Dogs Can Be Weird: 6 Dog Behaviors that are Actually Normal

Dogs are weird. They do dog things. Some dog behaviors seem strange, such as digging in their bed, tilting their head when they get excited, and rolling in the grass. But don’t worry—all of these behaviors can be normal dog behavior! In this blog post, we’ll discuss six dog behaviors that might seem weird but are perfectly normal: digging in the bed, tilting the head, rolling in the grass, chasing their tail, barking, and licking.

Question: Is it normal for my dog to dig and scratch before laying down?

Answer: Digging before lying down is normal dog behavior. Dogs dig because it’s instinctual. They will naturally scratch the ground to make a place for their bodies, just like they would in grass or dirt outside! If you notice your dog acting stranger than usual, your dog might have an ear infection that makes them want to rub on something.

Question: Is it normal for my dog to tilt their head?

Answer: Tilting the dog’s head is no cause for concern. Dogs will sometimes tilt their heads because they are curious about a sound or to get a better look at you! It might seem weird at first, but it isn’t. Also, it’s just so cute when they do it.

Question: Is it normal for my dog to roll in grass?

Answer: Rolling in the grass is a typical dog behavior. Dogs like to do this because it gives them a sense of security. Your dog may roll in the grass to get rid of debris on their back, or they may try to mask their smell by rolling in something pungent. Rolling around the grass may help loosen up the dirt stuck to your dog’s back and help them self-groom difficult-to-reach areas. It may also help brush away loose fur clumps. While this dog behavior might sometimes seem peculiar, rolling in the grass is a normal behavior that you shouldn’t worry about!

Question: Why does my dog chase their tail?

Answer: If you’ve ever seen your dog chase their tail, don’t worry–it isn’t at all strange! A dog might chase their tail because they feel stressed out and need to burn off energy, or because you have given them too much attention recently and treats, which makes chasing the tail more interesting than usual. Tail-chasing provides dogs with a way to exert themselves physically and entertain them.

Question: Why does my dog bark a lot?

Answer: Barking can be standard dog behavior for many reasons. For instance, if your dog is barking at an intruder or other dog in the area, it’s a natural protective response. It may seem strange when a dog barks at nothing, but this could be because your dog sees something moving that you don’t. If your dog barks at other dogs on walks, it could be because they’re trying to defend their territory.
If barking seems out of character for your dog, there may also be an underlying health issue. Heavy panting can indicate overheating and distress.

Question: Why does my dog lick me?

Answer: The most common reason dogs lick their owner is to show affection. Sometimes dogs lick people because they are nervous or anxious. This is especially true when dog owners are experiencing stressful situations, so the dog will lick his owner’s face in an attempt to comfort them. Another reason dogs might lick people is that they taste good.

Question: What are other weird dog behaviors?

Answer: There’s nothing wrong with any of the above dog behaviors, and some dogs have their own unique traits. If your dog has been doing something since they were a puppy, there’s a good chance that their behavior is considered normal. 

It’s important to note that some dog behaviors are not normal, and you should be aware of them when you see them. Dog behaviors that are cause for concern include coughing, sneezing, excessive panting, change in activity level (e.g., lack of interest in doing things they once did), difficulty in climbing stairs, sleeping more than normal, and other behavior or attitude changes.

If you notice any of these characteristics in your dog, then you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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