Dog Behavior You Are Misreading Everyday

Whether it’s on one of your daily walkies or when your pup is trotting around in the backyard, you’ve no doubt seen your pup kick their paws out behind them after they’ve peed or pooped. Now, you’re not alone if you believed your pooch was doing this to cover up their mess – but, unfortunately, if you thought this, you’d be wrong! When your dog kicks and scratches the ground after they have released their bowels or bladder, they’re actually releasing a pheromone located in the scent glands found on their paws. Similar to marking with their urine, kicking the ground and leaving their pheromone in the grass is just another way your pup is marking their territory – telling others nearby or passing dogs that they’re the alpha.


Also known as scooting, our pups sometimes drag their butts on the floor – gross! Now, although it’s a strange and humorous dog behavior to witness, it could be a sign that something is irritating your dog’s butt. This type of irritation can originate from a problem with their anal glands and sacks. Anal glands are internal organs, situated on either side of the anus, containing a foul fishy-smelling liquid that can cause discomfort to your pup who can then scoot across the floor to try and soothe the itch. A healthy anal gland also has a pungent smell, but if there is a problem with the anal gland, you (and your vet when you seek medical attention) will normally be able to notice this smell even when you’re a few steps away.



Dig in the ground; from burying toys and cooling themselves off to nesting or just because they’re bored, our dogs love to have a good dig in some dirt. Digging is also a natural way for your pup to trim their nails. When dogs were less domesticated and wild, they didn’t have someone to cut their claws for them – so digging was the perfect excuse to trim those growing talons!

Watching your dog roll around in the grass can be very funny. Their legs flap around in the air and their lips fall down towards their eyes, showing your pup’s shiny teeth while they wriggle around like a giant worm. But, why do dogs roll in the grass? Well, sometimes after you’ve given your pup a bath to rid the smelly dog stink, your pup might not be as much of a fan of their new scent as you – so, they will take matters into their own paws and try to rub the smell off. This process will also, very similar to kicking their paws, leave their scent in the grass for other dogs to have a smell.



Have you ever noticed that some dogs start howling when they hear sirens or music? This strange dog behavior is actually programmed into their DNA and it is actually your dog trying to communicate with the sound. In the wild, dogs and wolves will howl when they’re separated from their pack or when they need to attract attention – so when your pup hears the high pitch noise in sirens or music, they respond, telling the ‘howling dog’ where they are!


Did you know that some wildlife biologists believe that our pups’ wolf family members turn before they sleep to make sure they face the wind so that they can pick up any dangerous scent? Amazing right?! This natural behavior might be one of the answers to why dogs turn before they lay down.
Another reason your pooch circles before they sleep is to simply make sure they’re comfortable and cool. Just like how we humans often flip our pillows over to the ‘cooler side’, your pup will walk in a circle, pressing down on their beds to make it feel perfect for sleep.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Why does my dog wag its tail but still seem uncomfortable?
   Tail wagging doesn’t always mean happiness. The speed, height, and stiffness of the wag can indicate excitement, anxiety, or even warning. A stiff, high wag often signals stress rather than friendliness.
2. Does a dog licking means affection ?
   Not always. While licking can show affection, dogs also lick to seek attention, reduce stress, or show submission. Excessive licking may be a sign of anxiety or discomfort.
3. Why does my dog yawn when it isn’t tired?
   Not always. While licking can show affection, dogs also lick to seek attention, reduce stress, or show submission. Excessive licking may be a sign of anxiety or discomfort.
4. Why does my dog follow me everywhere?
   This behavior can indicate bonding and trust, but it may also signal separation anxiety or insecurity. Observing your dog’s behavior when alone helps clarify the reason.