All dog owners know that our four-legged friends have their own way of communicating with us without saying a single word. From sitting by a certain door, to jumping around with excitement after we say the word “walkies”. Despite their sometimes clear signals, our pets can often be difficult to understand, and when dogs are feeling down, their emotions are not always clear.
This is perhaps never more evident than when they realise they’ve done something wrong – and try to say sorry in their own peculiar way. Scientists have long studied the relationship between man and man’s best friend. They have been at our side for thousands of years, and during that time, they have become great at reading human emotions, from tone of voice to facial expressions, and when it comes to knowing they’ve done something wrong, they can often pick up on that too.
So if they’ve just chewed up a slipper, had a barking fit, or helped themselves to some of your toast, here are some of the most common ways dogs tell us that they are sorry.
Submissive movements
According to pet experts at I Heart Dogs, the first way that dogs show their remorse is with some submissive postures. Simple movements such as lowering their body or head, avoiding direct eye contact, or exposing their belly can all be them showing their sorryness. This is thought to originate from a pack mentality, where showing submissive behaviour would relax tension.
Licking and nuzzling
Although it may seem like a common gesture, licking and nuzzling is a classic sign your dog is apologising for something. The experts added: “By gently licking or nuzzling their owner, a dog attempts to soothe and reassure, demonstrating their desire to mend the bond they fear may have been damaged by their actions.
This behaviour can be seen as an extension of the grooming and bonding activities occurring naturally within canine social structures, adapted to human interactions.”
Bringing toys and gifts
Some dogs may try to bring their toys as a peace offering as your pet tries to make it up to you. Bringing you their favourite object can be an effort to amend and try to move past whatever they have done.
Tail Wagging and Ears Back.
When a dog’s ears are set right back, it can be a sign that something is wrong and they are not quite comfortable. Combined with a slower tail wag, it can be a simple but nuanced sign they wanted to make up with you.
Avoidance
When your dog starts to become timid and avoid you, it could be a sign that they know they’ve done something wrong. Similar to humans, avoiding eye contact can be one of the most obvious signs, but other signals like retreating into a corner or hiding from you can all be signs of guilt.
They added: “While this behaviour may seem like guilt or shame, it’s more accurately a dog’s response to the negative emotions they perceive from their owner.
“By removing themselves from the situation, they attempt to de-escalate the tension and show their understanding that they’ve done something undesirable.”
