1) Why dogs yawn.
Most people tend to think that a dog who yawns is tired, but that's usually not the case.
For dogs, yawning is a form of communication. Dogs yawn when they are feeling anxious, like when they are in a new environment…
…or are surrounded by other dogs.
You will see this behavior more often in puppies, when they are around unfamiliar dogs.
Dogs also yawn to signal that they are not a threat. If an animal or person approaches a dog, that dog may avert their gaze and yawn. It's a dog's way of saying that they feel threatened or anxious, but that they are not going to attack. Dogs use this type of body language to avoid conflict.
Dogs may also yawn when scolded by a human, or in other stress-inducing situations.
Yawning is also a way for dogs to curve their enthusiasm when you get out of the leash to take them for a walk.
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