Why Does My Dog . . .?

A common question that crops up during meet-and-greets and casual chats among pet parents is: Is that normal? Every dog has it quirks, but some seem stranger than others. Today we’re explaining some of the most common questions dog owners have about their furry friends’ behaviors.

Why does my dog . . .

Lick people? Dogs use licking to communicate many things. Often it is a sign of affection, request for food, an act of submission, or invitation to play. Considering the context of your pup’s licking is the best clue to what they’re trying to say. Just like kissing in humans, licking releases the brain’s feel-good chemicals, endorphins, in dogs. No wonder your doggo loves to love on you with those licks!

Act so nosey? Does your dog have to stick their head into every bag of groceries, sift through every stack of mail, and give anything new a thorough examination? Your canine detective isn’t the only one. Smell is a dog’s primary sense for collecting and processing information. The area of the brain dedicated to smell is 40x larger in dogs compared to humans. Being nosey is just their way of exploring and understanding the world around them.

Smell like corn chips? No, Rover probably didn’t raid your snack drawer, but he might smell like it! One of the most commonly found bacteria on dogs, Pseudomonas, has a popcorn or tortilla chip-like scent. It is usually the strongest smelling on their paws. This is perfectly normal and does not mean your dog is necessarily in need of a bath.

Answer to more than one name or not answer at all? If they’re a rescue or rehomed pet, they might not have acclimated to their new name yet. They might also associate their name with past trauma or abuse, so fear responding to it will result in punishment. If your dog is still a puppy, the issue is likely a case of inadequate and/or inconsistent training. In most instances, positive reinforcement for responding to their name works to address the issue. If you put in the work and the issue persists, consider having your dog examined for hearing impairment.

Dig holes? There are multiple possible reasons for this troublesome habit. Boredom is a common cause, especially if they’re digging under things like fences and other barriers. If

you respond to their digging, they’re getting attention and thus alleviating their boredom. They could also be responding instinctively to the scent of something on the ground. Dogs sometimes also dig to cool off. They’ll dig warm topsoil away and rest on cooler ground when they start overheating.

Lick their . . . you know? If your dog frequently licks their anus and/or genitals, that could be an indication of issues like bacterial infections or gland impaction, or a parasite infection like worms. Usually, though, it’s a normal part of their grooming routine. It’s just their way of keeping fresh and clean.

Eat their food away from their bowl? This is a case of instinct being passed down from wild ancestors. Dogs have a pack mentality, and in a wild pack you have protect your food–much like siblings from large families tell anecdotes of crazy dinner times having to fight for their share. By removing your food from the middle of a feeding frenzy, your chances of not getting it stolen are higher. It’s less risky to take your food and run than stay and fight for it. Also, many dogs, for similar reasons, don’t like eating alone. If your dog’s bowl is in one room and the rest of the family is in another, they might be lonely and want to eat with the rest of their pack in sight.

Circle before lying down? This comical behavior is another instinct passed down from

their wilder forebears. Before the age of plushy dog beds, feral canines would shape sleeping places out of tall grass or leaves by walking over it in circles to push it down and scare away any insects or other pests from the area. Your dog may not have to fear a hidden snake under their pillow, but the dizzying ritual might just be their way of unpacking worries at the end of the day.

Have a dominant paw? Just like people are righties or lefties, dogs have dominant side paws. Though they use both sides, you’ll notice they tend to use one side more than the other.

Love belly rubs so much? Rolling over into a vulnerable position is a submissive behavior humans reward with affection. Dogs do it to bond with their people and get the affirmation they crave as part of the pack.

Burry things? Hiding food from predators and scavengers used to be vital to survival in the wild. Your dog’s burying their bone in the yard or under the couch cushions is an inherited instinct.

Stare at me? Like licking, this is usually a way of communicating a want. They may turn the puppy eyes up at you when you eat because they want you to share, or stare at you while you’re sitting on the couch because they want to you play, give affection, or take them out to potty. Sometimes they’re waiting for you to give a command or reassurance. You know those awkward moments when they stare at you while pooping? It’s all about reassurance. They’re vulnerable and are looking to you for protection. On a sweeter note, if your dog stares at you with their eyes partly closed, this is a sign of affection.

Tremble even when nothing is happening? This is a sign to pay close attention to. Dogs tend to shake in response to pain or distress. Shivering can indicate anxiety, fear, and feelings of unwellness. They could also do so because they’re cold. If calm reassurance and making sure their body temperature is at a healthy level doesn’t alleviate it, it is time to consult a veterinarian.

Drag their back legs behind them? Ah, the famous “sploot.” This silly-looking position stretches the whole body, relieves tension, and helps your dog cool down. Consider it an alternative to the downward-dog yoga classic.

Tilt their head? Few quirks are as funny as the old head tilt when your pup hears a noise or discovers something new. This is actually a sign of intelligence and curiosity. They tilt to hear more clearly and understand better. Much like a quizzical expression a human might make with their eyebrows when trying to figure something out.

Chase their tail? Usually this is just for entertainment, but they will often spin themselves dizzy if they have not had enough exercise. If your dog is past the puppy stage and does this often, you may need to schedule more play or outdoor time into their routines. In extreme cases, tail chasing is sometimes a sign of compulsive disorders or anxiety.

Sit on my feet? Sometimes it is simply to be close–they might be craving affection or reassurance. They also do it to claim or mark you as theirs. If there are other dogs or people in the room, sitting on you is a way of signaling that you are part of their pack. In doing so they are also guarding you as they expect you to guard them.

Sense things people can’t? Dogs might not sense or understand our feelings, but they can read body language more clearly than other species. Scent and body language are the top two primary sources of information for dogs, so subtleties other humans might not pick up on because we rely more on language, your dog may be picking up on with more ease because they rely more on physical cues.

What weird things does your dog do? Any quirks you’re not too sure are “normal?” Share in the comments!