Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates
Our dogs often exhibit some strange behaviors that don’t necessarily make sense to us, but many of these behaviors are very natural and ought not to worry us. These behaviors are often leftover behaviors from thousands of years ago.
#1: My dog follows me to the bathroom. Why?
Your dog loves you and wants to be with you every waking moment. He may also be in protection mode, wanting to keep you safe while you are in the bathroom. He may see you as “his” person and doesn’t want anyone else to have access to you. If you interact a great deal with your dog while he is in the bathroom, as I do, well he’s there with you because it’s fun! If this behavior bothers you, then close the door. If the closed door stresses your dog out, offer treats or a cool toy, just outside the door. This will keep him happy and occupied while you are gone.
#2: My dog takes food out of his bowl and then drops it on the floor to eat it? Why?
This is kind of a hard one to explain. Some dog behaviorists think this is a leftover behavior from wolf pack mentality. Typically, the less dominant dogs in the pack will drag their food off to eat alone, so that no other member of the pack steals their food. This is an instinctive behavior that is displayed despite no competition for the food in your household. Sometimes dogs do not like the sound of their dog tags clinking in a metal bowl. If this behavior is troublesome to you, you can try to use a ceramic or glass bowl, so that the clinking sound is eliminated. Or try moving your dog’s feeding station to a quiet area or one that is a bit more secluded, so you pup does not have any competition while eating.
#3: Why does my dog kick the ground after going poop?
Again, this is an instinctive behavior that comes from a time when wolves or wild dogs kick the ground around them after pooping because it cleans up the area and also marks the area. Dogs have scent glands in their feet that release pheromones, therefore allowing your dog to claim the spot. That is why dogs do so much sniffing the ground and trees. They are trying to learn who has been there and what were they up to. Don’t try to change this behavior. It’s like you watching the news, or reading the newspaper; you want to know what’s going on!
#4: My dog always circles around before he lays down. Why?
This is an ancient behavior that dogs do to make their spot for sleeping comfortable. This behavior has continued on in many modern domestic dogs.
#5: Why does my dog sometimes sleep on his back?
Just as we humans like to change our positions for sleeping, dogs do too. Your dog wants to be comfortable and occasionally laying upside down does the trick. Also, rolling on his back, demonstrates a level of comfort that your dog is demonstrating. In the wild, canines do not expose their bellies in fear of getting their abdomens and organs attacked. Rest assured that your dog feels safe in the home you have provided. In addition, dogs roll on their backs to show submission.
So, many of these behaviors are forms of communication from your dog. Learn about them and enjoy your dog “talking” to you.
