In this video, we will talk about 10 awkward things dogs do and explain the meaning behind them.
Why dogs like squeaky toys
You might not realize it but your precious dog loves squeaky toys because they satisfy their prey drive. The squeaky sound of a toy taps into their instincts as it resembles the high-pitched sound that a small prey animal would make when it is attacked.
Your canine enjoys the instant gratification they get from repeatedly gnawing on a squeaker.
Picking up their food and carrying it away
You have probably noticed that your dog picks up its food from where you place it and carries it someplace else in the house.
In the wild, dogs run in packs. When they make a kill, rather than stay in the pack and fight for what is theirs. When your canine takes their food to a separate area, it means they need their privacy and want to protect their meal.
Why dogs wink at you
Dogs often wink when they have some irritants in their eye. The irritation may be from a physical item such as dust, dirt, hair, or even cleaning sprays.
Why dogs roll around in poop
Rolling in poop is an instinctual behavior, harkening back to the days when your dog’s wild ancestors would mask their scent to sneak up on their prey. Wolves, for example, have been observed rolling in the droppings of plant-eating animals or animal carcasses to cover up their own scent during the hunt.
Canines also scent roll as a way of communicating with their "pack". By rolling around in a smelly mess, your dog can bring information back to the rest of the pack about a new thing.
Remember that what you deem as a pleasant smell might be unpleasant for dogs. For example, the smell of scented shampoos on a dog’s fur may send them running outside to roll on the stinkiest thing they can find.
Creating hidden lair
Dogs’ wild ancestors had the instincts to hunt things and bring them back home to eat later. Our dogs today still retain these instincts. This is one of the reasons why your canine companion picks up random things such as their toys and takes them to a secret place in your house. After all, this is supposed to be their secret lair.
Why dogs bury bones
In the wild, dogs live from meal to meal, never knowing where or when they'll eat next. When they end up with a surplus of food, they save it for later by burying it in dirt.
Burying carcasses and bones helps the meat last longer as it keeps it away from direct sunlight. The temperature of the earth also decreases with the depth of the hole, keeping the food fresher longer.
Why dogs show jealousy when you pet another animal
Scientists believe dogs are capable of jealousy in relation to any type of social creature. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that when dog owners displayed affectionate behaviors towards another pet in the house, the dog would show signs of stress and anxiety.
Why dogs lick you
More often than not, dogs lick you to show you affection and love. Licking is also a way for canines to bond with family members. When your dog licks you, it’s their way of grooming you and showing they care about your wellbeing. And if you have the taste of some yummy treats on your skin, then your pet might have another motive for their licking behavior.
Keep in mind that dogs also use their tongue to explore the world through scent and taste. Licking people and objects is their way of touching things like we do.
Why dogs stare at you so intensely
A dog stare is actually a form of communication in the canine world.
More often than not, dogs watch you to understand what you’re doing.
Dogs and humans have a special relationship. Dogs are naturally attached to their owners and they take an interest in what their favorite humans do. Watching people is how they gather information about our actions.
Sometimes they are waiting for us to do something that will impact them, like picking up the leash to take them for a walk. Or to perform a specific command like “Sit” and earn a reward.
Keep in mind that dogs also use eye contact when they want something from you. Finally remember that if your dog looks at you with longing eyes, it is a sign that they love you.
Why dogs eat poop
Dogs want clean spaces to play and live. Dogs often eat their puppies' feces to keep their home clean.
Eating fecal droppings is also a way of obtaining key nutrients.
While we may view poop as dangerous, it’s not as scary as we think. While eating poop from sick animals can be an issue as it can contain viruses, parasites, and bacteria, healthy poop often contains harmless bacteria, water, and some undigested food. Poop can be nutritious and help reset the gut bacteria to healthy levels.
Some dogs may also start to eat their own poop because of environmental stress or anxiety. Studies have shown that dogs who are kept alone in kennels or basements are more likely to eat poop than those dogs who live close to their people.