10 Weird Dog Behaviors Explained

When we think of our canine companions, we often picture them with their tongues out, running around, and begging for treats. But sometimes, our furry friends can display some peculiar behaviors that can leave us scratching our heads. From excessive licking to tail chasing, here are 10 weird dog behaviors explained.

1. Excessive Licking

Excessive licking is one of the most commonly seen weird dog behaviors. It can range from licking your face nonstop to licking the furniture and walls. While it may seem like a sign of affection, it can actually be a sign of stress or anxiety. Dogs may lick to alleviate their anxiety or to seek comfort. If your dog is showing this behavior, it’s best to bring them to the vet for a check-up.

2. Chasing Their Tail

Chasing their tail is another common weird dog behavior. It’s usually seen in puppies, but some adult dogs may do it too. It may look like your dog is trying to catch the tail, but in reality, they are just trying to get rid of an itch or to get rid of some pent-up energy. If your dog is doing it excessively, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so it’s best to bring them to the vet.

3. Digging Holes

Dogs love to dig and it’s one of their most instinctive behaviors. They may dig to find food, to create a cool place to lie down, or just to have fun. If your dog is digging up your garden, try to make it an area where they can freely dig. You can also use a kiddie pool or sandbox for them to dig in.

4. Eating Grass

It is a common misconception that dogs eat grass because they are sick. Dogs actually eat grass because it contains vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help them maintain their digestive health. So if your dog is eating grass, it’s actually a good thing.

5. Eating Poop

Eating poop, also known as coprophagia, is a weird dog behavior that is seen in both puppies and adult dogs. It can be due to a lack of nutrients or simply a curiosity to try something new. If your dog is eating poop, it’s best to bring them to the vet for a check-up and to rule out any medical conditions.

6. Barking at Nothing

Dogs bark for many reasons, from greeting people to alerting you of danger. However, sometimes they bark at nothing, leaving us scratching our heads. This behavior is usually due to boredom or anxiety. If your dog is barking excessively, it’s best to take them for a walk or play some games with them to help relieve their boredom or anxiety.

7. Sniffing Everything

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell. They can smell things that humans cannot, and they use their noses to explore the world around them. Your dog may be sniffing everything they come across, from your shoes to the furniture, out of curiosity.

8. Rolling Around in Foul-Smelling Things

Rolling around in foul-smelling things, such as manure and dead animals, is a weird dog behavior that is often seen in dogs. While it may seem gross and unhygienic, it’s actually a way for them to mark their territory. Dogs have glands that release pheromones, and these pheromones can be picked up by other animals.

9. Chasing Lights and Shadows

Dogs can be easily distracted by moving lights or shadows. This behavior is usually seen in puppies as they are still learning about the world around them. If your pup is chasing lights and shadows, it’s best to limit their exposure to these things.

10. Eating Too Fast

Eating too fast is a common weird dog behavior. Dogs may do it out of excitement or because they are hungry, but it can lead to an upset stomach and vomiting. To prevent this, try feeding your dog smaller meals throughout the day and using a slow-feeding bowl.

Overall, our furry friends can have some funny and weird behaviors. While some of these behaviors are harmless, others can be signs of underlying medical conditions. If your dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s best to bring them to the vet for a check-up.