29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

The champion sprinter of the dog world, the Greyhound is a gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered companion with an independent spirit. However, many greyhounds who have been bred for racing have spent their lives in confinement, being subjected to cruel practices that resulted in injuries and even death. Luckily for this pup, it was able to get out.

“Millie was adopted from dog racing in 2018 and has come a very far way since the day we met,” her owner Taylor Huerta told Bored Panda. Now, Millie spends her days in a loving home where Taylor takes care of her every need.

In order to bring awareness to this amazing breed, Taylor also created Instagram and TikTok accounts for her precious pet. “Millie’s … content is intended to educate, entertain, and engage her followers,” Huerta said. “From psychology facts to tips on decreasing anxiety in dogs, Millie’s content is useful to any and all dog lovers of the world.”

This time, however, let’s focus on the former. The information that Taylor shares has allowed us to understand dog behavior on a much deeper level, and we think you’d appreciate it too.

Meet Millie, a greyhound who was rescued from dog racing in 2018

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image credits: milliethenoodlehorse

Her owner Taylor Huerta has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in occupational therapy

And shares very interesting dog psychology facts on her pup’s social media accounts

#1 Leaning

Whenever your dog leans on you and puts their whole body weight on you.
That’s actually their way of hugging you and telling you that they love you.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#2 Sneezing

Dogs will actually sneeze when they are play fighting to show that they are just playing around and they don’t actually want to hurt you.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse, flickr

#3 Zoomies

Zoomies are short bursts of energy your dog just can’t seem to control. Researchers have found only happy healthy dogs get the zoomies. So if your dog is doing the zoomies, then you are doing everything right.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#4 Guilt Trips

You may feel guilty when you catch your dog quietly, staring at you before you leave the house. But fear not, their calmness is a sign that they trust you and know that you’re coming back.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#5 Eye Contact

Whenever your dog looks deeply into your eyes, right before they poop, it means they feel vulnerable and they trust you to keep an eye out for them.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#6 Smelling Your Crotch

If your dog is smelling your crotch, this is your dog’s way of checking your health and mood. Dogs use a sense of smell to read details and their surroundings. So your dog is just checking to see if you’re okay.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#7 Yawn

Yawn is not quite the same as a human yawn. Dogs yawn in order to reduce stress and reduce anxiety, which helps them calm down and remain comfortable.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#8 Dogs Have Best Friends

Researchers have found that dogs have a best friend. Dogs love humans and other animals too, but any dog owner can attest that they have one true best friend. They’re loyal to one and that’s the dog owner.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#9 Excited When You Come Home

Does your dog do a little dance or get the case of the zoomies when you come home? Researchers find that a happy, noisy, tail wagging greeting is one of the surest signs that you and your dog are connected.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#10 Tilting Their Head

When your dog tilts their head while looking at you, this is because they’re trying to read your body language and they are analyzing your tone of voice.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#11 Side Sleeper

If your dog is sleeping on their side with their legs extended, it means your dog feels safe, is relaxed and at a comfortable temperature.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#12 Sleeping With You

Researchers find that if your dog chooses to sleep next to you, it means they trust you like no one else. Scientists have found that sleeping with your dog helps you sleep better throughout the night and decreases overall stress.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#13 Belly Up

A happy dog will roll on their back and expose their belly to you. This is a sign that they are happy and trusting of you. In fact, a dog initiates physical contact, such as bumping up against you, putting their head in your hand or pulling at you is expressing their happiness and their desire to be with you.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#14 Soft Eyes

When a dog is happy, their eyes will be a normal, soft shape. Their gaze will be relaxed and gentle and they will blink often.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#15 Sleeping On Your Clothes

If your dog sleeps on your clothes, it means they love you. Your clothes have your scent on them and they just want to get closer to you.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#16 Kicking Backwards

If your dog kicks backwards, after going to the bathroom, it’s not to cover it up. It’s done to mark their territory, using the scent glands in their feet.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#17 Licking When You’re Hurt

If you get a cut and your dog tries licking it, this is because your dog has antibacterial compounds in their saliva. So when they try to lick your cut, this is because they’re trying to help you heal faster.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#18 Roll In The Grass

Dogs roll in the grass for the same reason children do it. It’s soft, smells good and is a fun way to release energy.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#19 Lots Of Sleep

A healthy, happy adult dogs usually sleep for up to 16 hours a day. If your dog is not sleeping that much, this could be a sign of stress.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#20 Sense Of Time

Researchers have proven that dogs know the difference between an hour and five hours. If conditioned to, they can predict future events, such as regular walk signs and feeding schedules.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#21 Dogs Can Fall In Love

When a dog is looking at their best friend and their owner, their brain releases a hormone called oxytocin, better known as a love hormone.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#22 Affection Without Food

Once your dog has finished a meal, have a look to see what they do. Studies have shown that dogs that go straight to you after eating are displaying obvious signs that they love you. They aren’t motivated by food or treats and are simply showing affection because they enjoy being close to you.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#23 The Cuddler

If your dog sleeps in the cuddler position, it means that they trust you and see you as one of the other dogs.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#24 Sleeping

Researchers have found all dogs dream, but puppies and senior dogs dream more frequently than adult dogs.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#25 Carrying Food, Treats, Toys

If your dog has a habit of carrying the food from one location to another, don’t worry. This is common behavior. Dogs do this as a way to protect their valued resources from being stolen.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#26 Dogs Think Humans Can Do No Wrong

So if you accidentally step on your dog’s paw in the middle of the night, chances are they’ll think it’s on purpose.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#27 The Donut Or Fuzzy Bagel Is The Most Common Sleeping Position For Dogs

This position is done to preserve body heat and protect vital body parts. This is also a favorite position for dogs when they get cold.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#28 The Burrower Sleeping Position

When dogs sleep in the burrower position, they are searching for comfort and security. Burrowers are affectionate, but very needy. They often need lots of attention and affection in order to fall asleep.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse

#29 The Superman Sleeping Position

The Superman position allows your dog to get up quickly indicating that they are just taking a nap. It also means they’re in a playful mood and would love for you to play with them.

29 Facts About Dog Psychology Every Dog Owner Should Know, As Shared On This Viral TikTok Account

Image source: milliethenoodlehorse