Why Do Dogs Yawn? Decoding This Curious Canine Behaviour

Our youngest dog, Jones, is a yawner. A very dramatic, vocal yawner. She’s still young (only 5 months), but she yawns like no dog I’ve ever seen. We noticed it as soon as we brought her home at 4 months.

Jones is a very happy-go-lucky pup, so we have a pretty good idea why she does it…

But her yawns may not be the same as another’s. So, why do dogs yawn? While yawning in humans is often associated with tiredness, in dogs, yawning can have a range of meanings. In this blog, we’ll explore some expert theories on why dogs yawn, why it’s important to pay attention to yawning as part of their overall body language, and how it can help us better understand our dogs.

Why Do Dogs Yawn?

Here are some of the reasons dog behaviourists think dogs yawn, and what those yawns mean. Now, of course, this is just a human “best-guess”, but if you pay attention, often it makes sense. 

1. Happiness: Yawning can be a way for dogs to express their emotional bond with their human companions. It’s not uncommon for dogs to yawn when they’re enjoying quality time with their owners, whether it’s during a cozy cuddle session or while taking a leisurely stroll together. We’ve concluded that many of Jones’ yawns are happy yawns.
   
   
2. Calming Signal: Many dog behaviourists believe yawning can be a “calming signal” that dogs use to de-escalate tense or uncertain situations. For instance, if a dog encounters another dog that feels nervous or intimidating, they may yawn to show that they don’t want any conflict. In this way, yawning helps diffuse tension and shows that they mean no harm.
   
   
3. Stress or Anxiety: Yawning can also indicate stress or anxiety. In situations that make your dog feel uncomfortable—like a trip to the vet, being around loud noises, or meeting new people – you might notice frequent yawning. It’s a way for them to release tension and manage their emotions. Our other dog, Indi, is an anxious girl, and we see these “stress” yawns in a variety of situations.
   
   
4. Mimicking or “Contagious Yawning”: Just like humans, dogs are known to mimic behaviours from those around them. Studies have shown that dogs can “catch” yawns from both humans and other dogs. This is called “contagious yawning,” and it’s believed to be a form of empathy, showing a social connection or bond with their human companions or other dogs.
   
   
5. Preparation for Activity: Sometimes, dogs yawn to prepare their bodies for action. Yawning increases oxygen flow to the brain, which can help them focus and prepare for physical activity. This is why you might see a yawn just before a game of fetch or a walk – your dog is getting ready to get moving!
   
   
6. Boredom or Fatigue: Of course, just like us, dogs yawn when they’re tired or bored. After a long day or when there’s not much happening, a dog might yawn to signal that they’re ready for a nap. This is a more straightforward reason for yawning and often comes with other signs of relaxation, like lying down or stretching.

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The Importance of Understanding Dog Body Language

Yawning is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding your dog’s body language. Dogs have many ways of communicating, including tail wags, ear positions, eye contact, and body posture.

And it’s easy to assume a yawn means a dog is tired, or a tail wag means a dog is happy, but that’s not always the case. Learning to recognize what each signal means can greatly enhance your bond with your dog and help you respond to their needs and emotions more effectively.

Here are just a few other examples of common dog body language:

• Relaxed Posture with Soft Eyes: Your dog is comfortable and happy.
• Ears Pulled Back, Tail Low: Your dog may feel nervous or submissive.
• Whale Eye (seeing the whites of their eyes): This often indicates fear or discomfort.
• Tail Wagging: While often associated with happiness, it can also indicate excitement, uncertainty, or even agitation depending on the context.

When combined with these signals, yawning can give you clues about whether your dog is feeling calm, anxious, playful, or fatigued. For example, a dog who yawns and looks away from a stranger might be feeling shy, while a dog who yawns just before a car ride might be expressing excitement.

How to Respond When Your Dog Yawns

Since dogs yawn for various reasons, the best response depends on the situation. Here are some tips for how to interpret and respond to your dog’s yawning:

1. Observe the Environment: Look around and consider what might be triggering the yawn. Is there something new or potentially stressful nearby, or is your dog about to go for a walk?
2. Use Calming Signals: If you think your dog is yawning out of stress, you can respond by calmly petting them or using a soft voice to help reassure them.
3. Respect Their Feelings: Yawning can be a signal that your dog feels nervous, so give them space if they’re around unfamiliar people or pets. Let them approach others at their own pace.
4. Encourage a Break: If your dog seems tired or bored, offer them a quiet spot to relax or consider engaging in an activity to stimulate them, like a short walk or a toy.

So, why do dogs yawn? For many reasons, from managing stress to showing empathy, and even simply preparing for playtime. Recognizing why your dog is yawning and understanding their body language can help you build a deeper connection with them. By learning the nuances of your dog’s communication, you can support their emotional well-being and create a more harmonious, trusting relationship. So next time your dog lets out a big yawn, take a moment to observe and consider what they might be telling you – it could be more than just “I’m sleepy!”