It is common knowledge that dogs communicate by barking. However, what many dog owners don’t know is that there are many other behaviors, traits, and body language that dogs commonly use to communicate everything from hunger to boredom to stress and pain. Whether your dog is a family pet or a service dog that has an emotional support animal (ESA) online certification, it’s important to understand their body language. The scientific community has discovered these common ways dogs communicate with humans:

1. Tilting the head

Dogs tilt their heads while they are listening and learning something new. It may look like they’re listening, but they’re looking at the speaker and attempting to understand. They may also be thinking about how to best communicate something back to you.

2. Chasing their tail

Dogs chase their tails all the time. It means they are happy, however, this behavior can be a sign of boredom as well. Dominant animals and dogs sometimes use tail chasing as a form of intimidation with other dogs, but dogs often chase their own tails when they are bored and trying to entertain themselves or want to engage you in play.

3. Eating grass

Eating grass can be a sign of digestive upset or sickness. If your dog eats grass when it sits in the yard, you shouldn’t worry. Eating grass may also occur when a dog becomes nervous or agitated. Dogs like doing this to help with their stomach as it aids healthy canine digestion. It is always a way to engage in vomiting if a dog has ingested something that is upsetting their stomach. If your dog is eating grass chronically, they may have worms and are attempting to purge their systems of parasites.

4. Digging

Dogs may dig because something smells good or they’re feeling anxious. They might also be digging to hide their food or because something is threatening them. Digging for no reason means the dog is feeling insecure or bored. If a dog digs on its own turf (backyard), it is a sign of territorial behavior.

5. Giving puppy dog eyes

Dogs will give you puppy dog eyes to get what they want especially treats, such as dog food or attention. This is the same as the sad eyes technique humans use to get what they want. Dogs will use this technique to plead for a treat or your affection.

6. Exposing their belly

This is a sign of submission, as dogs expose their stomachs to humans that are higher in the hierarchy than them. It could also be a sign to show they aren’t aggressive. Dogs will reveal themselves to other dogs, but it’s scarce. This behavior is more common among small dogs. This is also an excellent chance to check for fleas and ticks.

7. Barking and growling

The most common method of communication in dogs is barking or growling. For example, dogs bark and growl to express an emotion—good or bad—such as being territorial or when trying to get their owner’s attention, when they feel threatened or want to play. A sudden noise, like knocking, can stimulate a barking response. From rustling leaves to a banging door, to thunder, or a ringing doorbell. This behavior attempts to communicate an alert to their owners.

8. Chewing or ripping up personal items

A dog may chew or rip up their owners belongings if they are frustrated or bored. For example, a puppy biting or chewing on personal items for no apparent reason may be a sign of anxiety. A dog may also do this when they’re owner is away if they want attention or if they have separation anxiety.

9. Howling

Howling is an attempt to communicate with other dogs. Dogs, whether in a pack or alone, howl to communicate with other dogs. Dogs use this ability to let the other dogs know where they are if they’re lost. They also use it to establish territory because when the dog howls, the other dogs will hear it and be able to find their way back home. This is because howling is unique for every dog.

10. Excessive licking

Excessive licking may occur due to stress, as a sign of submissive behavior, or as a show of love towards their owners. Of particular concern is when a dog excessively licks their hair, leaving bald patches, which can indicate an underlying health issue like an allergy or the presence of fleas or ticks. Keep in mind that heartworm disease is spread from pet to pet by licking or other close contact.