7 Dog Behaviors to Watch Out For
Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows that there are certain behaviors for which canines are known. They lick, they bark, they follow you into the bathroom as if you’re going to disappear down the shower drain forever. But not all behaviors exhibited by our pooches are welcome. Some dogs misbehave or rebel while others exhibit signs consistent with a medical condition.
So, what kind of things should you look out for? Seven of these behaviors
include:
Biting
Perhaps the most challenging behavior dogs exhibit, biting can become a major issue (especially when the dog is large or around children). While biting can be a form of playing, dogs will also bite out of anxiety, fear, or aggression. Whatever the reason, it’s a behavior you want to “nip” in the bud as soon as possible.
Circling
Dogs circle so often it almost seems as if they’re contractually obligated to twirl around sixteen times before lying down. But circling isn’t always a meaningless activity – it can also be a sign of an ear infection, idiopathic vestibular syndrome (especially in older dogs), or poisoning.
Digging
Dogs dig digging (much to your award-winning garden’s dismay)! More often than not, your furry friend acts like a shovel because it’s normal canine behavior – dogs may dig to hide a bone, to find a cool spot, or because they’re interested in the smells. Dogs that are allowed to dig tend to keep doing it. So, if you don’t want your pup digging up your yard (or your sofa), work with a trainer to break the habit.
Eating Feces
Poop…it’s what’s for dinner? As if dog breath wasn’t bad enough, your pooch may indeed feast on feces. In many instances, it’s normal- dogs eat poop because of instinct or learned behavior. But dogs may also do it because of fear or a nutritional deficiency.
Head Pressing
A dog that’s engaged in head pressing likely needs veterinarian attention as soon as possible. It can be a sign of poisoning or a neurological disorder. In general, it’s not a normal behavior exhibited in canines.
Scooting
We’ve all seen it: our dog scooting across our carpet (white carpet, of course). Most dogs do this on occasion, but any consistency can be a sign
of worms, irritation (common in dogs that eat grass), or anal glands that need to be expressed (say it with us: not it!).
Yawning
Many people assume that dogs yawn for the same reason people do: they’re tired or bored. But canines tend to yawn because they’re stressed, nervous, or excited (they may yawn in anticipation of going on a walk). It’s always best to deal with a yawning dog with caution and refrain from forcing them to meet anyone until their nerves have settled.
So, there you have it…dogs aren’t perfect. But they’re pretty darn close.
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
