As you are giving your dog affection by petting him, you see him keep yawning and wonder if he yawns because he is tired or if there are other reasons behind this?
A dog yawns when you pet him because he’s having body discomfort and does not like to be touched. He sees you doing that yawning and starts to imitate you. He feels excited when you give him that petting touch. He gets tired or bored and yawns naturally. He is expressing his friendliness to you.
He Is Having Body Discomfort
Yawning is one of the common behaviors that your dog will exhibit when he is feeling discomfort and is also his way of calming himself down.
This makes you wonder why he feels discomfort when you pet him?
Shouldn’t petting be something your dog is always looking forward to?
This can be best explained by the fact that your dog is suffering from some joint pain, injury to his body or inflammation in his coat and when you pet him, he is undergoing tremendous discomfort.
He will then start to yawn to relieve the tension.
So keep a lookout for any sign of skin disorder or joint pain in your dog, in particular if he is reaching his senior age.
You would also likely see him hiding away from you as a way to avoid being pampered.
He Loves That Petting Touch
When was the last time that you had a private session with your dog?
If you have not been spending time with him, he is going to get very excited when you start giving him attention, in particular with that human touch (petting).
And excitement can cause your dog to yawn.
It is a natural response, and there is nothing to worry about.
He feels safe and relaxed with you beside him.
He Sees You Doing That (Yawning)
It’s probably a learned behavior that he had observed from you.
If you tend to yawn when you are petting your dog, he is going to pick up this habit.
He is going to think that since you keep yawning, it has to be an interesting behavior that he should imitate.
As he is not getting any corrections from you, he will keep on performing that yawning whenever you are petting him.
He might even associate yawning with your petting and will start yawning whenever he wants you to pet him.
So, if you want your dog to stop this bad habit, do not let him see you doing this yawning and ignore him the moment he does that behavior.
This will make him learn that yawning is NOT going to get your attention.
He Feels Tired Or Bored
You see, yawning is a natural reaction for your dog to exhibit when he is feeling tired.
He is trying to release the tension and fatigue from his body.
So, if your dog has been engaged in some kind of activity that has exhausted him, he may begin to yawn as a way to relax when you give him a pet.
This is completely normal, and he will likely continue with his yawning till he gains back his energy.
Of course, boredom could also cause your dog to yawn.
As there is less movement or activity happening around him, he will be in a “static” state and his body will be in a relaxed position, which could trigger yawning.
Your dog will likely stop his yawning when you give him some chewing toys to keep him occupied.
To Show You His Friendliness
In the wild, dogs yawn to demonstrate their friendliness in their pack and tell them that they are non-threatening.
This instinct behavior is still practiced by dogs even as they no longer live in the wild.
So, when you pet your dog, he is feeling happy and content, and he is yawning to show you his friendliness.
He is telling you that he likes your pet and is showing you his submission.
Anticipating Something Enjoyable
Your dog is expecting that you are going to take him out for a walk after your regular petting session, and he keeps yawning to show his excitement.
He is very enthusiastic about this excursion and has been patiently waiting for you all day.
Yawning is his way of expressing his excitement and to get his body “prepared” for his trip.
As he yawns, he will need to breathe deeply, and his lungs will be filled with oxygen, which is transferred to his brain.
This will keep him in an active state and be ready for his upcoming adventure.
He Is Feeling Nervous
Are you the only one beside him when you are petting him?
You see, your dog will naturally feel uneasy when he is around people that he does not know.
He is unsure if that person will be good to him or be of a threat to him.
This is likely the case when you have a new member or visitors in your home that he is unfamiliar with.
He will get nervous and yawning is his way of signaling to you that he feels stressed and is trying to relax.
Yawning will release dopamine in his nervous system and cause him to feel relaxed.
Ways to Ensure a Positive Petting Experience
When it comes to petting your dogs, it’s important to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for them.
Here are some practical tips to help ensure a positive petting session:
Gentle Touch
Use gentle strokes and avoid applying too much pressure. Dogs have varying levels of sensitivity, so it’s essential to gauge their response and adjust your touch accordingly. Pay attention to their body language and respond accordingly.
If your dog leans into your touch or relaxes, it’s a good indication that they are enjoying it. Conversely, if they tense up or move away, it may be a sign that they are uncomfortable.
Slow Movements
Avoid sudden or jerky movements while petting your dog. Quick movements can startle or make them anxious, which may result in yawning or other stress signals.
Instead, opt for slow and deliberate motions that allow your dog to feel at ease.
Respect Personal Space
Just like humans, dogs have personal space boundaries. Respect their need for personal space by avoiding intrusive or invasive petting.
Pay attention to cues such as your dog leaning away, turning their head, or moving away from you. These are signs that they may need a break or prefer not to be petted at that moment.
Observe Their Reactions
Stay attentive to your dog’s reactions during the petting session. If you notice signs of discomfort or stress, such as excessive yawning, lip licking, or tense body posture, it’s essential to adjust your approach.
Consider ending the petting session if your dog seems overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Allow for Choice and Control
Give your dog the freedom to choose when they want to be petted and when they’ve had enough. Allow them to approach you for petting rather than initiating it yourself.
Similarly, if your dog shows signs of wanting to end the interaction, such as moving away or disengaging, respect their boundaries and give them space.
Remember, every dog is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. It’s crucial to observe and respond to your specific dog’s needs and preferences during petting sessions.
By following these tips and being attentive to your dog’s signals, you can create a positive environment for petting that strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.