Increases Sense of Security Think about it — your dog’s instinct is to protect. They will let you know immediately if anything is amiss while you are asleep.

A new study now suggests that dogs are aware of who they are. Their nose knows. Psychologists are scientists that study the mind. And they have a clever way to test for self-awareness in people.

A growing body of evidence suggests that at least some species recognize death’s special nature. “I believe we are now justified in thinking that chimpanzees have some kind of awareness of death,” says psychologist James Anderson of Scotland’s University of Stirling, who has been studying chimp responses to the dying.

Of course, a lot of dog staring is exactly what it seems — an expression of love. Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone.

If your dog puts his paw on you, it can be his way of saying I love you. We pet our dogs to show our love and affection. Your dog could be insecure and seeking your attention, a sign that you should show him a little extra love. It could also be that your dog is trying to communicate that he’s hungry.

Dog noses work best when damp because scent particles stick better to damp surfaces. Wet noses have another advantage. They help keep a dog cool. Dogs dissipate some heat through their foot pads and by panting, but utilize the nasal passages as a cooling mechanism, too.

Lying on their side with their legs extended is one of the most common sleeping positions for dogs. This sleeping position is especially prominent in puppies and older dogs who may be suffering from stiff joints. Meaning: When your dog sleeps on their side, it means they feel relaxed and safe in their environment.