Confusing Canine Behaviors Explained

I find my dog scooting his butt along my brand new carpet. Why does he do that?

This question has two simple answers. 1. Your dog has an itch that needs to be scratched. 2. Something is bothering him in the hindquarters region. This behavior is normal for the most part, but if you notice that your dog is doing it more than usual, be sure to check out the situation. There could be a chance your pup is suffering from allergies, tapeworms, flea bites or anal-sac disorders, all of which should be taken care of immediately. (Pet Adviser) 

My dog has been neutered for years, but he still likes to hump other dogs. Why?

Even if they're neutered or spayed, dogs will continue to display their dominance over another by mounting behavior. This is not done in a sexual manner, but rather to exert power over another pet. In fact, dogs will mount on the same sex to show their social position. That said, neutering and spaying may eliminate dogs' sex-drive-related hormones and aggressive behavior, but it won't necessarily stop them from wanting to be the leader of the pack. (Psychology Today)

Why is my dog always hungry and why does he eat everything?

Ages ago, long before dogs were domesticated, wild hounds did whatever they needed to do to survive. Because of this, contemporary canines are capable of gorging themselves to the point of regurgitation. This explains why your dog may sometimes eat its own feces or vomit; it does what it needs to do to conserve calories and energy. However, if your dog's excessive hunger continues, be sure to check that his food is providing him with the proper nutrients to satisfy his needs. Just like our junk food, some snacks your dog loves can have empty calories.

("What's Wrong with My Dog? A Pet Owner's Guide to 150 Symptoms - and What to Do about Them" By Jake Tedaldi)

My dog loves to sleep on his back. Is that normal?

If your dog is sleeping belly up, it means that he's feeling relaxed, secure and happy. The belly side is one of the most vulnerable areas of an animal, so the fact that your dog is exposing his underside means that he feels like he is safe in a comfortable setting. (Cleveland's Ask Dog Lady)

My dog can understand when I speak to him in English and Spanish. Are dogs multilingual? 

As much as we'd like to believe that our dogs understand us when we talk to them, the truth is that they're not really listening to what we're saying, but how we're saying it. Dogs listen to sounds, not words. For this reason, you could speak to your dog in many different languages, as long as you're consistently speaking to them in the same manner. While your dogs may not be able to distinguish whether you're speaking English or Spanish, they are excellent body-language decipherers. (Cesar's Way)

My dog licks everything. Why?

It may not surprise you to learn that licking is a totally normal behavior, but the reason behind it might. Licking can represent a number of things. Dogs lick to show affection; they lick to groom themselves; they lick because they like the way something tastes; and they lick to gather information. Their taste ability is far greater than ours.

However, if your dog's licking is obsessive, you may want to bring him to the vet to make sure there isn't anything more serious going on. A variety of things could be the cause for obsessive licking including pain, allergies or stress. (eHow)

My dog has been attacking people's ankles on our walks, and I don't know why.

Your dog could be displaying this concerning and annoying behavior because of instinct. Dogs with herding backgrounds, like German Shepherds or Australian Cattle Dogs, have been known to nip at the heels of other dogs, animals and people, because this is what they were bred to do.

Often this behavior is just being playful. But you should not encourage this behavior. Be sure to teach your dog not to do it. Give him proper chewing toys so that he can take his aggression and biting out on something other than your neighbor's ankles. (Dog Problems)

My puppy keeps peeing on my bed. Why is this one of his favorite activities?

As many pup owners have learned, peeing is a way for dogs to mark their territories, which can include your bed, unfortunately. In the wild, a dog would try to throw predators off from finding them by covering the predator's scent with his own pee. This is most likely why puppies pee on your comforter: because it smells like you.

There are other reasons why dogs will sometimes do this. Dogs pee when they are stressed, excited, or scared. It's a way for them to let you know you're the boss and that they're submitting to you. (Ask a Dog Trainer)

Why does my dog follow me everywhere I go?

Just like a child, you are your dog's family, so wherever you go, your dog will follow. From the moment they are born, a dog learns to follow his littermates. This same behavior explains why wild dogs used to travel in packs. Dogs are social creatures that love companionship. Your dog follows your every move because you are his security blanket, his food and his shelter. (Pet Adviser)