When you adopt a puppy, you can expect to have your hands and face licked a lot. It’s just what they do, and it’s usually accompanied by lots of tail wagging, excitable yelping, and even playful nipping. But why does my dog lick my hands? First, the good news is that if a dog is …
Dog Behavior
Dog Behavior
Your pets’ behavior, though sometimes confounding, is also a significant part of the joy you share with them. Sometimes, what seems like really odd behavior, is also hilarious. In most cases, there are reasons for what they do.
There are times when your dog’s behavior indicates something a little more serious. Certain behaviors indicate irritations, environmental or medical issues, or even personality traits.
Dogs, especially, are fascinating as so much of what they do seems to relate to us directly. At the very least, you could say that we have some impact on what they do, in so much as we are a part of their social lives. Even other inter animals relations like Maine Coons and dogs can bring about some quirky behaviors.
At any rate, we’ve come a long way toward understanding pups and pooches and what they do. So here’s a very useful summary of the most common dog behaviors and what to know about them.
Touchy Feely Dog Behavior
Who doesn’t love a pup that just wants to express warm, happy feelings toward you? A simple thing like when a dog puts his paw on you or nibbles on you can make your day even better.
When a dog is really attached to you, it can do odd things like follow you into the bathroom – or even follow you everywhere! Sometimes dogs become so attached they will lay on your feet or even lay all over you, given an opportunity. That may be something to appreciate, especially if you notice that it routinely chooses to sleep on you instead of your husband.
Licky Puppies
Dogs absolutely love to lick things. As with all the touchy-feely stuff mentioned above, it often has to do with affection and simply loving the taste of you. Dogs will most often lick your hands as they’re most accessible. But they will also make the fair game of licking your ears or licking your face if they get half the chance.
Licking is an integral part of a dog’s life. Most often, a dog licks its lips when in the vicinity of food, for example. You may sometimes wonder why a dog licks its nose, though. You may be even more surprised to learn that the reasons can be varied, including nervous ticks, dehydration, or even dental problems.
Pay attention also when dogs lick their paws or chew on their feet. It may appear very cute, but excessive paw licking could indicate an injury or other problem.
Sleep and Downtime
When it comes to sleep time for doggos, there are plenty of interesting things to learn based on their behavior. Your dog’s sleeping positions can also reveal much about their mind and mood.
If you’re one of those owners (un)lucky enough to have a dog that insists on sleeping on you, you may want to find out why. Who knows, you may not be the dominant personality in the house, especially if your dog is also scratching their bed or peeing on your bed.
And who wants a dog that snores all over you, especially if it happens to be a larger breed? (Isn’t it always?)
It may turn out even more alarming if your dreaming dog suddenly barks in its sleep. Dreaming dogs also tend to shake when they sleep. But there could be other reasons too, so make sure to observe them closely. Pay special attention if they seem to be crying in their sleep, as this might indicate discomfort or even sleep deprivation.
Dogs With Odd Habits
Some dog behavior can be described as a habit. These aren’t necessarily uncommon, though some of these habits may be strange or inappropriate for your particular context. For example, if your dog barks at night, it will not endear you to your neighbors. It would be best to find out why the pup is agitated.
Some dogs, especially those with floppy ears, seem to shake their heads often. This could be absolutely normal or pure maintenance. It could also indicate minor afflictions like ear mites or allergies, so check regularly if your pup is shaking incessantly.
On a less appetizing note, you may want to curb some behaviors, like a dog eating its own poop. This behavior isn’t necessarily unusual but could indicate a minor nutritional problem or bad socialization.
Similarly, dogs eating their vomit isn’t ideal (though far from abnormal). It’s best to remove the dog from the situation and investigate why the pup vomited in the first place.
Happy Fun Time Behaviors
Have you ever noticed how most dogs love sticks? That’s because they look and feel (and maybe taste) like bones. But sticks also have unexpected healthy lifestyle benefits for dogs.
A happy dog is also sometimes one that is sticking their tongue out, lolling and wiggling on their backs, or just rolling in the grass. But pay close attention; this behavior may also indicate a medical or environmental problem.
Strange or Potentially Worrisome Behaviors
Finally, a word on some head-scratching behavior to note and possibly act upon. As mentioned, sometimes dog behavior will indicate a negative situation or may require some action on your part. At the very least, getting to know these behaviors, such as why your dog is whining so much, can come in handy.
You may not be too happy if you’ve started wondering: “Why doesn’t my dog like me?” Chances are: they have their reasons. But it may also have a deeper cause related to personality or history. Similarly, if your dog is pacing or it’s panting and restless, there may be cause for concern on your part.
Owners may also want to take note of how their dog acts around other dogs. For instance, the reason your dog drools around puppies could be because of stress or excitement.
As they say, knowledge is power. The more you know, such as the reasons why your dog smells like fish, the better equipped you’ll be to help your pups through some tough times.
Dogs communicate in a number of ways, including barking, licking their paws, whining, and more. They are very vocal companions and one of the many ways they communicate audibly is through whining. Why is my dog whining so much all of a sudden? There can be many different reasons for these moans, most of which are …
For those of you who like long walks on the beach and are real ‘dog people’ – you might adore the wet kisses and cuddles from your dog. Some may consider moments like this, ones they look forward to the most. But why do dogs lie so close to you? And what drives them to …
A dog’s sense of smell ranges between 10 000 to 100 000 times more precise than humans. There are several smells dogs love, like the smell of a grilled steak or a fellow furry companion. Dogs also love the comforting smell of their owners. Dogs love many smells, but what about smells dogs hate? We …
When your dog sleeps, it reveals a lot about how it feels around you. Even when you’re not around, dog sleeping positions can reveal a lot about what your dog is feeling physically and emotionally, and how it feels about the immediate environment. Canines, as we know, are social animals. Their space and surroundings, …
Many dogs enjoy a worry-free life with people who love and care for their needs. They have a set eating schedule, sleep whenever they feel tired, receive unlimited hugs from their dog owners, and are loved no matter what they do. Most of their day is spent sleeping because 12 to 15 hours sleep is …
Sometimes it can be endearing and other times it can get on your nerves. Either way, the age-old question of ‘“why does my dog follow me everywhere?” is a tricky one to answer. This article lists some of the possible reasons why your canine companions insist on following you around. While plain animal instinct and …
If you have a pet, you likely already have a water bowl, but do you know the significance of water and how it plays an important part in the life processes of a dog’s body? Dogs must always have access to water, especially if your furry friend spends extended periods of time alone at home …
New dog owners may be familiar with that awkward dog park moment of seeing your pup eat its own feces. If you’ve experienced this, maybe you were a little embarrassed at the time and wondered, “why do dogs eat poop?” For many dog owners, it’s a complete mystery. We all know how mortifying it can …
Where people mainly use their sense of sight to explore the world, dogs mostly use their sense of smell. Therefore, a dog’s nose is very important. They have 50 times more smell receptors than a human. This allows them to smell up to 100 000 times better than any human ever could. Dog owners know …
Playing a fun game of catch is a great bonding experience with your dog. Mid-game, your dog might just stop in their tracks and throw up. Not only throw up but throw up and then proceed to eat it. Dogs are adorable, but sometimes they do some not-so-adorable things like eating their own vomit. It …
Watching your pup lick their paws can be a very cute sight to behold. Most of the time, this light afternoon licking is totally harmless and to be expected. The problem comes in when this modest tongue-lapping becomes excessive or consistent. In this case, there could be underlying reasons why your dog is licking or chewing its …
You’re sitting in your home, doing your own thing, when suddenly you feel a gentle weight press on your leg. You look down to see your precious floof’s paw resting on your lap. Sound familiar? Why does my dog put his paw on me? While most of us find this pawing behavior adorable, you may have …
Like most of our best friends, dogs are superb companions and have lovable quirks. Among them is the habit of sometimes wanting to rub their faces on the ground, whether it be grass, the lounge carpet, or your favorite garden patch at home. Remember, we’re not talking about dogs merely rolling in the grass here. …
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Dogs, our loyal and loving companions, often exhibit both endearing and curious behaviors. One such behavior is their preference for sleeping at the foot of the bed, a habit observed in many homes where dogs are considered part of the family. So why do dogs sleep at the foot of the bed? This seemingly simple …
Dogs, our loyal and loving companions, often have quirky habits that charm and puzzle us in equal measure. One such behavior that many dog owners observe is the tendency of their furry friend to sleep under their beds rather than in their own bed. Why does my dog sleep under my bed? While at first …
Cats and dogs have suffered an unfair legacy when it comes to our perception of their relationships. As both became domesticated and learned to live with humans, we have interpreted their “conflict” as a natural mortal rivalry. It is a rivalry, but not in the way most people assume. The fact is that most conflicts …
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You’re sitting in your home, doing your own thing, when suddenly you feel a gentle weight press on your leg. You look down to see your precious floof’s paw resting on your lap. Sound familiar? Why does my dog put his paw on me? While most of us find this pawing behavior adorable, you may have …
Many dogs enjoy a worry-free life with people who love and care for their needs. They have a set eating schedule, sleep whenever they feel tired, receive unlimited hugs from their dog owners, and are loved no matter what they do. Most of their day is spent sleeping because 12 to 15 hours sleep is …
Lip licking is a fairly common habit among dogs. It can be endearing to watch, but it’s also an action that can come across as slightly weird and concerning for dog parents who don’t understand why their dog does it in the first place. But why does my dog keep licking its lips? Lip …
Like humans, dogs snore because air movement in their nasal passages and airways has become disrupted. This disruption causes vibration in the tissues of their nose, mouth, or throat, resulting in the sound that you know as a dog’s snoring. The real question to ask yourself is, what is causing this disruption? Why does my …
Just like humans, dogs experience happiness, stress, illnesses, and their daily experiences are often reflected in their dreams. It is quite common to hear your furry friend crying, howling, and even growling in their sleep. But what does it mean? What do dogs dream about when they cry? For pet parents, it can be difficult …
Like most of our best friends, dogs are superb companions and have lovable quirks. Among them is the habit of sometimes wanting to rub their faces on the ground, whether it be grass, the lounge carpet, or your favorite garden patch at home. Remember, we’re not talking about dogs merely rolling in the grass here. …
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Dogs can be funny creatures. Their behavior is designed to confound us or at least make us laugh. One of those behaviors is the seemingly random act of rolling over on its back and wiggling. Why do dogs roll on their backs and wiggle? It’s as if they have an itch to scratch, and sometimes, this …
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It’s frustrating when you need time alone after a long day at work, but your dog follows you everywhere you go. This includes even the bathroom, which is supposed to be your sanctuary for privacy. But why do dogs follow you into the bathroom? Since they can’t communicate as humans do, we can’t know for sure, …
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Dogs are the friendliest pets and share a strong bond with their owner. If you own a dog, you might have experienced your dog refusing to leave your side, laying by your feet, and even pawing at you. These cute behaviors are indeed adorable, but there are specific reasons behind their actions. So why do …
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Have you ever asked yourself – why is my dog pacing? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This action can be baffling to pet owners, especially when there aren’t any obvious reasons why. Although pacing can be a common dog behavior, in some cases, it might also be a cause for concern. Let’s …
Photo by Anastasia Petrova on Unsplash You’ve probably heard that travelling with a pet is one of the most stressful things. And you may think that you have to leave your pup at home with friends, family, or at a pet hotel while you’re travelling. But, travelling with your furry friend is possible, and I’ve …
It’s a truth universally acknowledged (amongst dog owners, at any rate) that your furry friend loves to lick you. From giant slurps to quick licks and slobbery kisses to nose boops, it’s hard to resist this particular form of affection. Whether they lick you on your feet, your hand, or even your face, you’d be …
It’s too adorable when dogs mimic human behavior. We love to see them giving high-fives, wearing big grins, or even giving us a cheeky wink. But why do dogs wink? It might be a cute trick you’ve trained your clever friend to do, or perhaps they do it of their own accord. In either case, …
It’s a tale as old as time: taking your dog for a walk and throwing a stick for them. For all that it doesn’t really make any sense, it’s irresistible to see your pet overcome with a tail wagging furiously and a grin to match their excitement. And all that for a thin piece of …
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The internet loves a video of a dog with their tongue sticking out. It’s cute, it’s quirky, and it gives your pet a fun personality online. They may look a little goofy, but chances are they’re not doing it to give you a laugh. Why do dogs stick their tongue out? There are a couple …
When your dog sleeps, it reveals a lot about how it feels around you. Even when you’re not around, dog sleeping positions can reveal a lot about what your dog is feeling physically and emotionally, and how it feels about the immediate environment. Canines, as we know, are social animals. Their space and surroundings, …
Why does my dog pee on my bed? While having your dog sleep on you is one of the greatest comforts in the world, nothing is appealing about a wet bed. As a dog lover, you may have developed a bond with your furball that lets you communicate without words. A soft whimper is enough to let …
A panting dog is quite normal. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have sweat glands and instead sweat through their paws and nose or pant to regulate their body heat. Panting is especially typical on a hot day after they’ve been playing outside. But, if you may be wondering: why is your dog panting and restless at …
Head shaking, ears flapping, collar jangling — you probably see your dog doing this at least once a day. But is there any reason for this behavior? Or should you be concerned? Why do dogs shake their heads? Rest assured that head shaking is a common behavior that all dogs do on the regular. While …
Many dog owners wonder why their believed pooches like to snooze on top of them throughout the night. Maybe your dog sleeps on your husband instead of you which may also have you perplexed. All pooches often have strange quirks that raise some questions like why does my dog sleep on me? As pup parents, you want …
You may have wondered why pups lie on you or why dogs lick their noses but have you ever wondered why does a dog lick your face? While this can be an endearing display for some pet owners, others may be wondering what the reasons behind it could be. Our pups usually show undying love …
It’s such a wonderful feeling to arrive home and be greeted by your dog happily wagging its tail. Whether your best friend has a fluffy, thin, or short tail, seeing them wiggling about can always put a smile on your face. But have you ever stopped to wonder why do dogs have tails? Making dog …
There are some wacky things we wonder about when it comes to our pooches. Much like our bewilderment around why our dogs eat poop or why our pup licks their nose, we may also wonder can dogs get hiccups? When it comes to this bizarre phenomenon in general, there’s relatively little we know about why …
Your dog may be your best friend, but sometimes they do really strange things. You’ve probably seen it many times: Your dog spots a patch of grass, immediately flops down on his back, and starts wiggling around. Rolling on the grass certainly isn’t considered standard human behavior, but it is actually quite a normal thing …
‘He put his foot in his mouth again’, can be a common joke among friends and family when one has said something a little embarrassing. But what does it mean when your dog does the same thing – literally? Is there reason to be concerned? Why do dogs chew on their feet? In this guide, …
They say a dog with a wet nose is a happy dog. Anyone who has ever met a happy pooch knows that a pup’s excited nose licking means good feelings all around. So why do dogs lick their noses? In many cases, it’s a positive sign, but there are also those instances where you may …
When you adopt a puppy, you can expect to have your hands and face licked a lot. It’s just what they do, and it’s usually accompanied by lots of tail wagging, excitable yelping, and even playful nipping. But why does my dog lick my hands? First, the good news is that if a dog is …
Dogs communicate in a number of ways, including barking, licking their paws, whining, and more. They are very vocal companions and one of the many ways they communicate audibly is through whining. Why is my dog whining so much all of a sudden? There can be many different reasons for these moans, most of which are …
For those of you who like long walks on the beach and are real ‘dog people’ – you might adore the wet kisses and cuddles from your dog. Some may consider moments like this, ones they look forward to the most. But why do dogs lie so close to you? And what drives them to …
Do you have one of those dogs that love to sleep on top of you? Are you curious as to why your furry friend has chosen to always sleep on top of you and not your partner? Have you ever wondered why does my dog sleep on me and not my husband? The reasons for …
Sometimes it can be endearing and other times it can get on your nerves. Either way, the age-old question of ‘“why does my dog follow me everywhere?” is a tricky one to answer. This article lists some of the possible reasons why your canine companions insist on following you around. While plain animal instinct and …
A dog’s sense of smell ranges between 10 000 to 100 000 times more precise than humans. There are several smells dogs love, like the smell of a grilled steak or a fellow furry companion. Dogs also love the comforting smell of their owners. There are many smells that dogs love, but what about smells …
New dog owners may be familiar with that awkward dog park moment of seeing your pup eat its own feces. If you’ve experienced this, maybe you were a little embarrassed at the time and wondered, “why do dogs eat poop?” For many dog owners, it’s a complete mystery. We all know how mortifying it can …
A great bonding experience with your dog is playing a fun game of catch. Mid-game, your dog might just stop in their tracks and throw up. Not only throw up but throw up and then proceed to eat it. Dogs are adorable, but sometimes they do some not-so-adorable things like eating their own vomit. It …
Where people mainly use their sense of sight to explore the world, dogs mostly use their sense of smell. Therefore, a dog’s nose is very important. They have 50 times more smell receptors than a human. This allows them to smell up to 100 000 times better than any human ever could. Dog owners know …
Watching your pup lick their paws can be a very cute sight to behold. Most of the time, this light afternoon licking is totally harmless and to be expected. The problem comes in when this modest tongue-lapping becomes excessive or consistent. In this case, there could be underlying reasons why your dog is licking or chewing its …
Our dogs are our friends. And we love them to bits. But even our best friends do things that annoy us even if they don’t intend to. With dogs, it’s that infuriating habit of barking at inappropriate times. When it’s at night, dog barks can distress us, keep us out of sleep, and make enemies …
If you have a pet, you likely already have a water bowl, but do you know the significance of water and how it plays an important part in the life processes of a dog’s body?