There’s no doubt about it, dogs make some of the sweetest, most loyal best friends around. Yet, no one is perfect, even the most obedient dog breeds. That’s why your dog may do something mischievous, like move your socks from the laundry basket to their bed or snag a sandwich out of your bare hands. But, do dogs say sorry when they do something naughty? While they don’t have the same feelings humans do when they do something wrong, there are signs you can look for that mean they regret what they did in their own dog way and that show they love you. To help you know how you can tell how dogs apologize, we complied 10 adorable ways dogs say “I’m sorry,” according to a dog trainer.

Though, because dogs communicate different and have different emotions, they don’t feel guilt the same way people do. “It’s important to note that studies are still being conducted to understand the types of complex emotions that dogs can and can’t feel,” shares Shannon Kenny, CPDT-KA, a professional dog trainer with Woofz, a puppy and dog training app. Yet, Kenny notes that dogs possess an ability to read the room, so when their favorite human feels sad or upset, they try to shift the mood.

If your curious what some dog apology behaviors are, read on to find out some of the sweet ways a dog says “I’m sorry” to lighten the mood and avoid conflict after making a mistake. The signs that a dog is sorry can be subtle, so once you know what they are, you’ll recognize them easier, be able to understand your dog better and have more insight to their canine emotions. As a result, your bond with your dog will grow stronger.

Related: 7 Heartbreaking Signs Your Dog is Sad, Says a Pet Trainer

10 Signs Your Dog Is Saying “I’m Sorry”

What does it looks like when a dog is sorry? Well, according to a trainer, these are a few ways dogs say sorry that you can look out for. That way, no matter if you have a big dog or a small dog, you’ll be able to notice a few signs of a remorseful dog that you otherwise may not have.

1. They lower their head

One clear sign your dog is saying sorry? They may lower their head. While humans often do this out of shame when someone is disappointed in us, dogs likely have a slightly different motivation. In dog body language, lowering their head is a gesture of conflict avoidance and a way to show they mean no harm.

“Dog avoidance behaviors are some of the most recognizable gestures that mimic guilt,” says Shannon Kenny, CPDT-KA. “A dog might lower their head to make it clear that they mean no harm.”

This subtle cue is one of the many ways dogs say sorry, showing you they’re aware they may have upset you and want to smooth things over.

2. They can’t even look at you

OK, so your dog did, in fact, bring your sock to their bed. You might notice that they are avoiding eye contact with you at all costs. Kenny explains that this is another way dogs say sorry—a clear signal that they don’t want to engage in conflict.

“Avoiding it entirely can defuse a tense situation,” Kenny shares. In fact, eye contact can deepen your dog’s love for you.

Interestingly, some of these little “sock-stealing” antics are also a way for your pup to feel closer to you. By keeping the item nearby, they’re combining a playful gesture with subtle signs of appeasement and affection, showing you in their own way that they’re aware they may have crossed a line.

3. They start sniffing more

One more signal your dog is sorry can be revealed if they suddenly start sniffing more. Talk about a funny yet adorable apology tactic. Kenny shares that some dogs find sniffing calming, and this behavior serves as a way to de-escalate the situation.

They may also “smell what’s up.” One 2024 study suggests dogs can smell stress on people, and it can cause them to make more pessimistic choices (in the study, dogs were more hesitant to approach a bowl to see if there was food on it if they smelled stress on a person’s sweaty clothes).

4. They roll over

A dog may display this one when they want a belly rub. This sweet and silly way a dog asks for attention may also be one of the ways dogs say, “I’m sorry.”

“Dogs have quite a few submissive behaviors that they may use to ‘apologize,'” Kenny explains. “One of the most common is for dogs to roll onto their back, exposing their belly. This puts the dog into a very vulnerable position, indicating that they’re allowing their person to have control over the situation.”

This gentle, trusting gesture is a classic example of dog body language that shows your pup recognizes they may have done something wrong and wants to smooth things over, often while looking irresistibly cute.

Related: 10 Adorable Signs Your Dog Is Happy, According to Experts

5. They slow blink

Research, including a 2025 study, indicates that dogs use blinking to subtly tell us something, including that they’re frustrated. Scientists—and Kenny—report that dogs may blink to appease humans. Kenny

“Appeasement behaviors present as submissive body language that is meant to calm a situation and defuse tension, f” Kenny says. “Since dogs are incredibly social creatures and are apt at picking up on body language and vocal cues.”

This small, often overlooked gesture is one of the many ways dogs say sorry, showing that even a blink can be a sweet attempt to keep the peace.

6. They lick your hand or face

Some apologies come with a little puppy love and may have your dog thinking, “Can we kiss and make up?“

“Some behaviors involve physical touch, such as when dogs lick their owners’ hands or faces,” Kenny notes. “This is a very common behavior that stems from puppy appeasement behaviors and carries into adulthood.”

This affectionate gesture is another way dogs say sorry, using dog body language and gentle touches to show they recognize they may have upset you and that they want to make things right.

7. They ‘lean in’

Speaking of the common physical ways dogs say, ‘I’m sorry,’ don’t be surprised if your furbuddy curls up with you after making a mistake.

So, if your independent dog is suddenly cuddly or your sweet snuggle monster has gone next-level, they may be trying to “repair.” “They may lean their body in or rest their head in their person’s lap [as a gesture of appeasement],” Kenny adds.

This gentle closeness is a sweet way your dog uses body language and affection to show they recognize a mistake and want to make things right.

8. They yawn but aren’t tired

Nap time? Nope. Dogs may yawn when tensions are high and it’s a subtle way dogs say sorry. Though, it’s kind of adorable as well.

“Some dogs may also use ‘calming signals’, which serve to reduce tension and lower their own stress levels,” Kenny notes.

This simple gesture is part of their dog body language toolkit, helping them de-escalate a tense situation and show they mean no harm, even after a little mischief.

9. They bring you a toy

Dogs may bring you a toy (and walk away) as a sign of devotion. However, this behavior could also be one of the ways dogs say, “I’m sorry.”

“Holding items in their mouth can be soothing, as dogs find pleasure from chewing, licking, or holding items,” Kenny explains. “While it can lower their arousal level, it can also serve as a way to redirect the interaction onto something else, like their favorite toy.”

Admit it—this little act of redirection is irresistible and shows just how clever and affectionate dogs can be when they’re trying to make amends.

10. They follow you everywhere

Kenny notes sometimes, your dog may follow you around after a little mischief, especially if they’re feeling insecure. This is another subtle way dogs say sorry.

“Dogs are social animals who partially rely on their humans’ presence for safety and security,” Kenny reports. “They may want to keep track of the owner’s body language or try to seek out an alternative way to ‘appease’ their human.”

This gentle shadowing is a sweet reminder that even dogs are highly tuned in to your emotions and want to make things right in their own adorable way.

How to Handle Your Dog’s Mistakes

While all of the above is adorable, Kenny shares it’s best for your dog to feel safe and secure after interactions—including corrections and especially repairs. Yes, you may be upset if your dog ruined something pricey, however, Kenny shares that the first step is hard but necessary.

“If a pet parent’s dog offers these gestures, it’s important to respond calmly,” Kenny emphasizes. You want to make sure the words you use make your dog feel loved still and not scared. “The dog is likely nervous and trying to de-escalate the situation, so it’s helpful to make it easy for them by softening body language and tone.”

Kenny adds that dogs are more likely to display appeasement behaviors habitually if they’ve been scolded before, so it’s important to try to avoid yelling (again, it can be hard.)

On that note, the next step Kenny suggests is redirecting to something positive. If you still need to regulate your own emotions, Kenny says asking for a simple behavior, such as “sit,” may be easier.

“This way, the dog can be rewarded for performing a desired behavior, instead of being punished for choosing the incorrect one,” Kenny explains. “Lastly, provide the dog with an activity that they’re allowed to do so that they don’t choose the incorrect thing again. This could involve redirecting them to a bone, toy, or allowing them to play outside.”

Sources:

• Shannon Kenny, CPDT-KA, a professional dog trainer with Woofz, a puppy and dog training app

• The odour of an unfamiliar stressed or relaxed person affects dogs’ responses to a cognitive bias test. Nature.

This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.