9 Weird Dog Behaviors Explained
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Published 2020-12-26
Why dogs sniff before they poop
For dogs, pooping and peeing are effective methods of communication. Dogs mark their territory by eliminating waste and your dog’s chosen potty spot sends other dogs a message about where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing. It can also inform other dogs if there is an incoming threat.
Why dogs dig their bed or floor
A dog’s wild ancestors scratched at piles of leaves, dirt and pine needles to create a comfortable mound of bedding to rest. Many domesticated dogs still retain this behavior; By scratching or digging the floor or their bed, your pup may actually be trying to create a snug nest to sleep.
Bed-scratching is also a territorial behavior. Dogs have glands in their paws that leave a distinctive scent on bedding or other objects they scratch.
bed-scratching is also part of canine maternal instinct. If your female dog is getting ready to have her puppies, her bed-scratching behavior will suddenly increase. She’s making a nest for the arrival of her new pups to keep them warm and safe.
Why dogs carry stick on walks
Dogs like to carry sticks on walks and back home due to their instinctual desire to retrieve things.
As hunting animals, dogs were traditionally bred to ‘retrieve’ their catch and deliver them to their owner.
Dogs also like sticks because sticks feel like bones to a dog, and chewing them is satisfying.
Why dogs pee when excited or submissive
Many dog owners mistake submissive and excitement urination as a house-training problem when they are actually involuntary behavioral issues.
During times of high excitement, your puppy may dribble or squirt small amounts of urine.
Dogs also urinate in an attempt to communicate a submissive status to a person or animal.
Likewise, if your dog is scared, shocked, suspicious, or anxious about their surroundings or the individuals around, they may urinate in response to convey that they are not a threat
Why dogs lick paws
Dogs typically lick their paws as a part of self-grooming.
But if your dog licks their paws too much, or begins licking suddenly and only on one paw, inspect the tops and bottoms of the feet, the nail beds and toenails. Look for foreign objects, bruises, cuts, swelling, bleeding, redness, crusting, scabs, broken nails. Your dog may have irritated their paw by stepping on something sharp, walking on a hot sidewalk.
Excessive paw-licking could also due to food allergies or parasite infections.
Why dogs sigh
Dogs may sigh to signal contentment after a rewarding action. Like when they have had their playtime, or when they’ve eaten their favorite meal.
Dogs also sigh to signal the exhaustion of their efforts when they are disappointed. Like when they’ve begged for food throughout dinnertime without a payoff.
Why dogs eat poop
When a mother gives birth to her puppies, a mother will eat the puppy’s feces to keep their new home clean.
Eating fecal droppings is also a way of obtaining key nutrients.
While we may view poop as dangerous, it’s not as scary as we think. Healthy poop often contains harmless bacteria, water, and some undigested food. Some dogs find horse manure and goose droppings particularly appealing. This is because the manure of herbivores is full of enzymes and partially digested protein, which can be beneficial for a dog’s digestive system.
If your dog is eating poop, there might be some nutrients missing from their diet. Sometimes switching to a healthier dog food diet is the best way to fix a stool eating problem.
Some dogs may also start to eat their own poop because of environmental stress or anxiety.
Why dogs run away
Dogs may run away because they love nothing more than being active, sniffing around and exploring.
Dogs also run in an attempt to answer nature’s call, like searching for a mate or chase a prey.
Of course, many dogs are spooked by sudden loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms and they run away to get away to protect themselves.
Why dogs throw up
A dog may throw up simply because he’s eaten something disagreeable or gobbled down too much food, too fast. Dogs may also throw up because of food allergies, a sudden change in their diet, ingestion of too much fatty or buttery food, or even motion sickness due to riding in a car.
But vomiting can also indicate something far more serious. Your dog may have swallowed a toxic substance, or may be suffering from a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Frequent or chronic vomiting can be a sign of a more serious condition. If your dog’s vomiting is not an isolated incident, a vet visit is necessary.
Why dogs shake their toys
Dogs’ wild ancestors, wolves, would grab a prey in their mouth and shake aggressively from side-to-side until it was dead.
When your dog shakes their toy, they mimic the action wolves use to kill small prey. But make no mistake! This doesn’t mean your pup is aggressive!
All Comments (21)
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Had a bad day today my dog that I had since I was 3 died today, I hope all of you guy’s days are going good and just remember to spend time with your loved ones I hope y’all be successful😔
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"Dogs in a pooping position are vulnerable" Well we have something in common
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The failure to make the poop facts #2 was a tragic oversight. Also, dogs tend to look at their owners when they're pooping to communicate that they want you to look out for them while they're most vulnerable. That's also why dogs often stand watch by the bathroom while their owners are preoccupied
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My dog who was a female used to poop only in the bushes...she would look around and poop when no one's watching....Such a civilised dog she was
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No idea why this popped up on my YouTube list but I'm glad it did. Thanks for the video.
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9 Weird Dog Behaviors Explained 00:19 | #9. why dogs sniff before they poop 01:35 | #8. why dogs dig their bed or floor 02:44 | #7 why dogs carry sticks on walks 03:36 | #6 why dogs pee when excited or submissive 04:32 | #5 five why dogs lick paws 05:22 | #4 why dogs shake their toys 06:16 | #4 why dogs sigh 06:56 | #3 why dogs eat poop 08:31 | #2 why dogs run away 09:44 | #1 why dogs throw up
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Every time I watch a dog video, I go give my 14 year old pup a hug :') I love him so much
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I’m going to adopt a dog in 2 months and I’m REALLY excited!🥰 wish me good luck!!! UPDATE: I ADOPTED TWO! the best decision i made!!! THEY ARE SO CUTE
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I don't have a dog but I still watched the complete video... I just love dogs :)
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Love at first sight is the feeling I have looking at all DOGS. I have not been able to change it.😘😘😍
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my pup adds the vicious growl to his toy shaking. I think he wants the birds and squirrels that taunt him to know he's going easy on them, lol
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If you’re the voiceover guy and you’re checking out your work - good job. We really like your friendly and clear voice.
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Lmao I’ve always wondered why my dog only poops in my neighbors yard where there’s tons of dog poop, he’s just talking to the homies 😂
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Number 4 being right after number 4 was the biggest thing I learned from the video. I always thought 3 came after 4, been doing it wrong my whole life.
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It's so hard to get through that. Just remember all the good times you had. Sending you massive love and hugs xx
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My beagle mable is almost 15 years old and is doing just fine. Love the video. I wanted to share that I love my dog! I wish she could meet all of the dogs in this video.
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This was wonderful! We've had a golden retriever for a year now (from age 8 wks), so it was fantastic to see the reason for some of the behaviors we've witnessed. Thank you!
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my dog has only recently started selecting sticks and carrying them home on our walks but he's grown such a collection from long and heavy to short and tiny 🥰
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My Stella always let's out a huge sigh right before she goes to sleep for the night.
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Each of my pups scratch different areas around the bed and ends up sleeping on my face.
