8 Surprising Things Your Dog Could Be Trying to Tell You When They Roll on Their Back

Has your dog ever done something funny or odd that made you wish they could talk? If so, you’re not the only pet parent who’s had that thought. We've all asked our pups questions like, “Why did you think it was a good idea to jump into that mud puddle?” and “Why do you enjoy chasing your tail?” And there are countless scenarios where being able to carry on a conversation with your furbaby would be useful to find out what a certain behavior means.

While there are, unfortunately, no ways to magically teach your pet how to speak human, there are pet experts, like Melissa Goodman, who can share insights on your dog’s silly…and sometimes strange behaviors. As a certified professional dog trainer and the founder of Mission Pawsitive, Goodman knows how to decode certain actions that might confuse you as your pup's owner—including figuring out why dogs roll on their backs.

“Most dog communication is nonverbal because they communicate mostly through body language,” Goodman tells Parade. “Unless you know exactly what to look for, behaviors dogs do aren’t easy to recognize; like rolling over.”

That’s why she says context is extremely important to pay attention to because rolling over or laying on their back (or another action) can mean something slightly different every time depending on what else is going on at that moment.

To find out all of the things your cute canine could be trying to tell you when they roll over (including when they're in grass or rolling in poop), keep reading! Some of them may even surprise you. Check out all of the re-bark-able reasons Goodman reveals, below.

Related: 6 Signs You're Actually *Too Affectionate* With Your Dog, According to a Pet Behavior Specialist

8 Surprising Things Your Dog Is Trying to Tell You When They Roll on Their Back

1. They're Revealing an Itch

Because dogs don’t have long arms, it can be hard for them to scratch themselves, especially their backs. So, when they feel an itch there, Goodwin says they rely on their animal instincts (like rolling around) to take care of it.

“When dogs roll over on the grass, carpet, etc., it’s actually their way of scratching their back and itching a hard-to-reach area,” she reveals.

2. They’re Greeting You

Have you ever gotten home from work and the first thing your pup does is roll over? While it may seem weird, Goodman says there’s a good reason for it.

“There are many dogs that enjoy greeting their family by rolling over to say hi to you and ask for affection!” she explains. So, the next time that happens, just know it’s their way of showing you they are happy to see you.

Related: What Your Dog's Sleeping Position Says About Its Personality, According to a Vet

3. They Want Attention

When your dog approaches you and rolls over, it might have you wondering what they want. In most cases, Goodman reveals it means they want one thing: a belly rub!

“Most dogs enjoy belly rubs, so when yours rolls over onto its back in front of you, that can be a way to ask for one,” she says.

4. They Are Marking Their Scent

If you’re out on a walk and your furry acquaintance suddenly starts to roll around in grass or dirt, it may look really goofy, but Goodman tells Parade there is a reason behind their behavior.

“It can be a way for them to scent mark, or pick up a scent,” she states. “So, if you ever wonder why your dogs will sometimes roll in something gross (like poop), that’s why!”

Related: 10 Sweet Signs Your Dog Thinks of You as Their Mom and Dad

5. They Feel Safe

Goodman says if you ever catch your dog napping on its backside, it’s totally normal, and a good sign.

“When a dog rolls over and sleeps on their back, exposing their belly, it can mean your dog feels very safe and comfortable,” she shares.

However, Goodman wants you to know if your pet doesn’t rest on their back, that it’s a bad thing. “If your dog doesn’t sleep in that position, that doesn’t mean that they don’t feel comfortable and safe,” she adds.

6. They Are Overwhelmed

Sometimes, dogs will roll over because, well, they don’t know what else to do.

“Dogs can feel overwhelmed to the point where they roll over as a way to ‘give up’ and let whatever is going to happen, happen,” Goodwin tells Parade. “When this happens, it’s called ‘learned helplessness.’ Some dogs just freeze and do nothing, other dogs may roll over. This can happen in stressful situations like at the vet, or when a stray dog feels anxious when someone is trying to catch it.”

Related: The #1 Sign Your Dog Is Stressed, According to Experts

7. They Are Showing They Aren’t Threatening

If you are at the dog park and your pet rolls over when other dogs are nearby, it’s just your pup’s way of showing them that it is nice.

“Dogs can roll over when approached as an appeasement behavior to show they are not a threat. They do this as a way to avoid the possibility of conflict, show that they’re playful and even to diffuse conflict,” Goodwin shares.

8. They Are Uncomfortable

When your dog rolls over, Goodman suggests that you pay extra attention to your dog’s overall body language to help you determine what they are trying to communicate.

“For instance, if your dog rolls over and their body is stiff, do not take that as a sign they want physical affection,” she explains. “Because of how the rest of the body is, they are trying to let you know they are uncomfortable. In that case, give your dog space and let them decide what they want and respect it. If you do not respect a dog asking for space, that is when that can escalate to a more aggressive response.”

Next Up: Do You Have a 'Velcro Dog'? Here Are the 15 Clingiest Dog Breeds, According to a Vet