Dogs are full of quirks—some adorable, some baffling, and some downright weird. If you’ve ever caught your dog spinning in circles before lying down, eating grass, or staring at you while they poop, you’ve probably wondered, What on earth is going through their head?
As odd as these behaviors seem, most of them have logical explanations rooted in instinct, biology, or even history. So, let’s dive into 10 strange dog behaviors that actually make perfect sense.
Contents
1. Circling Before Lying Down
Have you ever noticed your dog turning in circles before settling down for a nap? It might look like a pointless dance, but this behavior actually comes from their wild ancestors.
Why It Makes Sense
Wolves and wild dogs would turn in circles to pat down grass, leaves, or snow to create a comfortable sleeping spot. It also helps them check for potential dangers like snakes or insects before they settle in. Even though your dog has a plush dog bed, this ancient instinct still lingers.
2. Eating Grass
One of the most common (and confusing) behaviors dog owners witness is their pet munching on grass. Is it boredom? A dietary craving? A sign of illness?
Why It Makes Sense
Dogs aren’t strict carnivores—they’re actually omnivores. Eating grass can be a way for dogs to add fiber to their diet, aid digestion, or even help them vomit if they have an upset stomach. Some researchers also believe it’s a leftover survival instinct from when wild canines ate plant matter along with their prey.
Read Next: Why Does My Dog Put his Paw on Me?
3. Kicking the Ground After Pooping
Many dogs energetically kick their back legs after doing their business, even if there’s nothing to cover up.
Why It Makes Sense
Unlike cats, who bury their waste to hide their presence, dogs do the opposite—they kick dirt and grass to spread their scent. This behavior, called ground scratching, helps distribute pheromones from their paw pads, marking territory and sending a message to other dogs.
Read Next: Dog Sleeping Positions and what they mean
4. Tilting Their Head When You Talk
It’s one of the cutest things dogs do—tilting their head when they hear certain words or sounds. But why?
Why It Makes Sense
Head tilting helps dogs position their ears to pick up sounds better and interpret tones more accurately. Some experts also believe that tilting their head helps improve their vision by shifting their muzzle out of the way, allowing them to better see facial expressions.
Read Next: 10 Things People Do that Dogs Hate
5. Staring at You While Pooping
Ever felt awkward when your dog locks eyes with you during their bathroom break? It’s not just a weird coincidence—they want you to watch.
Why It Makes Sense
In the wild, relieving themselves puts dogs in a vulnerable position. When your dog stares at you, they’re seeking reassurance that you’re watching their back. It’s a trust-based behavior—your dog sees you as their protector while they do their business.
Read Next: 10 Warning Signs Dog Owners Tend to Ignore
6. Chasing Their Tail
While it’s often seen as a playful behavior, tail-chasing can sometimes seem a bit obsessive.
Why It Makes Sense
Puppies chase their tails as a way to explore their bodies and burn off energy. In adult dogs, occasional tail-chasing is just playful behavior, but if it becomes frequent, it could indicate boredom, anxiety, or even medical issues like allergies or parasites.
Read Next: 10 Myths about Dogs You Should Stop Believing
7. Rolling in Smelly Things
Few things are worse than watching your freshly bathed dog gleefully roll in something disgusting. Whether it’s poop, dead animals, or garbage, the smellier, the better.
Why It Makes Sense
This behavior has deep roots in canine evolution. Wild canines roll in strong scents to mask their own odor, making it easier to sneak up on prey. Some experts also suggest it’s a form of communication—dogs may be trying to “bring home” an interesting smell to share with their pack.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Needs More Love
8. Hiding or Burying Toys & Treats
Some dogs have a habit of hiding treats under couches, in beds, or even in potted plants. Others dig in the yard to bury bones.
Why It Makes Sense
This is an instinct that goes back to when dogs had to store food for later. Wild canines would bury extra food to keep it safe from scavengers and return to it later when food was scarce. Even though your dog has a full food bowl every day, the instinct to “save for later” is still strong.
Read Next: 10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive
9. Licking People Excessively
A few dog licks are normal, but some dogs are relentless when it comes to licking their owners.
Why It Makes Sense
Licking is a multi-purpose behavior in dogs. Puppies lick their mother’s face to ask for food, and adult dogs use licking as a way to show affection, groom their pack members, and even soothe themselves. Your dog might also lick you because they enjoy the salty taste of your skin.
Read Next: 10 Signs of a Happy Dog
10. Sleeping in Tight Spaces
Does your dog love squeezing into tiny spaces—under tables, behind furniture, or even curled up on your lap?
Why It Makes Sense
Dogs seek out cozy spaces for security and comfort. In the wild, canines sleep in dens, which provide warmth and protection from predators. Even in a modern home, dogs instinctively look for safe, enclosed spots where they can relax without feeling exposed.
Read Next: 10 Reasons Dogs Make Better Pets than Cats
Final Thoughts
Dogs may have adapted to life with humans, but their instincts and behaviors are still deeply rooted in their evolutionary past. What might seem like strange, silly, or even frustrating habits often have logical explanations.
Understanding these quirks not only helps us appreciate our furry companions more but also strengthens the bond between us. So the next time your dog does something bizarre, just remember—it probably makes perfect sense to them!
Do you recognize any of these behaviors in your own dog? Let us know in the comments!
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog is Bored and How to Fix Them
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
Are you wondering if your furry friend sees you as more than just a provider of food and belly rubs?
As social creatures, dogs form strong bonds with their human companions. And they have unique ways of telling you ILY.
Want to know if you’ve hit BFF status with your pup? Below are 10 signs your dog considers you its best friend!
10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
Read Next: 10 Myths About Dogs Your Should Stop Believing
Dog owners know what it’s like to be constantly bombarded with advice, tips, and stories from fellow pet parents.
Some of these pieces of information are helpful, while others have been passed down through generations but have little truth to them.
Over the years, I’ve heard countless myths about dogs—some that even I believed until I dug deeper.
Understanding what’s true and what’s simply misinformation can make all the difference in how we care for our dogs.
In this article, I’ll debunk 10 common myths about dogs that you should stop believing right now.
10 Myths about Dogs You Should Stop Believing
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Dogs are often praised for their loyalty and endless love, but even the most forgiving dogs have limits!
There are certain things they won’t forget, and understanding these “unforgivable” moments can make all the difference in your bond with them.
You can create a more beautiful life for your furry companion by tuning in to what bothers them most, So, here are 10 things your dog will never forgive—no matter how hard you try to make it up to them!
10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive
Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.