The post Watch This Puppy Do ‘Happy Taps’ appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Puppies are some of the cutest animals on earth. Their expressive behaviors are part of what makes them so much fun. Indeed, an excitable puppy is heartwarming and brings a smile, and this tiny canine does exactly that. Let’s find out why this little puppers is so excited that it’s stomping its feet.
The Anticipation Is Too Much
This video is cute, but there’s also a scientific explanation for why puppies behave this way: excitement and anticipation. In the video, we see anticipation as treats are placed in front of this excited puppy.
Foot-stomping is commonly seen in puppies but is not unique to them. Adult dogs get equally excited over food, attention, walks, and playtime. Experts believe foot-stomping is a form of communication. This behavior is unique to each specific dog but can all mean similar things. The physical exaggeration of digging or pawing, such as foot-stomping, says, “Hey, look at me!” Some dogs might stomp one foot, both, or do so at random.
Excitement Overload
For puppies, anticipation and excitement go hand in hand. They’re known for their excessive energy; foot-stomping relieves some of that. Just as a human may yell for joy or jump up and down, puppies stomp because they’re hyper. It’s hard to tell from the video, but this puppy is probably wagging its tail. This is part of several things puppies do when they’re excited. Licking their lips indicates this puppy’s hunger and excitement over treats.
As puppies age, they might vocalize this excitement while foot stomping. Whining or barking can mean many things, but food always triggers the same anticipatory reaction. This behavior is sometimes called “happy tapping” or a “food dance.” This puppy is ready to have some treats and is letting its owner know!
What Else Can Trigger Happy Taps?
Foot stomping can also be the result of anxiety. It is accompanied by other signs like panting, growling, territorial barking, or whining. When tapping is accompanied by those additional behaviors, it is likely a result of nervousness perhaps caused by an environmental trigger. Since the puppy in this video is being fed, though, it’s clear that these are happy taps!
The post Watch This Puppy Do ‘Happy Taps’ appeared first on A-Z Animals.