It has been established dogs do weird things, habits that leave humans scratching their heads in amazement. Most of these quirks are genetically ingrained within a dogs DNA and easily explainable. It doesn’t make their habits any less peculiar, but maybe a bit more understanding.
Eats Grass
Why does a dog eat grass if all they’re going to do is throw it up again? That would be why. When a dog has an upset stomach they will munch on some grass, causing the contents of their stomach to empty and therefore makes them feel better. It seems gross, but it’s worked for them for thousands of years.
Pants
Humans sweat when they get hot. Dogs don’t have very many sweat glands that their owners do, so they pant to cool down. The faster they pant, the more air saturation he is breathing out, producing a cooling effect on his body. Dogs also pant when they feel anxious or nervous, like during a thunderstorm or when the vacuum is running.
Rolls in Mud
Consider it stealth mode. A dog’s sense of smell is their greatest defense. To roll in a stinky, slimy puddle of mud, a dog is masking their own scent, making it easier for them to creep up on other dogs or something else they’re stalking. Humans however, will smell the stench immediately and throw their dog in the bath.
Avoids Petting
Ever reached for a dog to pet and they pull away? Going over dogs heads to pet them is a sign of dominance. Not all dogs feel comfortable with being submissive and will pull away. Try offering your hand for them to smell and then scratching them under the chin or on the side of their face. It would come across as less threatening and make the dog more comfortable.
Chases His Tail
It is funny to watch a dog spin in circles trying to capture that elusive tail. Unfortunately this action is not harmless entertainment. It is a sign of high anxiety from dogs who are not mentally or physically stimulated. Some dogs take this obsessive behavior to the extreme, continuing it for hours on end. For the unlucky few who capture their “prey” it may result in injury to the tail. A dog that chases their tail needs more physical exercise and mental challenges to keep the brain whirring and the body purring. Enroll him in a sports class or find some fun training exercises to do together.
It has been established dogs do weird things, habits that leave humans scratching their heads in amazement. Most of these quirks are genetically ingrained within a dogs DNA and easily explainable. It doesn’t make their habits any less peculiar, but maybe a bit more understanding.
