Understanding Why Dogs Yawn – Hint…It’s Not ALWAYS Because They’re Tired!
There is no doubt that a dog is truly man’s best friend. These adorable, loyal creatures provide boundless love and companionship, sticking by their human family through thick and thin. Their behavior is often endearing, and one particularly amusing trait is how dogs tend to mimic their owners, even down to something as simple as yawning. Imagine coming home from a long day at work, feeling fatigued, and letting out a yawn—only to glance over and see your dog yawning, too. While it’s easy to assume that dogs yawn for the same reasons we do, the truth is far more complex.
In humans, yawning is commonly associated with sleepiness, boredom, or fatigue. In fact, even 12-week-old fetuses have been observed yawning in the womb. But for dogs, yawning can have many different meanings depending on the situation and the dog’s emotional state.
While it’s tempting to believe that dogs yawn simply because they’re tired, like us, there are a variety of reasons behind this behavior. Some dogs yawn when they’re bored, others do so when they’re nervous or excited. Yawning can also be a social signal, much like it is with humans.
1. Boredom and a Cry for Attention
If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably noticed your dog yawning when there isn’t much happening. Dogs, like people, can become bored when they don’t have enough stimulation. If you catch your dog gazing at you with imploring eyes, followed by a yawn, this might be their way of saying, “Hey, I’m bored! Pay attention to me!” After the yawn, the dog might flop onto the floor, clearly signaling that they’d love some interaction.
For example, if you’re sitting on the couch for hours, engrossed in your favorite show, your dog might wander over, yawn in front of you, and then sprawl out in an exaggerated manner. This is their subtle—or not so subtle—way of urging you to engage them in some play or give them a walk.
2. Nervousness or Anxiety
One of the more surprising reasons why dogs yawn is that they may be feeling anxious or stressed. In fact, yawning is one of many calming signals dogs use to communicate with humans and other dogs. If a dog is in an uncomfortable or tense situation—such as a vet visit, a crowded place, or an obedience class—they might yawn to try to alleviate their anxiety.
For instance, during a training session, a dog might yawn frequently, especially if they are feeling overwhelmed by commands or pressure. The yawning in this case indicates that the dog is unsure or uncomfortable. It’s a way for the dog to say, “I’m trying to cope, but I’m stressed.” If your dog starts yawning while you’re training them, it’s a sign that you might want to ease up on the intensity of the lesson. Taking a short break and offering some positive reinforcement in the form of treats or praise can help the dog reset and feel more comfortable.
Other times, dogs yawn when they are placed in environments that they find intimidating, such as around unfamiliar dogs or in noisy areas. Observing yawns in these contexts can help you become more attuned to your dog’s emotional state, allowing you to respond in ways that ease their anxiety.
3. Excitement and Anticipation
Yawning can also occur when a dog is feeling excited. For instance, dogs in agility competitions are frequently observed yawning at the starting line. This isn’t a sign that they’re bored or anxious—instead, it’s their way of preparing themselves for action. Just like athletes take deep breaths to oxygenate their blood and prepare their bodies for exertion, dogs yawn to stimulate alertness and readiness.
In this scenario, yawning increases oxygen flow to the brain, helping the dog stay sharp and focused. So, if you see your dog yawning before they sprint off to chase a ball or leap over a hurdle, it’s a good indication that they’re gearing up for action.
4. Tiredness and Sleepiness
Of course, one of the most obvious reasons for yawning is fatigue. Like humans, dogs often yawn when they are getting sleepy. Dogs, much like cats, tend to sleep a lot—often anywhere between 12 and 14 hours a day, with puppies and older dogs needing even more rest. So, it’s not unusual to see your dog yawning as they curl up for one of their many naps throughout the day.
If your dog has had a full day of play, or you’ve just returned from a long walk, you might notice them yawning as they settle down for some much-needed rest.
5. Social Mimicry and Contagious Yawning
Yawning is also a contagious behavior—both among humans and dogs. Studies have shown that when one person yawns, it can trigger yawning in others. Interestingly, this phenomenon also extends to dogs. Research indicates that dogs may yawn in response to their owners’ yawns due to social bonding. This is yet another way dogs demonstrate their extraordinary ability to empathize and attune to the emotional states of the humans they live with.
A study conducted in 2013 found that dogs are more likely to yawn when they see their owners yawn, as opposed to strangers. This suggests that contagious yawning in dogs might be linked to their close emotional bond with their humans. So, the next time your dog yawns after you do, consider it another sign of the special connection you share.
6. Communicating with Other Dogs
Dogs also use yawning as a form of communication with other dogs. In dog-to-dog interactions, yawning can be a way to diffuse tension and indicate non-aggression. For instance, if a dog encounters another dog who seems a bit too excited or aggressive, they might yawn to signal that they are not looking for a fight. This calming signal helps to prevent conflicts and maintain peace during social encounters.
The Role of Yawning in Canine Behavior and Safety
Understanding why dogs yawn can also be crucial in helping us read their emotions and avoid potential problems, including aggressive behavior. Since yawning is often a visible sign of stress or anxiety, it’s important to pay attention to it, especially if you’re interacting with a dog you don’t know well.
If you notice a dog frequently yawning when you approach or pet them, particularly around their head, this could be a sign that the dog is uncomfortable or feeling pressured. Respecting these subtle signals can prevent unnecessary stress for the dog and can reduce the risk of an aggressive response.
A Quick Guide to Canine Mouth Signals:
- Mouth Relaxed and Slightly Open: A relaxed dog will typically have its mouth slightly open, with its tongue possibly draping over its lower teeth. This is the canine equivalent of a human smile, meaning “I’m happy and calm.”
- Yawning: While humans often interpret yawns as a sign of boredom or sleepiness, in dogs it can also be a sign of tension or anxiety. A yawning dog might be trying to relieve stress or signal that they are uncomfortable.
- Lips Slightly Curled, Mouth Mostly Closed: This is a warning signal. The dog is communicating that something is annoying them, and they may be preparing to escalate their response if the situation continues.
- Lips Curled Up to Show Teeth, Nose Wrinkled: This is a more serious sign of aggression or fear. If the dog feels threatened, they may use this signal to warn you to back off. If ignored, it could result in a bite.
- Lips Curled Up to Expose Gums and All Teeth: This is a full display of aggression, and the dog is ready to attack. In this situation, it’s important to remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away while averting your gaze slightly to show submission.
Being able to recognize these mouth signals is essential in understanding how dogs communicate, not only with each other but with us as well. Yawning is just one small part of a larger, complex system of canine body language, but it can reveal a great deal about what a dog is thinking and feeling in the moment.
