There’s many reasons why your dog might huff and puff (stock) (Image: Getty)
If your dog regularly lets out a dramatic sigh after you’ve told them to wait or simply huffs while lying on the sofa, you might think they’re just being grumpy.
But according to one dog behaviourist, their exaggerated breaths could actually be your pet trying to tell you something important.
Sharing the advice on TikTok, the clinical canine behaviourist said sighing, huffing and puffing are among the most misunderstood behaviours owners see in their dogs.
He said: “People laugh at it, film it, call their dog dramatic, post it online. And look, I get it. It is endearing.
“But as a clinical canine behaviourist, this is something that I take seriously because what your dog is actually doing is communicating emotional tension to you, and most owners are completely missing it.”
@iamwillatherton A lot of people misunderstand dogs sighing, huffing or puffing. They think the dog is being dramatic. Or stubborn. Or annoyed. And sometimes, yes, it might just be a dog settling down with a big theatrical sigh. But often, those little releases of breath are worth paying attention to. Because dogs can use sighing, huffing and puffing as a way of releasing internal pressure. If they’re anxious, conflicted, frustrated, overstimulated or trying to calm themselves down, you might see them do it more. It’s their way of trying to regulate. Almost like the dog equivalent of taking a deep breath. And that matters because your dog is communicating with you before things escalate. If they’re huffing and puffing once, then lying down and settling, that might be absolutely fine. But if they’re doing it repeatedly, pacing, struggling to switch off, staring, whining, avoiding, or looking generally unsettled, don’t ignore it. That might be your dog telling you the situation is too much. So instead of dismissing it, listen to it. Adapt the environment. Give them space. Lower the pressure. Help them settle. The better you get at noticing these small signals, the easier it becomes to support your dog before they feel the need to shout louder. #dogbehaviour #dogtraining #caninebodylanguage #dogowner #caninetraining ♬ original sound – Will Atherton (MSc)
He explained that sighing and huffing are known as “displacement behaviours” – physical ways dogs release built-up emotional pressure.
Rather than showing attitude or boredom, he says they’re often a sign a dog is processing frustration, mild anxiety or trying to calm themselves after becoming excited.
He added: “It’s the body’s way of regulating the nervous system.”
Using his own Labrador, Sully, as an example, the behaviourist said he often notices the dog letting out a long sigh after completing mentally challenging tasks.
“When I’ve had him working through something that is mentally demanding or taxing, or I’ve asked him to hold a position when every part of him wants to move, he’ll let out that long sigh,” he said.
“I don’t dismiss that. His sigh tells me he’s working hard emotionally and that I need to be aware of where he’s at.”
He warned owners not to ignore the behaviour, particularly if it happens frequently throughout the day.
“The harsh reality is, if your dog is huffing and sighing at you consistently throughout the day, that is a dog carrying a level of emotional tension that their current routine isn’t properly addressing,” he said.
“It is not attitude. It’s not them being funny. It’s a signal, and it’s your job as their loving leader to read it correctly.”
To help reduce that emotional pressure, the expert recommends giving dogs more physical exercise, meaningful mental stimulation and plenty of opportunities to properly relax.
He says understanding these subtle behaviours can help owners build a stronger bond with their pet while improving their overall wellbeing.
Commenting on his post, one user said: “My dog will huff/groan at me when I’m not sharing my food with him.”
Another user added: “Well my Boxer boy would huff, shake his head and stomp away from me. I know that was an attitude. I’ve never heard this before, it’s good to understand.”
A third user said: “My pup does it when I make him have a nap, and he can’t get himself comfortable.”