5 Weird Dog Habits and Why They Do It

If you have ever owned a dog then you know that these loving creatures can also act very strange and goofy at times. While it’s funny a lot of the time, some of the odd behavioral patterns can also be symptoms of an underlying problem. As a dog owner, it’s only natural to be inquisitive about these strange canine behaviors and it’s also necessary that you are aware of what’s causing your dog to act in such a way. To help you with that, here are five odd canine behaviors and the reasons that are commonly responsible for them.

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Chasing its Own Tail

It’s so common that there’s an actual proverb regarding this canine habit! This funny little practice in most cases does not mean anything other than the fact that your dog is having some fun and expending some energy in the process. However, in some cases, it can be indicative of anal problems, fleas, and allergies, especially if it’s something that you see far too often. If your dog is absolutely obsessed with chasing his/her tail, it might just be a sign of canine compulsive disorder.

Eating Poop

We have the answer to that shocked and disgusted question that many dog owners have had for years, “why does my dog eat poop?” In short, it can be a sign of malnutrition, deficiency of necessary enzymes,or just plain instinctual behavior. This is of course not a conduct that you would like to encourage, so thankfully, there are ways you can bring your dog out of this nasty habit.

Cocking the Head

Adorable and funny at the same time, your dog will cock its head to either hear a sound better or when it is confused or trying to understand something. This behavior is not to be confused with that of a dog that always tilts its head sideways even when there is no external reason to justify the behavior. In that case, you may need to consult a veterinarian.

Howling

Howling is an instinctive behavior for dogs and wolves. Back when they were in the wild, it was a way to communicate with pack members and sometimes it still persists in domesticated dogs. Your dog may actually feel good in doing so or it could be a sign of loneliness.

Staring

If your canine friend is staring at you all the time, he/she is possibly looking for some affection and a few treats! As a dog owner, you probably know that every dog loves affection and the occasional treat so it’s perfectly normal and can be cured with some cuddling sessions. Nevertheless, if you see signs of aggression like bared teeth and growling, avoid eye contact and back away until you can figure out what to do next.

Most odd behaviors displayed by dogs are usually nothing to be worried about, but the key is in keeping an eye on them to see if they become frequent. Even if they do become a bit distracting, behavioral problems in dogs can almost always be solved with the proper training, care, love, and medical attention.