As a cat owner, I’m accustomed to my cat doing weird things. For example, before and after Kitty-chan leaves a poop deposit in her litter box, she takes off running like a bat out of hell. Also, since I have been working from home, she has been vocalizing more, demanding me to wake at ungodly hours or to let me know she wants to be fed. And recently she has abandoned her water bowl in favor of drinking water from the kitchen sink and bathtub faucets. What the heck, Kitty? 

Chances are, if you are a pet owner, your dog (or cat) has exhibited behavior that makes you say “What the heck?” as well. Your browser history probably contains search results for questions like “Why does my dog…?” and “Is my dog’s behavior normal?” Trust me, you are not alone. And like you, I have taken to the internet to learn a little more about why dogs do the things they do.  

Zoomies

Also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), the zoomies are random burstsof energy in which your dog breaks into a frantic run with a wild look in their eyes. Brought on by overexcitement or pent up energy, these bursts usually have your dog running full speed in circles or chasing their tail until exhaustion.  Don’t worry, zoomies are normal and healthy behavior if they are in a safe area and will not harm others or themselves. Just stay out of the way and enjoy the hilariousness of your dog’s high energy fits of fun. 

Eating Poop 

Yuck, right? This odd behavior is scientifically called coprophagia (kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh), and although this is indeed a nasty habit, it’s a relatively common amongst dogs. But why do they do it? It could be that they are bored if they are left alone at home. They could be trying to hide the evidence of pooping in the house. Maybe they are seeking your attention. Or perhaps they simply enjoy the taste. If your dog frequently partakes in a poop snack, you should consult with your vet to rule out any health issues that may be causing this behavior – parasites, nutritional deficiency, thyroid disease and other conditions can lead to an increase in appetite.  

Dreaming (Running, Twitching, Barking)

During REM sleep, a dog’s brain functions much like it does while they are awake. So just like us humans, dogs tend to relive moments from their waking life in their dreams. They probably visualize chasing squirrels, barking at the mailman, playing fetch and other actions that would cause them to run, twitch or bark in their sleep. This is completely normal behavior, especially for puppies. Even if they are whining and whimpering, it’s best to just let the dream run its course and allow your pup to enjoy their deep uninterrupted sleep. 

Digging 

You’ve probably noticed your dog digging on their bed or crate, right? That’s called “denning” – it’s a natural behavior that is fun to watch. Digging outside, on the other hand, can really be a nuisance, especially if your dog is tearing up your lawn or destroying your garden. Or worse yet, if you have an escape artist on your hands. Some dogs just enjoy digging, others are influenced by their breed’s genetics, but most diggers are just bored or are experiencing separation anxiety. This behavior provides mental and physical stimulation, so giving them a sandbox or puzzle toys as an outlet could help satisfy this need.  

Sniffing Butts 

Like a friendly introduction followed by a handshake, sniffing butts is how dogs become acquainted with one another. And usually, they spend just a short time doing it. A quick hello if you will. But with their amazing sense of smell, a dog can learn a great deal more about their counterpart. They can determine the dog’s sex, age, diet, health and even their mood. Also, they can determine if the other dog is a stranger or if they have previously met. It’s essentially how dogs get to know each other.  

Humping

Oh man, humping is so embarrassing. But it is a common behavior, so you’re not alone in dealing with it. We’ve all seen it before. Dogs hump other dogs, other people and even inanimate objects. This behavior gets a good laugh in the movies, but in real life it can be mortifying for the dog owner. It mostly occurs when a dog is excited or is seeking your attention – it’s not usually sexual in nature for adult dogs. In older dogs it can also be a sign of dominance. The best way to address this behavior is through redirection training – with treats or toys – and it’s best to start when they still puppies. 

Eating Grass 

Opinions vary widely on why dogs eat grass. As an omnivore your dog may instinctively desire plant material in their diet. They could possibly be seeking a remedy for a gassy or upset stomach. But chances are your doggo just enjoys the taste of grass. Dogs eat far worse things on occasion, so this odd behavior is encouraged and poses no real risk to them. Just keep an eye on what your dog is putting in their mouth. And if your dog stays indoors, consider providing them with a tray of growing grass for them to nibble on. 

Taking Food from Bowl and Eating Elsewhere

While this method of eating seems rather inefficient for a dog, it is not that uncommon of a behavior, and it is most likely instinctual. Dogs in the wild who travel in a pack often exhibit this behavior when trying to avoid conflict with the other dogs. Chances are your dog has no real competition for their food at home, so consider that there may be other factors involved. Your dog may not like where their bowl is located, or they may not like the sound their food makes in the bowl. Try switching from a metal or ceramic bowl to a plastic version – or maybe even a paper plate.  

Licking

Ah, doggy kisses. Puppies do it to show their love or ask for food. In adult dogs, licking is more of a sign of submission – but again, they probably want something like food or attention. They are dogs after all. And just like receiving attention from your dog makes you feel better, doggy kisses make your furry friend feel better too. The act of licking releases endorphins that calm and relieve stress in dogs. 

Spinning or Chasing Tail 

Dogs commonly chase their tails because it is a fun and exciting way to occasionally release pent up energy. If they obsessively chase their tails, it could be the result of an underlying medical condition. If your dog is constantly chasing their tail, consult your vet to get to the bottom of it. Dogs tend to perform a lot of repetitive actions, but they can also develop compulsive behaviors. These can usually be addressed through medication or by simply providing your pup with more stimulating and engaging exercise.