10 Weird Dog Behaviors And What They Mean

Dogs are weird. There, we said it. And we love them for it! Each and every dog has its own quirks and personality traits, and it’s always interesting to see what new weird thing they’ll do next. This blog post will discuss 10 weird dog behaviors and what they mean. Some of this weird dog behavior may be cute, while others may be a little more puzzling. But one thing is for sure – dogs are definitely unique creatures!

10 Weird Dog Behaviors Explained

1. Digging Holes

Dogs dig for many reasons. Some dogs dig to escape their yards or to find buried prey. Other dogs simply enjoy the act of digging and find it stimulating or therapeutic. If your dog is a digger, it’s crucial to provide him with an appropriate outlet for his behavior, such as a designated digging area in your yard where he can dig to his heart’s content.

If your dog is digging holes in your yard, it could signify that he’s bored or needs more exercise. Ensure you provide your dog with enough mental and physical stimulation to keep him happy and healthy.

Punishing your dog for digging will only serve to make him anxious and stressed, and is unlikely to stop the behavior.

2. Chasing Their Tail

Dogs chase their tails for a variety of reasons. Some dogs do it because they’re bored or anxious, while others chase their tails because they’re trying to catch something that’s just out of reach.

There could be some other reasons, too, like if your dog has fleas or an itchy bottom. If your dog is chasing his tail a lot, it’s best to take him to the vet to rule out any medical causes.

If there’s no underlying medical reason for the tail-chasing, you can try to provide your dog with more mental and physical stimulation.

3. Spinning in Circles

One of the weirdest dog behavior symptoms is spinning in circles. This behavior can be caused by several things, including excitement, herding instinct, or something called “fly-snapping.”

If your dog is spinning in circles when you come home from work, it’s probably because he’s excited to see you.

Also, do not panic when he does this weird dog behavior in front of you. Some dogs just have a lot of energy and need to burn it off by spinning around. If this is the case, ensure you provide your dog with plenty of opportunities to exercise.

4. Licking Paws

Dogs often lick their paws as a way to soothe themselves. If your dog licks his paws excessively, it could indicate he’s anxious or stressed.

It could also be an allergic reaction or a sign of something wrong with his paw pads. If your dog is licking his paws a lot, it’s best to take him to the vet to rule out any medical causes.

If there’s no underlying medical reason for the paw-licking, you can try to provide your dog with more mental and physical stimulation. You might also want to consider using a puzzle toy or feeder to help keep his mind active.

5. Eating Poop

Decoding your dog’s behavior is essential when he’s eating poop. There can be a few reasons for this behavior, such as a nutrient deficiency, excitement, or just plain old curiosity.

If your dog is eating his own poop, it’s probably because he’s lacking certain nutrients in his diet. Adding a supplement to his food can help resolve this issue. Some dogs eat poop because they’re excited or curious about it. If this is the case, try to keep your dog calm and avoid rewarding him for the behavior.

Check How to Get Dog to Stop Eating Poop

6. Sniffing Other Dogs’ Butts

Sniffing another dog’s butt is a way for them to get to know each other. Dogs have glands in their anuses that secrete pheromones, which contain information about the dog’s sex, age, health, and more.

So, when your dog sniffs another dog’s butt, he’s basically getting a doggy version of a business card.

There’s no need to worry about this behavior, as it’s perfectly normal (and even necessary) for dogs. Just ensure you’re supervising your dog when he’s around other dogs, so that he doesn’t get too rough or get into any fights.

7. Rolling Around in Smelly Things

Dogs roll around in smelly things because they like the way they smell. This behavior is usually seen in dogs trying to cover up their scent.

Rolling around in smelly things can also be a way for dogs to show off their new smells to other dogs. If your dog has just rolled in something stinky, it’s best to keep him away from other dogs until he’s had a chance to air out.

If your dog is constantly rolling in smelly things, you might want to try using a puzzle toy or feeder to help keep his mind active. You can also try providing him with more opportunities to exercise.

8. Sitting on Your Feet

Dogs often sit on their owner’s feet as a way to show dominance. This behavior is more common in larger dogs, but any dog can do it.

If your dog is sitting on your feet, he’s probably trying to assert his dominance over you. It’s important not to encourage this behavior, as it can lead to other problems down the road.

Instead, try to ignore your dog when he’s sitting on your feet. Then, praise him and give him a treat if he gets up. With time and patience, your dog will learn that sitting on your feet is not acceptable behavior.

9. Howling

Howling is one of the most commonly misunderstood dog behaviors. Many people think howling means a dog is sad or lonely, but this isn’t always the case.

Howling can be a way for dogs to communicate with each other. It can also be a way for them to relieve boredom or stress.

10. Eating Away From the Food Bowl

There are a few reasons why your dog might be eating away from his food bowl. One possibility is that he doesn’t like the food you’re giving him. If this is the case, you’ll need to switch to a different type of food.

Another possibility is that your dog is anxious or stressed. This can happen if there’s something going on that he doesn’t like, such as another pet in the house. If this is the case, you’ll need to help your dog learn to relax and be comfortable with his surroundings.

Lastly, If your dog doesn’t like eating out of his bowl, try buying an automatic dog feeder for it. WOpet Castle cat & dog automatic feeder works like a charm.

The WOpet automatic feeder has plenty of features to ensure your dog is never hungry. It can be scheduled to release food several times a day, and has a food storage option too. Moreover, cleaning it is a breeze!

If you’re looking for a way to keep your dog fed and happy, the WOpet automatic dog feeder is the way to go.