-29 06:56:39
Count answers: 6
Dogs often exhibit behaviours that suggest they’re aware they’ve crossed a line and wish to make amends. These expressions of apology are not rooted in a human understanding of right and wrong, but instead a complex mixture of canine social behaviours and their deep-seated desire to maintain harmony within their pack, which now includes humans. One of the most common ways dogs show remorse is through submissive postures, a dog might lower its body or head, avoid direct eye contact, or expose its belly. Licking and nuzzling are other behaviours dogs use to express apology and repentance, these actions are comforting gestures that dogs often use to show affection and make amends. Some dogs may bring toys or other items to their owners as a way of apologizing, this behaviour can be interpreted as a peace offering, an attempt to distract or please their human companion after a transgression. A dog showing remorse might also display a combination of tail wagging and ears pinned back, this body language is nuanced, the tail wagging is not the exuberant, full-body wag associated with happiness but a lower, slower wag that conveys a more subdued emotion. Avoidance behaviour is another way dogs may show they’re sorry, mainly if they sense their owner’s displeasure, a dog might retreat to a corner, avoid making eye contact, or even hide under furniture. Through submissive postures, licking and nuzzling, bringing toys or gifts, tail wagging with ears back, and avoidance behaviour, dogs express their apologies in ways deeply rooted in their social behaviours and relationships with humans.
Read also
- How to keep a dog calm when visitors come?
- Do dogs know you're coming back when you go on vacation?
- How do I show my dog I am the alpha?
- How do I stop my dog from being reactive to visitors?
- Should I crate my dog when visitors come?
- Do dogs know you're coming back?
- Do dogs sulk when you come back from holiday?
- What is the dog rule of 7?