Chris Evans gets to play 'Captain America' on screen. But on his days off, he's a committed dog dad. Have you come across the photos of him and his Boxer-mix rescue dog, Dodger, yet?
Half the reason Evans has such a relationship with his dog is that he's put in the work to learn how dogs act. So this is for first-time pet owners who know nothing about common doggie behaviors. Follow these helpful tips, and you'll be just fine.
Bared Teeth Mean a Fight Is Coming
Golden Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and Beagles are some of the least aggressive dog breeds out there. But most hounds would respond with aggression when threatened. So it's necessary for owners to know the signs to look out for.
Dogs who perceive threats in their immediate environment will most often bare their teeth, snarl, and growl. This is their way of showing how dangerous they are. They also mean business if they pull their ears back and adopt a defensive position.
Prepare for the Occasional Howling
Wolves are not the only animals known for howling. In fact, this is one fact that helps confirm the fact that dogs are their domesticated descendants. But it's important to note that dogs don't actually howl because they feel connected to the moon.
The loud call is a way to communicate with other dogs over long distances. They only look up because that position helps them vocalize more clearly. Some researchers also believe that canines also howl to communicate displeasure.
The Perfect Position for a Little Nap
Dog owners can learn a lot from their pets' sleep positions. And this is something a committed dog dad like Chris Evans would be privy to. Sometimes a dog would sleep tucking its legs beneath it or stretching them out to the side.
This position prevents them from fully relaxing their muscles, thus making it much more difficult to enjoy a deep, restful sleep. So when a dog is stuck in this position, just know they're taking a little nap.
Puppy Eyes Are a Real Thing
Puppy eyes are described as a look of absolute devotion and innocence. And one of the best things humans ever did was cop the habit and utilize it in their own way. When a dog gives its owner puppy eyes, understand it as a manipulation tactic.
Now, it's never anything insidious. Dogs use puppy eyes to get attention when they feel neglected or lonely. Their owners usually interpret the look as a sign of sadness. So it works! All the time!
Dogs Recognize Who's in Charge
Dogs have the habit of looking up at their owners or dog sitters before running off to perform an activity. It's similar to a child asking their parents if they can go off to play with a friend.
The thing is, dogs who do this recognize who's in charge and are hesitant to do anything that would upset their owners or sitters. So if a dog looks to you for approval before going off to have fun, you're doing something right.
Notice the Call for Attention
Dogs are unquestionably known to be one of the most affectionate of all domesticated animals. No wonder they're often referred to as man's best friend. One way to know if a dog feels upset or neglected is to notice when they blink repeatedly or squint at you.
When this happens, understand that the doggy is feeling a bit attention-starved and would like some love. Some of the most affectionate and cuddly dogs we know are labrador retrievers, bulldogs, and chihuahuas.
Watch Out for This on Hot Days
Caring for a dog means watching out for any signs of discomfort. Because, unlike humans, they can't often verbalize their feelings. Frantic panting and labored breathing are some warning signs that show when a dog is overheated.
Dogs could also sleep on their bad with their legs crossed over their body. This means they're trying to get their belly to cool down quickly. While canines can tolerate hot weather much better than humans, overheating can cause dehydration and more complications.
Staring May Mean Many Things
Staring is another way dogs express affection. Humans are known to stare deeply into the eyes of the people they love, and dogs also copy this habit. Scientists have also determined that when dogs and humans stare mutually at each other, it causes the release of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone.
But canines can also stare for other reasons. A dog may lock eyes with another to establish dominance. It could also be used to warn humans to back off.
Dogs Smile Too
Dogs have gotten used to performing actions that please the humans around them. And once they realized that smiles are a sign of happiness and satisfaction, they adopted the habit too. That explains why many pups are triggered to smile when they see humans smiling too.
To mimic the action, they'll open their mouth, pull back their lips and let their tongue curl over their teeth. Wide-mouth panting and a happy grin can also be interpreted as a doggy smile.
Stay Away When They Get Like This
If there's one dog position people need to be wary of, it's this one. Contrary to popular opinion, not all dogs that seem aggressive and threatening are actually in the mood to cause harm. Sometimes, it's a response motivated by fear.
When a dog is in a frightening situation, it may try to adopt a more threatening position in hopes of scaring away the imminent threat. So if a dog lowers itself on its haunches and shows its teeth, it's preparing to launch an attack.
What Curiosity Looks Like
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but canines are much more resilient. Dogs, like most animals, also feel curiosity. Some might even say they are naturally inquisitive and interact with the world around them with much enthusiasm.
A curious pup will stare at the object of its interest very intently. You may also notice that its ears and tail are upright. Sometimes, they'll bark or growl too. But that only happens if their interest is mixed with a bit of fear.
Reading the Signs of Excitement
Signs of excitement in canines may differ depending on the breed or how the dog was raised. But the face is always a good place to start. An excited dog may have a soft gaze, relaxed eyes, and an open mouth. Their ears may also be laid back.
Excited dogs will also hold their tail high and wag it repeatedly. Then they'll flip over on their belly with their tongues out. Sometimes they'll even let out a happy whine, yips, and a few barks.
Panting Dogs Are Happy Dogs
A panting human is usually an exhausted one. But it's a different story for dogs. They are known to pant when they are energized or happy. Ever noticed how dogs begin breathing heavier when it's time to head out for a walk? Yeah, that's because they're happy to be leaving the house.
But body language is open to different interpretations. So it's up to the owner to pay attention to their pet and determine if heavy panting means happiness or discomfort.
What Rising Barks Mean
There are different types of dog barks, with each meaning something different. A rising bark usually presents itself as a series of barks that rise in pitch. It's a sure sign of excitement. So pay attention to the inflection in the sounds a dog makes.
The rising bark usually comes when a dog is at play. So if two or more dogs are running around in the park, yipping at each other and barking in this manner, they're having a good time.
The Crazy Legs Position
If a dog is sleeping in the crazy legs position, it means it's laying on its back and has its legs suspended in the air. It's a pretty unusual way to sleep, hence the name. But there's no cause for alarm.
The crazy legs position is a preferred position by free-spirited dogs who enjoy freedom in the home and are very comfortable. So a dog has to be very happy with its surroundings to expose itself in such a compromising position.
Sniffing Is Perfectly Normal
The nose is to dogs what sight is to humans. The primary sense used to make sense of the world is our eyes, and it's only in the event of a disability that we learn to rely on a secondary sense.
Well, dogs navigate the world using their noses. The different smells in any given environment provide them with useful information on how things look, sound, taste, and even feel. So dogs will occasionally sniff strangers to learn whether they're friends or foes.
The Side Sleeper Is a Dreamer
Dr. Stanley Coren of the Psychology Department of the University of Columbia is the author of the book "Do Dogs Dream?" So he's the perfect person to provide information on the side sleep position for canines.
This is the most common sleep position for dogs to adopt when they feel comfortable in their environment. They'll usually begin dosing, then slump onto their side and fall into a deeper sleep. The side sleeper begins to dream as soon as its muscles relax.
Preparing for a New Dog
Chris Evans adopted Dodger in 2015, and in an interview, he spoke about the immense feeling of responsibility he felt for her health and wellbeing. Both first-time dog parents and people with many furry friends must be this self-aware when preparing for a new dog.
The best place to begin is with research. Figure out what dog would be a good fit for different lifestyles. Next, assess the level of commitment required and ensure the home is comfortable enough to accommodate a canine.
Dogs Don't Sweat As Humans Do
Dogs have two types of sweat glands, so they only produce sweat in certain parts of their bodies. The Merocrine glands, which work like human sweat glands, can be found in a dog's paw pads. They help cool them down on hot days.
The Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are located all over a dog's body. Rather than help cool them off, their primary function is the release of pheromones. These glands are the organs that help dogs identify other dogs by scent.
Puppy's Favourite Position
Sometimes puppies take up a new sleeping position, leaving their owners wondering if it means something. Well, it does. Dogs sleeping positions provide insight into how they're feeling at a certain time. So it's important to know what each position means.
The Superman pose is the most common position for puppies. When dogs fall asleep with their belly pressed to the floor and their front legs stretched forward, it means they're tired but won't mind jumping up to play at a moment's notice.
Dealing With Cold Weather
How do dogs sleep in cold weather? Well, it's up to their carer to provide a warm blanket, so they don't freeze to death. But for maximum comfort, they'll curl up like a ball with all their limbs tucked under their belly.
The donut pose signifies that a dog is trying to preserve body heat. According to veterinary surgeon Dr. Linda Simon, dogs adopt this position in cold weather because it would have protected them from the elements if they were outdoors.
Safety First, Comfort Next
Nothing says comfort and safety like a dog willing to sleep back to back with humans or other pets within the home. When dogs are first welcomed into a house, it can take some time for them to feel comfortable in the new environment.
So if you notice that a pup likes sleeping back to back with you or some other person, it's a sign that they feel quite at home in that space. It can even be interpreted as the highest form of intimacy.
What Contentment Looks Like
As mentioned earlier, the back-to-back sleep position is a sign of contentment in canines. But there are some other signs that show when a dog is feeling happy and content. Eye contact is another sign of intimacy. This explains why happy doggos enjoy making eye contact with their favorite humans.
Dogs are also naturally curious and will often run around to investigate different smells and sounds. So a dog that comes running back when its name is called is also content.
The Role Dog Noses Play
Recent scientific studies have shown that dogs can use their noses to sniff out diseases like cancer. But that's nothing compared to the many miraculous things that dogs can perceive with that helpful organ.
This also explains why dogs are utilized by the police force and the military in many capacities. It turns out dogs have about 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses and a vomeronasal organ near the roof of the mouth. The latter helps them perceive pheromones.
Nothing Similar is the Same
We have hundreds of dog breeds, each divided into separate classes, so it makes sense that they should all have different characteristics and traits. The word dog may mean everything from the Labrador Retriever with its pink tongue and the Shar-pei which has a black tongue.
There's also the Basenji which is the only dog in the world that never barks, and the Greyhound, which is the fastest dog breed. But one thing remains true, irrespective of breed, all dogs are direct descendants of wolves.
Pay Attention to Sleeping Patterns
Not everyone wants to adopt a pup. But taking in an older and more experienced canine takes a ton of responsibility. One of the things to pay attention to is their sleeping patterns.
Adult dogs often experience changing sleeping patterns as they age. Sometimes they can't tell days apart from nights. So they can be awake and active at night and then sleep for most of the day. In such cases, a vet may recommend hormonal supplements to reset their internal clock.
Don't Be Scared When Dogs Go Zoom
Imagine thinking you know everything about a pup only to experience the shock of your life when it gets the zoomies. "Zoomies" is a term used to describe when canines get restless and run around crazily. And while it may appear unusual, it's actually a common phenomenon.
Dogs go zoom when they've built up excess energy and are trying to wear themselves out. Running around can help them work off that energy and settle down. It also tends to happen less as they age.
The Male Dog's Favorite Peeing Position
If experts are to be believed, dogs have 12 unique peeing positions. But the leg lift has to be the most widely used of them all, especially among male dogs. It involves him standing on three legs, lifting one hind leg, and leaning slightly to the side.
Another habit that's unique to male dogs is urine marking. This is when they deposit small amounts of pee on objects around them in an attempt to assert dominance and lay a boundary.
What Is Splooting?
Humans have yoga, and dogs have splooting, and both involve stretching. Splooting is a kind of stretch where dogs lay on their stomach with one or both hind legs behind them while pushing their forelimbs forward. And we have Corgis to thank for popularising this quirky habit.
The sploot is also divided into three categories—the classic sploot, the side sploot, and the full sploot. And while it remains a common habit among dogs, this position is not an exclusively canine behavior.
It's Good When They Lean On You
It's normal for dogs to lean on their humans. It's a sign that they want to be closer to you. Think of it this way: babies need to be picked up to get a dose of physical affection. While older children and adults can ask for hugs.
It's the same with dogs. While pups can be picked up for a cuddle, bigger dogs must settle for the next best thing. And that is leaning close and putting all their weight on their owners.
The Famous Rolling Bath
Here's something else some first-time dog owners may find unusual, but veterans like Chirs Evans would be very familiar with it. First, while this may be considered a bizarre habit in humans, it's normal for dogs to roll around in the dirt or grass.
They may do this to mask their scent—as a response to danger—with whatever they're rolling in. Or it could be that they feel uncomfortable with their scent and want to cover it up with the odor of dirt or grass.
Forming Attachments
Dogs live a pretty simple life. Evans once expressed his amazement at how dogs go about life in a very slow-paced comfortable manner with little regard for things humans worry about. It's amazing that simple things like a chew toy or the sound of an owner's feet can elicit instant excitement in a pup.
The holy trinity of every dog's happiness is its owner, treats, and toys. So if a canine becomes fixated on one particular toy, just let them be.
Sneezes May Show Excitement
Did you know that we never sneeze in our sleep because the nerves that trigger sneezing lie dormant at such times? Like us, dogs sometimes sneeze when their nose gets irritated by pollen, dust, or something stuck in there.
But one way in which they differ from humans is that they also communicate through sneezes. Dogs usually sneeze while at play to show happiness and excitement or when play fighting with other dogs—just to let them know they're not being aggressive.
Service Dogs Do Good Work
Service dogs are canines trained to perform specific tasks for people dealing with some form of disability or the other. And like health workers, these working dogs deserve much of our love and respect for all the good work they do.
Service dogs go through rigorous training and have to perform 50 or 60 tasks before they are designated to a person in need. They are also trained to behave appropriately in public and ignore any distractions in the environment.
Dogs Like to Burrow
One more thing you have to know about dogs is that they enjoy burrowing. Sometimes when their keeper is away, dogs may seek out a pile of clothes that belong to them and burrow in there for a nap.
The habit is quite similar to humans wearing the clothes of their significant others to feel closer to them in their absence. So when dogs sleep in this position, they are seeking comfort, security, and calmness in the face of anxiety.
The Ear and All Its Muscles
While canine noses are pretty special, their ears are also very fascinating. Dog ears come in various shapes and sizes. They can also hear nearly four times better than humans. But that's not all. Did you know that they have at least 18 muscles in there?
It's easy to tell a dog's level of attention by watching the shape of its ears. They're calm and friendly if their ears are slightly pulled back. But erect forward-facing ears mean they're paying close attention to something.
Canine Loyalty
Non-pet owners may never understand why those with furry friends treat them like family. It's pretty simple. The bond between a person and their pet is one built with no end in sight. Our relationships with human partners may end at some point or the other. But dogs would never want to break up.
Interestingly, there's a scientific basis for dog loyalty. We once took in wolves, domesticated them, and offered them food and shelter. In turn, dogs developed an affinity for man.
Poop Time Is a Special Time
Dogs have different patterns when it comes to pooping. Most of them will poop half an hour after a meal or immediately after they wake up. Puppies also digest food faster than adult dogs, so they may need to go more often.
It's also important to understand that canines are most vulnerable while they poop. They can't watch out for danger or respond appropriately to a threat. To make up for this, they look to the pack—their human companions—for signs of danger.
Dogs Feel Jealous Too
This one may seem made up, but thankfully there's a source to back up our claim. According to a study published in "Psychological Science," dogs do in fact get jealous. The researchers also revealed that canines also show jealousy when they think their human companion has been interacting with some other pet.
Frankly, this shouldn't be surprising. But while it's been determined that dogs react to jealousy-inducing situations, we can't conclude they experience jealousy like the rest of us humans.
Expect Company in the Bathroom
Ever heard the term "Velcro dogs?" Well, that's how we refer to dogs whose pack mentality motivates a desire to always be attached to the side of their owners. Dogs with this instinct would follow you around and even go into the bathroom to protect you.
The first instinct when a pup exhibits such behavior is to assume that they have no respect for privacy. But in their little doggy heads, they're powerful watch guards who have to keep everyone safe.
Watch Out for the Head Tilt
How do humans let their conversation partners know that they're engaged? They either nod along, make sounds of assent or provide brief commentary. On the canine side, the head tilt is the go-to sign to show when a dog is engaged.
Social dogs like the labrador retriever, boxer, and beagle that enjoy human interaction will usually tilt their heads often to prolong human contact or encourage the continuation of the conversation. The head tilting is also a sign of intelligence.
Professional Tail Chasers
Dogs are professional tail chasers, and they do it for many reasons. The most common reason why canines take up this funny habit is out of boredom. When they need mental or physical stimulation chasing their tail provides brief entertainment.
Sometimes they do it to relieve itching caused by a flea or tick infestation. At such times, a visit to the vet would be in order. Finally, dogs may chase their tails as a cry for attention. "Look at me, acting goofy. Aren't I cute?"
It's a Dog Eat Poop World
Here's another habit you may notice as a first-time dog owner. The scientific term used to describe the act is coprophagia, and it's common among canines. Nursing female dogs often eat the poop of their pups to keep the area clean.
And some dogs may also eat the poop of other animals for the nutrients within them. But while the former should be accepted as normal, the latter is a terrible habit that should be discouraged. There are a lot of harmful bacteria in poop.
Expect Lots of Doggie Kisses
When dogs aren't doing the nasty and eating poop, they can be incredibly affectionate. And doggie kisses are one of many ways they show this affection. Humans may sometimes find the repeated licking a bother, but it's doing a lot for the dog.
Dog licking is a form of stimulation and an instinct that develops right from birth. Licking also causes canines to release endorphins that calm them and introduce a feeling of comfort and security. We bet Evans gets a lot of kisses.
The Art of Scooting
Of the many question dog parents could have, "Why is my dog scooting" could be one of them. For those who don't know, scooting happens when dogs drag their bottom across the floor. It can be incredibly funny to witness, especially in the presence of company.
But while this is a dreaded situation for humans, it's a sign of a problem for dogs. Scooting may occur as they try to scratch an itch or relieve some pain or irritation in the anal sac.
Humping Is Natural
Humping is another doggy behavior that is perfectly natural. It can also occur for various reasons. While it's one of those doggy habits that causes unending embarrassment to us as humans, it may be helpful to learn that humping is not usually done for indecency's sake.
Dogs of any age or gender may initiate humping as a response to stress and overstimulation. Or as a way to initiate play with other dogs. But sometimes, it's a way to establish social status in doggy world.
Digging May Be a Sign of Anxiety
This one may come as a shock. Especially as digging is just one way in which dogs reveal their unrelenting curiosity about the world around them. Digging may be a call for attention, a sign of boredom, or a way to regulate heat.
It could also be a way for dogs to bury their treasures to save for later. But when a dog is suffering from separation anxiety, it may exhibit behaviors like pacing, incessant barking, and digging to escape.
Dogs Can Sense Your Moods
Since researchers have determined that dogs can feel or experience a wide range of emotions, from love to jealousy, doesn't it make sense that they can also sense those emotions in their human companions?
Dog owners will often wonder how their furry friends can sense their emotions, but there's no one answer. First, canines use their complex nonsense to sniff out pheromones and, with time, learn to associate different scents with certain emotions. Other times they just pay attention to behavior changes.
Everyone's Not a Dog Person
If there's one other thing to take away from this list, it's that not everyone is a dog person. We understand the urge to show off a pup to other humans. But considering that others may have a phobia, allergies, or just don't like pets would minimize the likelihood of embarrassing situations.
That's why it's important to train dogs to behave well in public. It's also necessary to respect boundaries because, at the end of the day, dogs hate being forced to greet people.
Pay Attention to the Rules
Dog care isn't something that will only be practiced in the comfort of the home. Canines need to interact with the outside world too, and it's important for dog owners to follow the rules of proper behavior.
There are many public signs that indicate whether or not pets can be allowed into certain establishments. If a business only accommodates service animals, it's best to accept that. And if a walk in the park leads to poop time, don't leave a mess behind.
Daily Walks Are Important
Exercise is one of the building blocks for good physical and mental health. This is as true for dogs as it is for humans. So confining a pet to the house for long periods can lead to boredom and eventual destructive behavior.
Plan a routine that involves daily walks, and let your dog enjoy the freedom to explore and be enriched by the world around them. These walks also provide dog owners with the chance to get their daily dose of exercise.
Correct With Kindness
Dogs, like children, are bound to act up at some time or the other. But just because they're animals doesn't mean their actions should be met with violent behavior. It's up to dog owners to identify the difference between correction and punishment and never use the latter when the former is needed.
Using the voice to reassure and correct them is a good way to instill discipline in an errant dog. Also, avoid the use of training collars, yelling, or other physical punishments.
Don't Forget to Drop by the Vet's
Do you think Chris Evans sometimes forgets to schedule regular checkups for the sake of Dodger's health? The answer is a resounding no. No one gets to be known as the poster child for pet parenthood by neglecting the needs of their furry friends.
While the habits discussed so far can provide a deeper understanding of different canine behaviors and their possible meanings, it's good to seek an expert opinion now and then for early detection and intervention of medical conditions.
Dogs Need a Balanced Diet
Finally, we wrap this up by emphasizing the need for a proper diet. Dogs require a complete diet of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to grow healthy and strong. And attempting to understand how each of these nutrients functions or how much of each is needed can be very complicated.
Thankfully the Association of American Feed Control Officials has provided a guideline for pet foods. So responsible pet parents should pay attention to those requirements and feed their dogs accordingly.