As of: February 19, 2024, 5:45 a.m
By: Lara-Sabrina Kiehl
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Even the friendliest dog can be in a bad mood sometimes.
How you can recognize a bad mood in your four-legged friend, how it can happen and how you can help.
Dogs can certainly be in a bad mood, but it is important not to humanize their mood.
Unlike us humans, dogs don’t have simple “bad days”.
When a dog feels unwell, there is usually a clear reason why.
Dogs often reflect their owners' moods, meaning they are irritable when their owners are too.
But they are often also affected by pain or discomfort.
The following five signs reveal how you can tell that your dog's mood is changing.
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1. The dog turns away or licks its mouth
A dog that turns its head away or turns away completely often signals a desire to withdraw from a particular situation.
If your dog exhibits this behavior and repeatedly licks his mouth, it indicates that he is feeling unwell and his mood is affected.
In such moments it is important to pay attention to the dog's needs and react sensitively.
You can try to calm him down and make him feel safe, for example by offering him a quiet and safe place to retreat.
Gentle petting or distraction with toys can also help the dog relax.
Read here five signs that your dog is unhappy at home.
If a dog withdraws or turns away, it may be in a bad mood.
(Symbolic image) © Pond 5 Images/Imago
2. He pulls back, shakes himself and bends his tail
If your dog simply retreats and doesn't come back, something may have upset him.
Signs such as shaking his body or tucking his tail are clear indications that he is stressed and uncomfortable.
It is very important to pay attention to these signals and look for the reasons for your bad mood.
He may feel pain or feel overwhelmed.
Once you can identify the cause, you have options to remedy the situation and help your four-legged friend feel better.
However, if it is unclear what is bothering him, it is advisable to leave him alone and give him time to calm down.
Don't pressure him to do anything, but give him space and time to relax and improve his mood.
Here you will learn three mistakes that you should avoid when dealing with dogs.
3. The dog begins to bark, yelp or whine
Some dogs clearly show that they are in an unpleasant situation by barking, whining or whining loudly.
These behaviors should be considered in conjunction with other signs of tension to determine whether the dog is actually in a bad mood.
He may also be excited, in pain, afraid or bored.
Try to help him by giving him attention, keeping him busy, or taking him to the vet.
Read here why your four-legged friend barks.
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4. He puts the hair up into a comb
Raising the hair on the neck, back or tail primarily signals excitement and can reflect both positive and negative emotions.
It is of great importance to consider the dog's overall body language to distinguish between positive arousal and signs of fear or aggression.
In stressful or frightening situations, your dog's hair may stand up.
This is a natural instinct aimed at making the dog appear larger and more threatening in order to deter potential attackers.
However, if your dog feels like he's in a threatening situation, it's important to calm him down and show him that he doesn't have to be afraid.
Gentle stroking and calming words can help.
Paying attention to the dog's body language and providing the necessary support is crucial to ensuring he feels safe and happy.
If you sometimes wonder if your dog is cold, read this article on how to tell if your pet is cold.
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5. He shows threatening gestures such as growling, raising his lips and baring his teeth
When a dog shows its teeth and growls, it signals threat.
This behavior may indicate fear, pain, or aggression.
It is important not to pressure the dog in such situations and to give him the space he needs.
However, you should not ignore this behavior.
If your dog shows this frequently and you cannot solve the problem on your own, ideally you should contact a dog trainer.
This way you can work together to understand the cause of the behavior and find a solution.
Here are tips on how to calm your dog when he's upset or nervous.
How to help your dog when he's in a bad mood
It is always crucial to identify the cause of the dog's bad mood.
Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to change the dog's environment, give him security or, if necessary, seek professional help in the form of a dog trainer.
It is important to take your dog's signals seriously and respond appropriately to give him a stress-free and happy life.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.