Chasing their own tail

Have you ever seen your dog spin around in circles trying to catch their own tail? This is because dogs have a natural instinct to chase moving objects, and their tail is an easy target. Dogs may also chase their tail to release some energy, to relieve boredom, or to express excitement. Sometimes, dogs may chase their tail to indicate discomfort or irritation, such as fleas, allergies, or anal gland issues. If your dog chases their tail excessively or obsessively, you may want to consult your vet to rule out any medical or behavioural problems.

Tilting their head

When your dog tilts their head at you, it's not because they are confused. It's actually a sign of attention and intelligence. Dogs use their ears to locate the source and direction of sounds, and tilting their head helps them adjust their ear position to hear better. Dogs may also tilt their head to see your facial expressions more clearly, as their muzzle may block their vision. By tilting their head, they are showing that they are listening to you and trying to understand you better. You can tilt your head back at your dog to return the gesture and show your interest.

Licking your face

Sometimes, your dog may lick your face or mouth when you are close to them. This is not necessarily a sign of affection or submission. It could be that your dog is trying to communicate with you or get your attention. Dogs often use their tongue to explore their environment and gather information, and licking your face may be their way of learning more about you. It could also be that your dog is seeking food or comfort from you, as they learned this behaviour from their mother and littermates. Licking faces isn’t always healthy, and we’d suggest gently discouraging your dog – but remember they’re trying to be friendly, so don’t be too hard on them.

Digging holes

Have you ever wondered why your dog likes to dig holes? This is because dogs have a strong instinct to bury their food, toys, or bones, to hide them from other animals or save them for later. Dogs may also dig holes to create a cool spot for resting, or due to relieve stress, boredom, or excess energy. If the digging is a problem, you can help reduce it by provide your dog with enough mental and physical stimulation, such as toys, games, walks, or training.

Rolling in smelly stuff

One of the most puzzling and unpleasant behaviours of dogs is rolling in smelly stuff, such as poop or garbage. This is because dogs have a different sense of smell than humans, and they may find these odours appealing or interesting. Dogs may also roll in smelly stuff to mask their own scent, as a way of hiding from predators or hunting prey. This behaviour may also be a form of communication, as dogs may want to share their discovery with other dogs or their owners. But we do see regular cases of gastroenteritis (upset stomach), never mind the unpleasant odours, so we generally suggest people discourage it, or if you have a real garbage seeker, keep them on a leash during walks.

Dr David and the Vetopia Team.