Have you ever caught your furry friend doing something downright bizarre and thought to yourself, “What in the world is going on inside that cute little head?”
From the classic head tilt to the infamous butt sniff, we’ve all witnessed our dogs engaging in some pretty peculiar antics. But did you know that a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours?¹ This incredible olfactory ability plays a huge role in many of their strange behaviors.
So, what other weird things do dogs do, and why? Science has the answers you’ve been seeking. Here are 12 strange dog behaviors and the reasons behind them.
1. The Butt Sniff Greeting
Ah, the butt sniff – a dog’s version of a handshake. While it may seem gross to us humans, this behavior is actually a crucial part of canine communication. Dogs have incredibly powerful noses, and their anal glands produce unique scents that provide vital information about each other.
So, the next time you see two pups getting up close and personal, just remember, they’re simply exchanging business cards.
2. Eating Grass & Vomiting
Have you ever watched in horror as your dog munched on grass, only to vomit it back up minutes later? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Many dogs engage in this behavior, and while the exact reason is still a mystery, some experts believe it could be a way for them to self-medicate or relieve an upset stomach (ref). However, if your pup is constantly grazing, it’s best to consult with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
3. Spinning in Circles Before Lying Down
It’s a classic dog move – the pre-nap spin. But why do they do it? One theory suggests that this behavior is a remnant of their wild ancestors, who would trample down grass and check for threats before settling in for a snooze.
Others believe it could be a way for dogs to find the most comfortable position. Either way, it’s an adorable quirk that never fails to make us smile.
4. Eating Poop (Coprophagia)
Brace yourself, because this one’s a doozy. Coprophagia, or the act of eating feces, is a surprisingly common behavior among dogs. While it may turn our stomachs, there are several reasons why dogs might engage in this unsavory habit, including boredom, anxiety, or even a lack of nutrients in their diet.
If your dog is a frequent poop-eater, it’s important to consult with your vet to address any underlying issues.
5. Tilting Their Head
Who can resist the charm of a dog with a tilted head? This endearing behavior is not only cute but also serves a purpose.
When dogs tilt their heads, they’re adjusting their ears to better locate the source of a sound and get a better view of your facial expressions. It’s their way of trying to understand what you’re saying and showing their interest in the conversation.
6. Humping
Humping, or mounting, is a behavior that often leaves owners feeling embarrassed or confused. While it’s commonly associated with intact male dogs, humping can be performed by dogs of any sex or age.
It can be a sign of sexual arousal, but it can also be a way for dogs to assert dominance, relieve stress, or seek attention. If your dog is a frequent humper, it’s important to redirect their behavior and provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
7. Zoomies (Frenetic Random Activity Periods)
Zoomies, or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are sudden bursts of energy that cause dogs to run around like crazy, often in circles or figure-eights. This behavior is most commonly seen in puppies and young dogs, but can occur in dogs of any age.
It is a natural way for dogs to release pent-up energy and excitement, and are usually nothing to worry about as long as they’re in a safe space.
8. Licking Your Face
Slobbery dog kisses – you either love ’em or you hate ’em. But why do dogs feel the need to lick our faces? Well, it turns out there are a few reasons. In the wild, puppies lick their mother’s mouth to prompt her to regurgitate food for them.
So, when your dog licks your face, they may be asking for a snack! Licking can also be a sign of affection and a way for dogs to bond with their humans.
9. Leaning on You
If your dog is always leaning against you, it’s not just because they’re tired. Leaning is a way for dogs to show affection and seek comfort from their favorite humans. It’s a sign that they trust you and feel safe in your presence. So, the next time your furry friend leans on you, give them a little extra love – they’re just trying to show you how much they care!
10. Twitching & Wagging in Their Sleep
Have you ever watched your dog sleep and noticed their paws twitching or their tail wagging? Don’t worry, they’re not having a seizure – they’re just dreaming! Just like humans, dogs experience REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is associated with dreaming.
So, when you see your pup twitching or wagging in their sleep, it’s a sign that they’re off on an exciting adventure in dreamland.
11. Sneezing During Play
If you’ve ever heard your dog sneeze during a play session, you might have wondered if they were coming down with a cold. But fear not, because “play sneezing” is actually a normal behavior that dogs use to signal that they’re having a good time.
It’s their way of saying, “Hey, this is fun! Let’s keep playing!” So, if your dog is sneezing and having a blast, just enjoy the moment and let the good times roll.
12. Yawning
Yawning is contagious among humans, but did you know that dogs can catch our yawns too? Studies have shown that dogs are more likely to yawn when they see their owners yawning (ref), which suggests that they’re capable of empathizing with us on some level.
Dogs may also yawn when they’re feeling anxious or stressed, as it’s a way for them to self-soothe and calm themselves down.
So there you have it, 12 strange dog behaviors, demystified. The next time you catch your furry friend doing something weird, just remember, there’s probably a perfectly good explanation behind it. And who knows, maybe understanding the reasons behind their quirks will just make you love them even more.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5884888/
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.