My dog is the funniest little creature.
He loves to circle around multiple times before finding a nice spot to rest, has always been a little aggressive with his toys during playtime, and is always scared when it rains and thunders.
The good thing is, everything that he does is normal. These behaviors may seem quite odd — and maybe even a little troubling sometimes ‚ but if you've been experiencing the same things with your pup for years, know that you have nothing to worry about.
In an exclusive guide below, we take a shot at debunking some of the strangest behaviors that dogs display, and give rational explanations for each of them.
From explaining why they eat their own poop and why their noses are always cold and wet, to why they constantly stare at you, these answers just go to show that dogs are incredibly intuitive, intelligent, and sensitive animals.
Does your precious pup do any of these strange things? Let us know in the comments below — and please SHARE with your dog-loving friends!
Why Do Dogs... 1. Chase Their Tails?
Many researchers and experts agree that tail-chasing in dogs is quite a compulsive behavior. However, there are many plausible reasons for this behavior.
Some say that dogs do this to expend any excess energy, and others say that it is a sign of a disorder, or a health issue.
The pup may be lacking in some key vitamins (B6 and C, for example), or may have separation anxiety, some anal gland problems, or flea allergy dermatitis.
2. Eat Poop?
It can be a little disturbing to watch dogs eat their own poop, or the poop left by other pups. There are, however, interesting and practical reasons why they might do this.
Dr. Karen Becker explains that when mother dogs have their litters, they "consume the feces of their puppies to hide their scent while the litter is vulnerable and sheltered in the den."
Others say that dogs eat poop when they know they're deficient in certain nutrients and digestive enzymes, and instinctively know to find them in poop.
3. Circle Before Lying Down?
Many pups will circle for a while before finding the right spot to lay down and rest.
While there is no exact explanation for this behavior, many animal behaviorists think that it is a habit passed down from the days when dogs lived out in the wild, like wolves.
Their ancestors also walked and dug around in the grass and leaves before they found a comfortable, soft space to sleep.
If your pup likes digging holes and sleeping there during the summer, it might be because they're trying to cool their body down with the cool soil.
4. Have Wet Noses?
Dog whisperer and expert Cesar Millan explains a couple reasons why dogs' noses are often cold and wet.
First, they secrete mucus through their nose, helping enhance their sense of smell, especially when they're trying to follow a trail.
Dogs also like to clean their noses by licking them. When they sweat, dogs secrete moisture from their nose and paws, so it's also a way of cooling down in extreme heat.
Dogs' noses also pick up more moisture when they're outside, from things like dirt, leaves, and grass.
5. Thrash Their Toys?
If you've ever owned a dog, you may have noticed that they love picking up their little squeaky toys, and shaking them aggressively from side-to-side.
"Evolutionarily speaking, that motion is how dogs would capture and kill their prey — by grabbing and shaking very hard," explained Dr. Margaret Gruen, an animal behavioralist, to Vetstreet.
There's absolutely nothing to worry about. When you see pups thrashing their toys, they may just be displaying an instinctual habit.
As the doctor says, "It's just another part of exuberant play."
6. Hate Taking Baths?
Dogs may find taking baths traumatic for a couple of reasons.
They may not have had a good first experience. Maybe they were put in too quickly, or were dunked in cold water — and now associate taking baths with something quite negative.
Water might also not be a sensation or sound that he's entirely used to, and may have caught him off guard at one point.
All of these tense thoughts make it even harder for them to remain still and relaxed in a bathtub.
7. Fear Thunder And Loud Noises?
Many dogs scare easily at the sound of thunder, firecrackers, and loud popping noises.
They tend to pace, shiver, and drool, when they hear those sounds — and some even try to escape the home, injuring themselves in the process when they slam into doors and windows.
Though a concrete explanation for thunder phobia still has to be found, it is likely that dogs pick up the low-frequency rumbles of thunder, wind, lightning, static electricity, and pressure changes that humans can't hear, and associate these foreign sensations with something frightening.
8. Behave Aggressively Toward Other Dogs?
Sometimes you'll be out on a walk with your pooch, and experience some nasty, aggressive behavior and growls when they encounter another dog.
Inter-dog aggression may occur more frequently in non-neutered male dogs, according to PetMD.
There are a couple reasons for aggressive behavior. Some dogs didn't have a positive experience bonding or interacting with other dogs during their period of socialization, when they were 3 weeks to 3 months old.
Other dogs are aggressive because they are afraid, want to protect their territory, or are suffering from a medical condition.
9. Stare At You?
Typically, dogs stare at their owners when they're expecting some type of action — like a reward, a snack, or some praise and affection.
Eye contact is usually a good thing, especially when you're just beginning to train your dog, because they will wait for your visual cues.
However, it is important to remember that some dogs do consider direct eye contact threatening. So it's good to teach your dog eye contact on cue, to prevent any aggression when someone looks your dog in the eye.
10. Eat Grass?
It is totally normal if you see your dog suddenly run outside and chomp down some grass.
Veterinarian Dr. Michael Goldberg explains that it's a way for the dog to deal with tummy troubles. If they're suffering from a gassy stomach, they'll look for grass to eat. The grass blades will tickle their throat and stomach lining, causing them to vomit.
"One reason for eating grass may be due to a feeling of nausea," he said. "It is possible that dogs learn this is a temporary solution for stomach irritation."
Unlike their ancestors, who often ate their prey whole, domesticated dogs look to plants as an alternative food source. Some wild dogs today even eat fruits, berries, and vegetable matter.
Please SHARE these fascinating doggy facts with all the animal lovers in your life!
