Have you ever wondered about your Labrador’s behavior? For instance, why your Lab nudges you with their nose or why they seem to have an endless desire to play fetch?
Perhaps you’re curious about the subtler signs of their mood shifts or what their different types of barking might mean. Labradors have a special way of communicating beyond barks and tail wags.
Common Labrador behaviors are nuzzling to show affection and gentle mouthiness, a trait from their retrieving background. They often express their emotions through vocalizations like barking or whining and are known for their wagging tails, which can indicate happiness or excitement.
From the joyful leaps to the concerned whines, each behavior of a Labrador tells a story. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 21 common Labrador behaviors and decode exactly what they mean.
So, let’s learn the language of your Labrador and gain a greater appreciation for these wonderful companions.
Common Labrador behaviors include licking your face, their paws, or other dogs, nibbling, howling, barking at you or during the night, whining, groaning, rolling on their back, laying on your feet, rolling in poop, staring at you, tail chasing, peeing when excited, and circling before lying down.
There are many reasons why Labrador Retrievers manifest certain behaviors. For example:
But before we dive into the world of common Labrador behavior, check out this fun video about the meaning of some strange dog shenanigans:
Labradors lick your face to show affection and joy, to show submission, to get attention, to tell you they’re hungry, for reassurance, to comfort you, and because they like the taste.
When they lick around your mouth, they want to investigate you and get information, e.g., what you’ve had for lunch.
Below are some examples:
Labradors lick their paws when grooming or if they are bored or anxious.
But dogs also lick their paws for medical reasons, such as dermatitis caused by allergies, an injury to the paw, a foreign object stuck between the toes, infection, arthritic pain, or obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Paw licking is typical for dogs as a part of self-grooming, especially after walking on muddy ground. But if your Lab intensely and repeatedly licks his paws, you can assume that something is wrong, and you may need to have him checked by your vet.
Some of the medical conditions that will cause your Labrador to lick his paws include:
Have you ever seen your Labrador repeatedly lick his lips?
Labradors will lick their lips as a stress response if they feel anxious, nervous, or threatened.
Other reasons are health-related issues such as nausea, dehydration, oral discomfort, pain, or allergies. Occasionally, it can turn into an obsessive habit or attention-seeking behavior.
And have you ever noticed your Lab keep licking his lips just after looking at someone? If yes, check the person for an angry face!
Researchers in animal behavior in Brazil and the UK found that dogs licked their mouths in response to angry human faces. This study again suggests dogs have a practical understanding of human emotional expressions.
My dog goes crazy licking other dogs’ ears when playing. Dogs will often lick other dogs’ faces, eyes, ears, privates, or even their wounds if they live together. But why do Labradors lick other dogs?
Labradors lick other dogs as part of normal canine social behavior and communicate with them.
They lick to greet them, show affection, play, bond, show submissiveness or peaceful intent, groom, or when drawn to the other dogs’ pheromones.
When dogs sniff another dog’s privates, they learn numerous things about the other dog, such as their gender, age, health, and mood.
But did you know that licking other dogs also have a dominant element in the doggie world?
People from a multi-dog household know that one dog may reign over the other and access things first, such as food and toys, or seek attention from their owner, always win fights, and receive more licks from their subordinates.
In this study on dog dominance, licking their subordinates less was one of the dominance indicators in 83% of dogs rated by their owners.
Nibbling is the gentle bite your Labrador will make, especially on your hands, toes, or other dogs. Like licking, my dog will nibble other dogs’ ears when she has fun playing with them. But why do Labradors nibble on you?
Labradors nibble as part of instinctual behavior, especially in teething puppies and exploring.
In adult dogs, nibbling is a special communication that strengthens and creates emotional bonds with you. It’s your Lab’s way of showing affection towards you or wanting to play.
When young Labrador puppies play, they’ll display conduct consisting of gently nibbling and biting each other as part of the game.
They learn their bite inhibition, often known as “soft mouth.” This is where the pup learns to control the strength of its bite.
It appears that this nibbling instinct is maintained into adulthood for fundamental reasons.
This study investigating the meaning of nibbling in dogs concluded that the behavior is unrelated to negative personality traits. Instead, nibbling has two functions:
Also, nibbling behavior in Labradors can be caused by several other factors:
Nonetheless, you should discourage your Lab nibbling from a young age as it can quickly transfer to you or your furniture! Instead, give your dog acceptable alternatives to nibble, bite, and chew, such as exciting and fun chew toys.
You can also check out my article to learn exactly how to teach your dog rules and learn the correct behavior, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do!
Dogs have been our best friends for thousands of years, and man’s best friend may have more in common with us than you think. We communicate vocally, just like our dogs, who may bark, howl, groan, or whine. But have you ever wondered why your Labrador is so vocal?
Labrador vocalization is generally linked to two main things: arousal and stress.
Labs are vocal when excited, upset, scared, or anxious. They use vocalizations to communicate as they can understand human language, recognize emotional cues from their owners, and respond.
Generally speaking, Labradors aren’t as vocal as other breeds, such as German Shepherds, who are very protective and territorial.
However, all dogs naturally “speak,” and your Labrador may become vocal for one or more of the following reasons:
While your Labrador’s reason for vocalizing in these ways may vary, it’s essential to understand why. Let’s look more in-depth at why your dog may specifically bark, howl, whine, or groan.
When learning to decipher the different types of dog speak, you must understand why your Labrador is barking so much.
Labradors bark for many reasons, including alerting you of danger, such as a stranger.
They may also bark as a threat, when happy, during playtimes, if they’re bored, need exercising, suspicious, in fear, anxious or stressed, demand something from you, or when in discomfort or pain.
The next thing you need to do is get to know your Labrador’s many barks. This study showed that different barks mean different things, but don’t worry, as you’ll soon get to know them. Here are some examples:
Labradors are creatures of habit, thrive on routine, and are one smart cookie. They might also know how to “play” you! So, if your Lab constantly barks at you, you may wonder why.
Your Labrador will bark at you (demand barking) to communicate various things to you, especially when he wants to get your attention or get something specific from you, such as food, play, or to go outside.
“Dogs soon learn that they can get what they want, mainly if you usually give in.” – World of DogzThe secret is to try and understand why your dog is barking in the first place and prevent it from occurring, for example, by ensuring he is sufficiently exercised.
When your Labrador barks at you, and notably, if he also stares at you – this is known as demand barking. It’s a learned behavior, as your dog has learned that when he barks at you, he’ll get what he wants.
To get your dog to stop this annoying barking at you, ignore him, and don’t even look at him until he stops for at least 5 seconds! Then, at that precise moment, quickly give him a treat and offer lots of praise with an enthusiastic “YES!”
Timing is essential – reward the second your dog goes quiet. He will eventually learn that when he is calm, he receives something positive. If you do this consistently, you can change your dog’s behavior in a few weeks.
You can also train your dog to the “QUIET” command.
Have you ever taken your dog on a car trip and heard the most horrendous whining as you parked up somewhere? You may wonder why your Labrador is whining.
Labradors whine when excited, such as going to a new place. They may whine when they’re looking for attention or trying to get something from you, or when they’re anxious or stressed, ill or in pain, or suffering from separation anxiety, or when trying to appease you or another dog.
It’s important to recognize health problems that may cause your Labrador to whine. Here are some tips on how to identify and deal with your Labrador’s whining:
There’s no doubt you will have heard your dog groan, moan, or sigh. My dog often groans with pleasure after eating and flopping down with a full belly! Sometimes, it can be really amusing. But why does your Labrador groan?
Labradors groan or sigh to show contentment, for example, during sleeping, when petted, or when disappointed, such as when it’s not quite time for their walk.
Medical reasons can also be the cause, e.g., arthritis or abdominal problems, especially if your Lab suddenly groans when lying down.
Behavioral groaning is of no concern and is normal canine behavior. However, consult your vet if you suspect your Lab is groaning due to a medical reason.
Labrador Retriever behavior consisting of lying or sitting on your feet can be cute – but sometimes annoying! So what exactly does it mean?
When your Labrador lays on your feet, it can mean a few things, such as seeking and offering protection, wanting attention, or initiating play.
Other reasons are to seek or show affection, feel warm and cozy, or mark his territory by spreading his scent on you.
Here are a few examples of why your Labrador may lay on your feet, sit on your feet, or even lay on you!
You may wonder why your Lab will circle his bed, an area of the carpet or rug, before lying down.
Labradors may circle before lying down as they mimic innate wild behavior, such as for security – by checking there’s no nearby threat. Dogs may also assess their laying spot for anything harmful, such as vermin, or cause injuries before making a comfy nest.
Despite centuries of domestication, there is little scientific data to prove the above – except for the belief that dogs circle before lying down to make a comfy nest.
This small study of 62 dogs suggested that dogs are more likely to circle before lying down when presented with a soft, uneven surface to make a temporary nest to sleep.
A Labrador’s circling behavior may also be due to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, but this is extremely rare. OCD is a psychological condition that often has a genetic tendency.
Stricken dogs will repeatedly perform normal canine behavior and often fail to respond to therapy.
Dogs worried about predators and protected their bellies by sleeping on them in the wild. Sleeping belly-down also allowed them to get up quickly if needed. So why do Labradors sometimes sleep on their back?
Labradors sleep on their back with their paws in the air to cool down or when they feel very relaxed with their environment and are at ease exposing their belly. They feel safe and secure and don’t feel threatened. This shift is the result of hundreds of years of dog domestication.
One of the cutest sleeping positions of puppies is when they sleep upside down – they are just more comfortable sleeping on their backs! Adult Labradors that sleep on their back for a while are also adorable. They are trusting of you and will no doubt sleep anywhere.
Labradors may roll on their back for many different reasons. This dog behavior might occur when your Lab is alone, playing with you, or with other dogs.
Labradors roll on their back when seeking attention from you, e.g., longing for a tummy rub. Or to groom or scratch themselves, mark territory, change their body smell (getting rid of a shampoo aroma), show confidence or contentment, or regulate body temperature.
A roll on the back is often interpreted as being submissive during dog play. However, research has shown that rolling on the back is a combat tactic, not an act of submission. Your Labrador may roll over when playing with other dogs for two key reasons:
Labradors often roll over to scratch their back – since they cannot reach it with their paws! This could be normal scratching, but it could also be due to a flea or tick infestation.
Labs will roll on their back to get a rub or tickle on their tummy when playing. Granting his desire reinforces your dog’s behavior. So, avoid it if you do not want him to always ask for it!
Your dog may also roll on his back to cool down. The fur on your Lab’s tummy is thinner, so exposing his stomach may help him cool down.
This is one of the weird dog behaviors we find a little difficult to understand – rolling in stinky things, such as fox and badger feces or bird droppings! Some dogs love to cover themselves in foul smells that leave you spluttering in disgust. So, why do Labradors roll in poop?
Labradors roll in poop, such as fox poo, as it’s instinctive canine behavior. Dogs like pungent scents, and they encourage rolling action. They may want to naturally disguise their smell, leave their scent behind to mark their territory, or communicate with the “pack.”
While there’s no solid evidence why your Labrador rolls in poop, there are a few theories:
So, now you know why your Labrador rolls in poop, how do you prevent him from returning with a foul, pungent stench?
When walking with your dog, stay alert and limit his poo-rolling activities. Learn to anticipate it right before it begins. For example, I know the parts of the woods where the foxes frequent, so I’ll put my dog on the leash when passing.
If I notice my dog sniffing or tracking the ground with greater intensity, I know she can smell the strong scent of the fox. I’ll distract her and move away from the area. You can also teach your Lab the “LEAVE IT” or “COME” command.
Excitement urination is mainly associated with puppies, and most dogs will grow out of this behavior. But why do Labs pee when excited?
Labradors pee when excited due to becoming exceptionally excited during greetings and playtime. Other causes are incomplete housetraining, accidental reinforcement, genetic predisposition, or a medical condition such as urinary bladder dysfunction or incontinence in elderly dogs.
Accidental reinforcement is when you sympathize with and excuse your Labrador’s inability to hold his urine, and he begins to use it to find sympathy from you.
I have a complete guide to potty training your Labrador if you need help in that department.
Once you have ruled out medical causes, there are some things you can do to prevent your Labrador from peeing when excited:
Excitement urination shouldn’t be confused with urine marking (spraying). This is when dogs will pee to mark their territory.
Do you find it funny when your Labrador chases his tail? Well, maybe you shouldn’t! It seems that the reasons behind it aren’t at all amusing. Here’s why your Lab might chase his tail:
Labradors may chase their tail due to boredom or insufficient exercise, including physical activity and mental stimulation – or attention-seeking behavior to get something from you.
Medical reasons are if they’re irritated by fleas or ticks, infection, or in cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
YOU are to blame if you don’t exercise your dog. Your Labrador will eventually find a way to amuse himself, which might mean playing a “chase my tail” game.
Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs, and most behavioral issues stem from monotony and insufficient exercise. Healthy adult dogs need at least two hours of daily activity, consisting of various walking, off-leash running, fetch, frisbee, agility, or swimming – Labs love to swim!
If you laugh whenever your Labrador chases his tail, you inadvertently reinforce his attention-seeking behavior. Labs are eager to please you, and your encouragement acts as positive reinforcement. He will, therefore, keep doing it, especially if he needs you to notice him!
Has your Labrador been keeping an eye on you? Do you sense him intently staring at you from the corner of the room?
Some stares may be cute, others not so. Some of your dog’s stares may be broken by blinking, and others not. Let’s decipher the meaning of your Labrador staring at you.
Your Labrador stares at you to communicate with you.
Examples are expressing love and devotion, seeking attention, or manipulating you to get what he wants, such as food or playtime. He may also stare at you to communicate displeasure, sense your mood, or when resource guarding.
Staring is normal canine behavior, but you must be able to read your Labrador’s communication messages from his staring. Don’t worry, though, as you’ll soon get the hang of it and learn to tell the difference. Here are some examples:
As you have now learned, there are many Labrador behaviors. Most are natural and designed to seek attention, protect, show dominance or defensiveness, express feelings, show affection or mark territory.
However, some dog behaviors may indicate an underlying medical issue. But you should now be able to identify those concerning ones where you should visit your vet.
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