Ever wondered why your dog sniffs other dogs, chases its tail, or tilts its head?

Dogs communicate in fascinating ways, and many of their actions have deeper meanings. This article deciphers some of the most common yet puzzling dog behaviours, helping you understand your furry friend better.

Dogs and Their Unusual Behaviours – What Do They Mean?

Dogs are often seen as friendly and straightforward companions, unlike their more mysterious feline counterparts. However, their behaviour can sometimes leave owners puzzled. Why do they sniff other dogs’ butts, spin in circles before lying down, or howl at seemingly nothing? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone.

Let’s dive into some of the most common dog behaviours and what they truly mean.

Why Does My Dog Sniff Other Dogs’ Butts?

While humans rely on sight to perceive the world, dogs experience their surroundings primarily through smell. A dog’s sense of smell is up to 10,000 times better than a human’s, allowing them to gather vast amounts of information through scent.

Dogs have anal glands that release a unique scent, much like a human fingerprint. By sniffing another dog’s rear end, your pet is essentially reading a “doggy profile”—learning about the other dog’s gender, reproductive status, health, and even what they ate recently. In the canine world, this is a completely normal and socially acceptable way of greeting.

Why Does My Dog Walk in Circles Before Lying Down?

This behaviour is deeply rooted in a dog’s genetics. Long before dogs became household pets, their ancestors—wild wolves—would walk in circles to pat down grass and leaves to create a comfortable sleeping spot.

While domestic dogs no longer need to prepare their beds, the instinct remains. However, if your dog seems obsessively circling, it could be a sign of anxiety or an underlying health issue, so consulting a vet is a good idea.

Why Does My Dog Hump Legs, Objects, and Other Dogs?

This can be embarrassing for owners, but humping is not always a sexual act. While unneutered dogs may do this due to hormonal urges, neutered or spayed dogs may hump to show dominance, excitement, or simply to seek attention.

In many cases, dogs don’t realise this behaviour is inappropriate. If your dog has developed a humping habit, try distracting them with a toy or treat to redirect their attention.

Why Does My Dog Drag Its Butt on the Floor?

This is one of the more unpleasant behaviours dog owners have to deal with. While sometimes dogs do this simply to clean themselves after defecating, it can also be a sign of:

• Anal gland issues – Dogs have scent glands near their anus that can become clogged. A vet may need to express these glands to prevent infection.
• Worms – If your dog has a tapeworm, they may experience itching and discomfort.
• Allergies or irritation – Some dogs drag their rear due to food allergies or skin conditions.

If this behaviour is frequent, a trip to the vet is advisable.

Why Does My Dog Chase Its Tail?

Tail-chasing is often just playful behaviour. Puppies, in particular, may do this as a form of entertainment. However, excessive tail-chasing can sometimes indicate:

• Fleas or skin irritation
• Anxiety or boredom
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), especially if your dog does it persistently

If you notice your dog fixating on its tail, check for physical irritation or consider offering more mental stimulation through interactive toys or training exercises.

Why Does My Dog Tilt Its Head When I Speak?

Few things are cuter than a dog tilting its head when you talk to them. While scientists don’t know the exact reason, some theories suggest that dogs:

• Are trying to better understand the sounds they hear
• Are focusing on specific words they recognise, such as “walk” or “treat”
• Are adjusting their ears to determine where a sound is coming from

If your dog tilts its head constantly, without external stimuli, it could indicate an ear infection or a neurological issue—worth checking with a vet.

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

Dogs munching on grass often worries owners, but it’s usually harmless. Some reasons why dogs eat grass include:

• Aiding digestion
• Getting more fibre in their diet
• Relieving nausea or an upset stomach
• Simply enjoying the taste

If your dog eats grass excessively and vomits frequently, it could signal an underlying digestive issue that needs veterinary attention.

Why Does My Dog Kick Its Leg When Scratched?

If you’ve ever scratched your dog’s belly and seen their leg kick involuntarily, you’ve triggered the scratch reflex.

This reflex is caused by nerves in your dog’s spinal cord, which detect irritation (even though it’s just your hand) and send a signal to the leg muscles to scratch. It’s an automatic response, similar to how humans twitch when something tickles them.

Why Does My Dog Howl?

Dogs inherit howling behaviour from their wolf ancestors, who used it to communicate over long distances. In modern dogs, howling can be triggered by:

• High-pitched sounds like sirens or musical instruments
• Separation anxiety – Some dogs howl when left alone for long periods
• Seeking attention – If you react to their howling, they may continue doing it for engagement

If your dog howls excessively, ensuring they get enough exercise and mental stimulation may help.

Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?

Dogs use eye contact as a form of communication. When your dog stares at you, they might be:

• Waiting for a treat, attention, or playtime
• Showing affection – Staring at their owner releases oxytocin, the “love hormone”
• Feeling threatened – If the stare is accompanied by a stiff body posture, it could indicate aggression

Always read your dog’s overall body language to interpret their intent correctly.