5 Things Your Dog Wants You to Know (But Can’t Text You About)
Your dog may not have a flip phone or a MySpace page, but trust me, they are constantly posting updates through body language. And just like those iconic ’90s magazine lists, these are the top signals every dog owner needs to recognize before drama hits.
Okay, so.... I looked up the median age of Lake Windcrest residents, and much the demographic grew up either knowing of or subscribed to '90s magazines like Teen, Seventeen, TeenVogue, etc.
I love the movie 10 Things I Hate About You and it is reminiscent of my adolescence. So I wanted to share "5 Things Your Dog Wants You to Know (But Can’t Text You About)."
1. The “I’m Fine… Totally Fine” Lip Lick
You know when someone says they’re fine but absolutely are not? That’s lip licking.
If your dog is flicking their tongue when there’s no snack in sight, they’re probably feeling awkward, nervous, or unsure.
Translation: “I’m uncomfortable, but I’m trying to be polite about it.”
What to do: Hit pause. Give them space. Let them re-enter the moment on their own terms.
2. The Freeze Frame Moment
When your dog suddenly goes statue-still, this is not calm, it's a communication.
Translation: “I don’t love this situation and I don’t know what to do.”
You may see this when:
- Another dog gets too close
- A kid moves fast
- Someone reaches over their head
What to do: Create space immediately. This is one of the biggest early warnings dogs give before things escalate.
3. The Side-Eye That Could Win an Oscar
Aka: Whale Eye. That dramatic look where you see the whites of their eyes while their head turns away? That’s stress, not sass.
Translation: “Please don’t make this harder than it already is.”
What to do: Reduce pressure. Step back. Calm > correction.
4. The “I’m Busy” Look Away
When your dog avoids eye contact or turns their head, they’re not being stubborn, they’re being polite in dog language.
Translation: “I need a break.”
This shows up during:
- Hugs
- Over-the-top play
- Too much attention at once
What to do: Let them disengage. Respecting this builds trust faster than forcing affection ever could.
5. The Chaotic Zoomie Spiral
High energy isn’t always happiness. Sometimes it’s just stress escaping the body at top speed.
Translation: “I’m overwhelmed and I don’t know where to put this feeling.”
What to do: Lower the vibe. Try sniff walks, quiet chew time, or a calm space to reset.
Why This Matters (The Real Talk Section)
Most serious behavior problems don’t just appear out of nowhere. They start small with tiny signals that get ignored. When dogs learn that their subtle communication works, they don’t need to escalate to growling, snapping, or shutting down. That’s how trust is built.
That’s how safety happens. That’s how dogs stay in homes and not in shelters.
That’s how safety happens. That’s how dogs stay in homes and not in shelters.
The Bottom Line
Your dog doesn’t need you to be a mind reader. They just need you to notice when they’re whispering so they never have to shout.