Dogs are wonderful… And weird. Have you ever wondered why your dog can seem almost eerily human in one moment, and then you turn around to find them doing something so distinctly canine you wonder how they ever became domesticated in the first place? Today, LazyPaw Animal Hospitals is dissecting oddball dog behaviors to explain why your favorite mutt is so doggone funny sometimes.
Walking in circles before hitting the hay
It can be cute when your dog rotates 360 degrees before mutating into a furry cinnamon-bun-shape to nap. Behaviorists aren’t exactly sure why dogs do this, but it’s likely a leftover instinct from canine ancestors who slept outside without much warmth or guarantee of safety or comfort. Walking around a spot before lying down could serve as a final check for predators in the area, stamp down prickly grass, carve a bed out of snow, and create a level, soft surface that felt more like a cozy nest.
Scratching at the ground before going to sleep
After circling, dogs often scratch or paw at bedding or carpet before they curl up for a snooze. Why? Digging before lying down is probably thanks to generations of dogs who learned that sleeping in a hole surrounded by cool earth was a great way to shelter themselves from hot weather. When temperatures were cold or freezing, a hole helped dogs retain body heat. However, if your dog constantly circles and digs but can’t ever seem to get comfortable, it’s time to make an appointment with your local vet clinic; too much constant fidgeting could be a sign of canine arthritis or neurological problems.
Cocks her head
No matter what your dog looks like, when she tilts her head to the side, she’s the cutest dog in the world. Dogs may cock their heads to hear certain sounds better, but when your pup tilts her noggin while listening to you, she’s likely trying to solve the puzzle of what you’re saying. While how much dogs can understand is a mystery, pups definitely clue in to keywords they’re used to, such as “treat” and “walk.” If your dog cocks her head while listening to you, she may be trolling your language to pick out words that mean something to her—preferably, something good that she likes.
Howls like it’s 1999
Wolves howl to send messages to pack members who are far away, or to enforce rank amongst nearby family or pack members. But why on earth does Fido do it in your backyard? A howl is an echo of a time when your dog’s ancestors kept in touch over long distances; their auditory sensitivity is so high they can distinguish one dog’s howl from the next. Howling may also have been a bonding ritual. Canine behaviorists believe howling is both instinctive and rewarding for dogs—it’s all about Fido letting everyone within earshot know they are there, plus enjoying the connection to other canines who might reply.