Even among humans this varies, I remember that in some countries shaking your head horizontally means yes and vertically means no. This means it is a cultural behaviour in humans, but an innate behavior in dogs. I don't think it makes sense comparing those two behaviors.
this post was submitted on 18 Mar 2025
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Explain Like I'm Five
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India is the one that I know of that differs in some way. I'm sure there are more.
thanks. secretly that's what i thought :)
I wonder if this is related to making “chuffing” noises? Perhaps dogs can’t make this noise without shaking their head.
i am not sure what chuffing noise you are talking about.
I know pits and shortsnout breeds do different vocalizations than my longsnout dogs.
The signs my dogs make that dont involve tongue or tail for similar emotions are:
- the butt up chest down stretch
- the aforementioned shake
- deep breath
- an mhm breath which can be nuanced to mhmhmhmhm occasionally
i know the first three have an aspect of innateness because i have seen disconnected dogs do the same for the same sort of experience. I am unsure of the mhm because i have not seen dogs outside my own culture of dogs do it so it may be cultural. They may or may not idk. Don't know the chuffing tho
I don't really see it as odd or different, because I understand that it's not exactly a "yes" but a general sign of excitement. Haven't you ever been so excited/happy that you just vibrate? 🤷🏻♂️
true. of course im only speaking of my own dogs and those i've met. if not removing water or dirt from coat, it is done when: a friend comes by, after getting a treat, sometimes if they know a treat is coming, a song they like plays, someone treats them nicely, they just had a good experience, they like what i or someone else does, they are reassuring after a scuffle or something questionable that 'everything is fine'... I agree it isn't exactly a yes. It definitely feels closer to a yes than a no tho. I would say it isnt a Yes so much as a confirmation of good.
Dogs even not trained by other dogs shake their entire body (like shaking head but entire body) as one of the common ways to express 'im comfortable, good, everything is ok'.
Why do you think this is true? Not saying it isn't true, but the likely hood imo is very weak that this is the case. They probably do it to just feel comfortable, shake dirt off that's itching them or loosen fur on their backs. Who really knows though.
because it just is and anyone who believes anything different from what i believe is wrong
How self-righteous of you. Enjoy your dog questions
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