Expert Alyssa Ralph says many dog owners mistake what their pet is actually telling them
From tail wagging to so-called “guilty looks”, many of the behaviours dog owners think they understand are routinely misread. Those misunderstandings could be quietly affecting dogs’ stress levels, feeding habits and long-term wellbeing, according to experts at Years.com.
“Dogs communicate constantly through body language and behaviour, but humans often interpret those signals through their own emotions, rather than those of the dog,” says Alyssa Ralph, a canine behaviour and nutrition expert at Years.
“What looks cute, naughty or attention-seeking is often a dog trying to regulate stress, diffuse a difficult situation or respond to changes in their environment.”
Years.com’s expert panel says these everyday misunderstandings don’t just affect training or behaviour, they can influence appetite, digestion and feeding routines, too.
The Dog Behaviours Owners Most Commonly Misinterpret
Tail wagging always means happiness
A wagging tail doesn’t automatically signal joy. The height, speed and stiffness of the wag matter. A fast, rigid wag held high can indicate alertness or anxiety rather than excitement – something owners frequently overlook.
Clinginess means neediness or bad habits
Dogs that lean on owners, follow them closely or seek frequent contact are often responding to uncertainty, routine changes, or feelings of insecurity. According to Years.com experts, this behaviour is linked to emotional regulation, not dominance or spoiling.
The head tilt is just a ‘cute reaction’
That familiar head tilt is a dog actively trying to process sound and facial cues. “Dogs tilt their heads to better understand us and triangulate where sounds are coming from,” explains Alyssa. “It’s a sign of engagement, communication, and information-gathering, not confusion.”
Zoomies are random hyperactivity
Sudden bursts of energy — often after baths, walks or periods of restraint — are a recognised stress-release behaviour. They help dogs reset after emotional or sensory overload.
A ‘guilty look’ means they know they’ve done wrong
As far as we know, dogs don’t experience guilt in the human sense. What owners interpret as shame is usually appeasement behaviour — a response to tone of voice, posture or perceived tension rather than an understanding of wrongdoing. The ‘guilty’ look is usually an attempt to diffuse any of that tension!
Why Behaviour Misunderstandings Can Affect Diet and Health
Alyssa says behaviour and nutrition are closely linked, and misreading signals can lead to feeding issues. “A dog that’s stressed or overstimulated may eat too quickly, avoid food altogether, or show inconsistent hunger cues,” says Alyssa. “When behaviour is misunderstood, owners often adjust food unnecessarily, rather than addressing the underlying cause.”
Expert Advice for Dog Owners
The Years.com pet panel recommends:
- Looking at behaviour patterns over time, not isolated incidents
- Considering recent changes in routine or environment before labelling behaviour as ‘bad’
- Treating appetite changes as communication signals, not stubbornness
- Seeking advice from qualified vets or behaviourists rather than relying on assumptions
“Dogs are incredibly expressive,” adds Alyssa. “When owners learn to read the signs properly, it reduces stress, strengthens trust, and supports better long-term health.”