How Do Dogs Say "I'm Sorry" | 7 Ways Dogs Apologize to You

Do Dogs Apologize to You?

When our pet dogs make mistakes, do they apologize to us? Scientific research shows that dogs do apologize when they make mistakes. Dr. Stanley Coren, a renowned canine behaviorist and author of The Intelligence of Dogs, noted in his research:

“Dogs express their apologies to their owners through a series of body language and behavioral signals. Although these behaviors do not fully equate to the human concept of 'apology,' they do indeed demonstrate the dog’s respect and remorse towards their owner. For example, after making a mistake, a dog may exhibit submissive postures such as lowering their head, tucking their tail between their legs, or even approaching their owner to seek physical contact. All these behaviors indicate that the dog is aware of their mistake and is trying to repair the relationship with their owner.”

Therefore, when your dog shows certain special postures, it might be because they are apologizing to you. Below, we will share these postures to help you better understand your dog.

Seven Ways Dogs Apologize to You

1. Hiding in a Corner and Observing You, Then Quickly Looking Away

Sometimes, you might notice your dog sneaking a glance at you, then quickly looking away. This behavior often occurs sometime after the dog has made a mistake. They are not challenging you but are covertly observing your emotional changes, trying to understand if you are still angry.

If they notice your expression has softened or you smile, they will relax a bit. However, if your expression remains stern, they will be more cautious, fearing to upset you further.

2. Lowering Their Head with Ears Drooping

When you come home after a busy day to find the house in a mess and the culprit lowering their head with drooping ears, cautiously approaching you, don’t rush to get angry. This is the dog using their way to appease you and try to reduce your anger. They know they did something wrong and feel uneasy and guilty inside.

Dogs use this body language to silently express their apology: "Master, I know I was wrong. Please don't be angry and forgive me!" At this moment, their eyes are often filled with pleading and expectation, hoping you can see their sincerity and forgive their mistake.

3. Offering Their Favorite Toy

If your dog suddenly grabs your most cherished slippers or socks and hides them, you might feel very angry. But after a while, if they wag their tail and bring their favorite toy to you, it’s the dog telling you: "Master, look! This is my favorite toy! Now I give it to you, hoping you won’t be mad at me. I know I did something wrong, but I will try to correct it!"

This is the dog using their way to apologize and make peace. They might feel that by giving you their favorite item, they can make up for their previous mistake and earn your forgiveness.

4. Sticking to You Like a Shadow

When you find that your dog, after doing something wrong, suddenly becomes particularly clingy, like a loyal "little follower," following you closely wherever you go, this is likely their way of apologizing. They seem to be telling you: "I know I did something wrong, and I will stay with you all the time, hoping you can feel my sincerity."

This shadow-like companionship, although simple, is full of the dog’s deep affection for their owner. They don’t understand complex language but know how to express their inner feelings through actions. In the dog's view, as long as they can always be by their owner's side, it’s the best way to apologize.

5. Exposing Their Belly to You

For many dogs, exposing their belly is a very vulnerable posture. Because their abdomen is an easy target for attacks, they only do this in front of people they completely trust.

When a dog sits or lies down in front of you and exposes their belly, they are telling you: "Master, look! I am showing you my most vulnerable part!" This is usually a behavior indicating trust and submission. If the dog does this after making a mistake, they are likely apologizing and seeking your forgiveness.

6. Licking Your Hand or Face

Dog licking behavior, in most cases, is a sign of intimacy and friendliness. They use this way to express their love and dependence on you. However, after making a mistake, licking your hand or face often has more meaning—it might be their way of apologizing, hoping you can calm down.

When you are angry because of a mistake your dog made, they might gently come to you and lick your hand or face with their moist tongue. This intimate contact not only helps to alleviate your anger but also conveys their apology and warmth. The dog hopes to tell you through this action: "Master, I really know I was wrong. Please don't be angry anymore. I will try to do better and make you happy."

7. Lying at Your Feet with a Pitiful Look

Sometimes you might see your dog lying at your feet with a pitiful look, their eyes filled with innocence. This is the dog expressing their apology and remorse. They hope you can feel their sincerity and remorse and forgive them.

When you look down and see your dog quietly lying at your feet, those big, watery eyes looking at you, it’s as if they are saying: "Master, I really know I was wrong. Please forgive me." The dog's body language is fully displayed here. They can’t speak, but every little action is telling their feelings. Lying at your feet, not only because they feel scared or uneasy, but because they want to get closer to you and seek your comfort and forgiveness.

What to Do When Your Dog Apologizes

When your dog apologizes, we should graciously accept their apology. You can choose to pet their head, hug them, and say, "I forgive you." You can also take their favorite toy and play with them. Even giving them treats can express your attitude of forgiveness.

In short, please express your forgiveness to your dog in a gentle and friendly manner.