Whacky Dog Behaviors Explained

Ah, man's best friend—the dog is statistically the most popular domesticated pet worldwide! Our loyal, furry friends have stuck by our side for centuries, protecting us and giving us unconditional affection. Yet even though we've grown a deep relationship with dogs, they can still act in ways that baffle us! So, what whacky dog behaviors are completely normal? Learn more about the quirky behaviors that make our dogs so lovable and odd!

Spinning in Circles Before Laying Down

Our furry and cute companions come from the majestic wolf, and several of their behaviors are traced back to these ancestors. For example, when your dog makes you dizzy by spinning in circular patterns before lying down, they find the most comfortable spot and position for sleep. It may seem silly from the outside looking in; however, your dog is just gearing up for a warm, soft, and comfortable nap!

Eating Grass…and Poop

There are several theories as to why our hairy friends eat undesirable things. But, like many other dog behaviors, the roots can be traced back to their wolf ancestors. The dog's ancestors more than likely ate grass to clear foreign bodies and other parasites from their stomachs with high fiber. Seeing that most dogs are fed well at home, you should try to dissuade this behavior so a build-up of grass doesn't form in your dog's stomach, which can lead to other issues.

Eating grass is undesirable, but fecal matter is even more so; almost 25% of dogs exhibit this behavior. Blame the ancestors again! Ancient wolves would eat fecal matter when and where available if other food sources were scarce for survival. In some cases, vets will argue that dogs eat poop if they are malnourished or in crowded conditions. Be sure these factors are not at play if you experience this unpleasant behavior.

Sniffing Butts

Dogs have a 10,000 times stronger sense of smell than humans. Canines use this advantage to receive large amounts of information—from a butt! For example, a dog can tell if the other dog is male or female, happy or sad, scared or stressed. Dogs are containers of domesticated and inherited behaviors, so some may be unpleasant in a domestic context. However, if you could determine all this information with just one sniff—would you do it?

Head Tilting

Alike their hyper-powered sense of smell, dogs also have a heightened sense of hearing. The adorable head tilt might make an excellent photo with your dog; however, dogs tilt their heads not to pose but to hear their surroundings more clearly. Many may interpret this motion as a “huh?” response to a noise or question, which may be right! However, your dog is only trying to hear better to determine what is happening in its environment!

Dogs are a cherished part of any family they are a part of. Along with their undesirable and quirky habits, they love and protect us with unconditional compassion—be sure to shed a little extra love on your furry friend as a thank you!