Showing Discomfort
In addition to being a sign of comfort, dogs yawn for another reason. A dog yawning in public can mean they are exhausted and hoping to have an afternoon nap. Yes, yawns can also mean discomfort and anxiety. Make sure to look out for this behavior when your dog is in an unfamiliar place. It can tell you if it is time for your dog to go home.
Showing Discomfort
Tilting Their Heads
People have the tendency to use a higher pitch when they are speaking to a dog, and dogs sometimes tilt their head when humans do this. You might have guessed dogs do this to try and understand what a person is saying, and you are not wrong. They are great at reading and responding to body language and vocal cues and they take everything in, including reprimands and instructions. Dogs can also recognize certain words, so they are probably waiting for those linked to treats and walks! According to one theory, they move their heads that way so they can adjust their outer ears to have better listening comprehension.
Tilting Their Heads