It is not unusual for you to wonder “How do dogs say “sorry”?” after your pet misbehaves. Dogs do not have words, so they can’t speak like humans, but they can use actions along with their bodies to display how they feel. Understanding how your pup is apologizing can make your relationship stronger, whether it is chewing off your favorite slippers or pushing over a plant. This can be easy with dog translator.
In this blog, we will look at how dogs try to express regret and what their actions mean in relation to saying sorry. So, how do dogs say “sorry“? Let’s jump in!

Dogs Say Sorry Through Body Language
Dogs do not speak any human languages but keep in mind that they’re incredible at using body language to communicate. Here’s how to spot these things when a dog attempts to apologize:
1. The Submissive Posture
Attempting to make amends for a mistake falls under apologizing, and this is where many actions come into play. Dogs often use a submissive type of posture which would involve a few actions, including:
- Laying low: Where they crouch down or lower the upper portion of the body to signify not being a danger.
- Tucked tail: You will find a dog expressing their remorse when their tail is resting between its legs.
- Ears back: They will show regret or try to submit by drooping their ears down.
An accent with a southern drawl illustrates this form of apology is most effective for a person who may be notifying the dog of having done something wrong. They use this method to signal that they are not a threat and understand their wrongdoing.
2. A Gentle Stare with Soft Eye Contact
“How do dogs say “Sorry“?” This is an alternative way dogs tell their feelings by way of making use of their eyes. If you notice that after a wrongdoing your dog shifts their gaze to you whilst opening their eyes wide, it is their way of apologizing. Through subdued and soft gazes, a sense of vulnerability and regret can be evoked.
- Indirect gaze: This is a sign of showing awareness of their guilt.
- Blinking slowly: This is their way of using body language to show that they trust you and are trying to calm you down.
3. Walking Toward You at a Slow Pace
A dog may slowly and carefully walk to you when ready to issue an apology. This is done in a way that the dog is trying to ask for your forgiveness. This manner of walking demonstrates that they wish to restore lost faith and respect you.
- Slow Movement: This indicates that the dog is aware that they did something wrong and they wish to make amends.
- Licking Your Hands or Face: Dogs tend to lick as a sign of affection and in this case, can be taken as an apology.
Canines exhibit their ability to feel sorry through certain body movements. This section will highlight how an action can convey remorse.
Do Dogs Apologize With Actions?
While dogs are not capable of speaking, they communicate quite a lot through actions, and some of their actions can suggest an apology. This is why actions should be interpreted carefully.
1. Offering a “Peace Toy”
Have you ever witnessed your dog getting you a toy after doing something naughty? This is an indication of their desire to make amends. They are trying to help fix the situation by offering a toy and suggesting that peace should now prevail.
- The “gift” gesture: As an apology, dogs sometimes bring you their toys or something else they had lying around.
- Excited playfulness: Instead of sulking about the problem, they make an effort to show they are now ready to enjoy themselves.
2. Soothing Actions
If your pet ever realizes they have done something wrong, they will engage in actions that indicate they want to relieve discomfort. These actions include:
- Yawning: Dogs tend to open their mouths widely during stressful conditions.
- Licking their lips: This is often a sign of anxiety release.
- Subtle tail wagging: A gentle wag can indicate that a dog wants to let the owner know it’s sorry or wants to calm them down.
As humans, we cry when we feel sad and need comfort. This allows us to soothe the person. This explains why dogs have these behaviors.
3. Resting on Your Feet
Lastly, when a dog is already lying down and feels guilty, he or she might sleep while close to you, often resting his or her head on their feet or holding on to you with hands. This indicates that the dog wants to be within arms reach of you suggesting respect and love at the same time.
- Open body language: The dog is demonstrating submissive body language so he can be forgiven.
- Need comfort: The dog wants to correct his or her mistake and looks close to you, so it can get positive attention and reassurance.
After doing something wrong, dogs seek some affection and comfort. That brings us to the next part on how dogs vocalize and display their feelings of regret.
Conclusion
To note, “How do dogs say “sorry“?” There are several dogique differences in expression with respect to tone and behavior and also crying. Dogs can show a sense of remorse by whining, submissive gestures, and even surrendering toys. They might not say anything, but this is a means to say sorry to you. Knowing what your pup’s apology looks like can enhance your relationship and interaction with each other.
Now, the next time your dog messes up, notice these signs and I’m certain your canine is already saying sorry and looking to make amends. By understanding these, you can have a more binding relationship with your pet and keep the trust and friendship intact. So how do dogs say “sorry“? They do it through their actions, emotions, and behavior.