Sometimes dogs do the darnedest things and can leave pet owners just shaking their heads and wondering “Why in the world are you doing that?” From simple explanations to taking a look into the roots of where dogs come from, we’ve researched some of the more popular questions people have about their dog’s odd behaviors and explanations that go along with them! 

1. Why does he stare at me when he poops?

Although being stared down by your dog while he relieves himself may seem awkward for you, his stare is just a way of making sure he is safe and comfortable while relieving himself. Protection and security is the number one purpose for making that eye contact to make sure that you are looking out for predators while he uses the time to get his or her business taken care of. This is a vulnerable time for most animals, and in the wild predators can take advantage of this time to possibly attack, so having a fellow pack member be on the lookout provides a safe time to use the bathroom. 

2. Why does my dog circle before going to the bathroom? 

There may be a couple explanations linked to this circling behavior from dogs. One explanation is that your dog is circling as a means of preparing for a fast and smooth elimination process, where the physical activity beforehand gets his digestive system ready for the task at hand. Another reason for the circling could pertain to your dog labeling his turf; dog feet are equipped with handy scent glands and are employed for labeling. Walking around in repetitive circles could be communication for other animals that your dog now owns this patch of grass. Another explanation goes back to their wild origins, when a dog has to go to the bathroom amongst plants in the wild, circling was a means of smoothing out the area and making his bathroom experience more comfortable and tidier. 

3. Why does my dog drop to the ground when he sees another dog on a walk?

Don’t worry, this isn’t an attack mode; it’s more of a play invitation. Dogs use body language to communicate to one another and by lying down, your pup might be making himself appear smaller or nonthreatening to the approaching dog, letting him know ‘hey, I’m friendly and want to hangout!’ He might also do what is known as a “play bow,” where the front legs and body go down and his hind quarters stick up in the air. This is also a play invitation to the other dog showing excitement and playfulness. 

4. Why do dogs eat grass? 

Eating grass is a common trait among dogs; about 79% of dogs do it, but why? One of the common answers for this question is that grass will make the dog vomit, helping to cure an upset stomach your dog supposedly has. But, if you dig a little deeper, you will find that there is not much research that backs up that theory. Experts do not know for sure what the definitive answer is to this question, but they can shed some light on a possible explanation. Dogs are natural scavengers, so it could be that the grass texture and/or taste is attractive to them. Eating grass is a way to pass the time for dogs; while there is no real nutritional value in grass, it’s not something that is going to harm your dog either.

5. Why do dogs tilt their heads?

The answer is very simple: to hear better. By repositioning their ears, they can pick up sounds coming from different directions as well as help them concentrate on audio cues. That being said, when we give them a cuddle, ear rub or treat when they tilt their head, it acts as positive reinforcement and they are most likely to repeat the behavior for the simple fact that something good will happen if they do it again! 

6. Why do dogs lick people? 

Licking is just another part of canine communication! This is something that dogs learn as puppies when they’re licked by their mothers as they are born. Usually dogs will lick people to say ‘hi’, ‘I am hungry’ or to just simply say ‘hey, I’m right here!’ You might also notice that you will be sniffed by the dog before licking you, which is all just part of the sensory experience for them.

7. Why do dogs drool? 

Dog drool appears when dogs are producing an excess of saliva and starts to leak out of their mouth. Dogs with the most drool tend to have loose jowls, which is loose flesh on their cheeks and throat. Every dog has this skin around their mouth but certain breeds are specifically bred to have floppy and unique looking jowls. With the looser jowls, it is easier for those certain breeds to leak drool because they have more space in that area. Drooling is normal! But if your dog suddenly starts to drool more excessively, it could be a sign of dental or mouth problems. Talk with your veterinarian if you are concerned about excessive drool with your pup!

8. Why do dogs pant? 

When a dog is panting, they are usually trying to cool themselves down. Humans can sweat through their skin, but because dogs have thick hair covering their bodies, they sweat through their paw pads and panting, which helps to increase airflow and acts as a means to cool their bodies down. Another reason for panting could mean your pup is simply happy or excited about you or something around them. Usually the rest of the dog’s body language will reflect the happy mood with some tail wagging too! Excessive panting may be a cause for concern, so make sure you keep an extra eye out on your pup when they are in the heat too much; give them breaks in the shade and always carry water for them. 

9. Why do dogs circle and dig before laying down?

Circling and digging for a dog is actually a very natural behavior. In the wild, a dog would have just grass and dirt to lay down on, so he would walk in a circle where he wanted to sleep to warm up the ground and stamp down any grass or plants that were in the way. They would dig into the Earth to help regulate their body temperature - getting deeper into the cool Earth in hot weather and using the Earth to keep them warm during colder weather. So if you see you pup circling and digging on your bed or in a pile of blankets, he may just be trying to create a comfortable spot for him to sleep and keep his body temperature at a pleasant level.

10. Why do dogs sniff each other's rear ends? 

Dogs smell at least 10,000 times better than humans and it is through their sense of smell that they learn about the world and what is around them. Mutual sniffing among dogs is a normal way to let them learn about each other and many of the most concentrated scents are in the areas of the anus and genitals. While sniffing these areas, a dog can learn about gender, reproductive status, temperament, diet and more! This could be the reason as to why some dogs take to sniffing humans in embarrassing ways - they are just curious and want to learn more about you. There is no reason you should keep two dogs from sniffing each other unless one of them looks bothered by it. Two dogs may get along better if you allow each to sufficiently sniff the other.

11. Why do dogs stare at you?

Sometimes it seems as though Fido is having a staring contest with you, which makes for a good laugh; but why does he keep staring at you while you’re getting dressed? Canine scientists say that dogs are often watching their pet owners to get information. They are simply watching and waiting to see what might come next! Dogs may watch their owners get dressed for a cue of what is coming next; your clothes can tell him if you’re going for a walk or if you are getting ready to leave for the office. So don’t get too creeped out, they’re just paying attention for their own curiosity!

12. Why do dogs chew on wood?

Wondering why Fido is gnawing on the new wood coffee table? Chewing in general is very satisfying to your pup, since chewing has been a primal instinct for years. It’s a natural behavior and it may be due to boredom, anxiety or if your puppy is teething. You can keep your pup stimulated with chew toys that will help ease the anxiety or the oral pain he or she might be feeling from teething. To help the chewing, check out kongs and nylabones for your pup to gnaw on. Pet Supplies Plus in Lancaster has a variety of chew toys to try for Fido! It is also always a good idea to have some extra toys on hand for Fido to chew so he does not become bored and continues to have fun with other pieces of furniture.

13. Why do dogs cry when they are asleep?

There surely isn’t anything sadder than hearing your pup cry in his sleep, but don’t worry; that whimpering and crying is just your dog dreaming! The noises you hear your dog making in his sleep is most likely them dreaming about the events of their day. If you hear your pup crying in his sleep, don’t wake him up! You may startle your furry friend and end up getting bitten. It is best to leave a sleeping dog sleeping!

While dogs are definitely man’s best friend, they can come with some odd and just plain weird behaviors, and that’s okay! Us humans can do some pretty weird things too and our furry friends love us no matter what. So whether Fido enjoys staring at you, circling hundreds of times to find that perfect spot or licks you uncontrollably, know that there is a reason for all of this and above all else, all dogs do it! 

↠ At Going Mutts Pet Services we embrace the dogs and who they are no matter their talents and oddities! We would love to help you out and get your dog the exercise and energy release they need while you are at work. Contact us today to talk with someone about our dog walking and daily check-in services!  ↞

Sources:

https://www.cuteness.com/13713214/why-does-my-dog-do-that-20-bizarre-dog-behaviors-explained

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-does-my-dog-drop-to-the-ground-when-he-sees-other-dogs

https://www.thesprucepets.com/common-canine-behavior-explained-1118306