Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Petland Logo
Login/Register

Please create a free account, or login by clicking here.

Dog Behavior And What It May Imply

July 8, 2021

If you own one of these fluffy angels, it’s only natural for you to want to know what they are thinking. Sometimes, you might catch them doing something weird or comical that makes you go, ‘Why on earth would you do that?’

Now, no two dogs are exactly the same. They each have their own defining personality. But all dogs share similar behavior patterns that give us an inkling of what they are feeling.

In this article, we discuss the different behaviors your pup can exhibit, in basic dog language, and what they mean.

  1. Head Tilting

Cocking their head to one side is one of the cutest expressions that your dog can pull off. It’s almost like they are questioning what is going on. 

Experts say that they are trying to figure out what they are hearing and the location of the noise. Another reason they might do this is that they are trying to pick up some commands they’ve gotten accustomed to, maybe ‘heel’ or ‘walk’

However, if your dog cocks her head without a trigger or appears not to have control over it, it could be a health issue. You need to see your vet as quickly as possible.

  1. Eating Grass

Yes, your pup eating grass is normal. However, this behavior is a sign that they lack some important nutrients in their diet. Another reason could be that they may be dehydrated or want to get rid of intestinal worms in their bellies. In such scenarios, it’s best you contact your vet for advice on their diet.

  1. Constant Digging

Dogs dig a lot. And we’re pretty sure your pup is no different. They dig when they’re bored, or want to hide their important belongings, or when they need a cooler spot to stay. But, when they dig inside the house as well—couches and blankets—it can be a nuisance. 

This behavior is completely normal. Get your furry friend busy by engaging her with interactive games. However, if the digging really distresses you, you can employ the services of a trainer to reduce the habit.

  1. Chasing Their Tail

Does your Goldie spin in circles, chasing her tail? It’s a cute scene to watch and a very normal activity. It’s just another fun way she releases energy. However, if she does the activity excessively, it could be a sign of an anal or skin infection.

If this progresses to something constant and extreme, your dog might have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Did your jaw drop? Yep, Dogs do have OCD. You will need to see your vet concerning the tail chasing.

  1. Eating Poop

We’ve spoken about the cute behaviors, the weird patterns, and the funny ones. Now, it’s time for the ugly and downright gross behavior—eating poop. 

As grotesque as it sounds (or looks), your pup eating poop is actually quite common. The truth is, we may never pinpoint exactly why they do this. 

But different theories speculate that they do this because they may be hungry, anxious or stressed, or purely out of natural instinct.

Related Articles

View All Articles

  • Our Dogs Like to Sleep!

    As we age, we often find that we sleep less deeply at night which results waking up in the morning not feeling well rested. This causes many of us to try and sneak a nap in sometim...

    Read This Blog

  • Constipation in Dogs – What to Do

    Constipation occurs in dogs when they are unable to produce normal stool during their daily routine. Your dog will not be able to defecate or greatly strain while trying to do so i...

    Read This Blog

  • Dogs That Enjoy a Couch and Movie More Than a Yard and A Ball

    All dogs enjoy the smell of fresh air, chasing a ball, and running in circles outside. After all, they are creatures who need exercise and sunlight, and the feeling of freedom. The...

    Read This Blog

  • Best City Dogs

    The excitement, culture, and nightlife of living in a major city is something many people enjoy. Normally a major city is a fast moving and lively place to live. Due to how many pe...

    Read This Blog

  • Top Six Most Recently Registered Dog Breeds

    For a dog breed to find itself on the American Kennel Club’s registry, certain specific requirements must be fulfilled. This process is not an easy one, as the American Kennel Cl...

    Read This Blog

  • Dogs are Amazing!

    We all know that our pups are amazing and bring us a lot of enjoyment and love. There is a reason why they are referred to as “man’s best friend.”  We’ve put together ...

    Read This Blog

  • Top Companion Dogs

    Some dogs are bred for hunting, others for herding, and some for just being adorable and wanting to cuddle up! These pups are known as companion dogs and generally have extremely l...

    Read This Blog

  • High Energy Dogs

    Are you looking for a fast-paced high energy dog that will keep you active? If so, here is a list of the most energetic dog breeds that will keep you and your kids on the move! It ...

    Read This Blog

  • The Seven Oldest Breeds of Dogs

    They are known as man’s best friend and recent research indicates that they may have been given this title longer than we first believed. Although many dog breeds date back centu...

    Read This Blog

  • They’ll Fight Like Cats and Dogs! Or will they?

    As the saying goes, they’ll fight like cats and dogs… Not necessarily if you find the right dog. But what qualities does a dog need in order for it to get along well wi...

    Read This Blog

  • Top Pups for First Time Dog Owners

    Adding a dog to your family is a very fun and exciting part of life, however, does come with some challenges. Realistically, your pup is a part of your family and will be for many ...

    Read This Blog

  • Tips for Keeping Your Pup Healthy in the Winter

    With winter here, we all know the challenges of staying warm and safe. We must also take into consideration the well-being of our pets as the temperature drops. Here are a few simp...

    Read This Blog

Help Need Help?