Why Do Dogs Behave This Way? Part Two Explained

In our first "why do dogs..?" article, we explained some puzzling canine behaviours like digging at their bed or shaking when dry. This second part explores more fascinating dog behaviours with updated scientific insights and practical understanding for loving dog owners.

Why Do Dogs Roll in Stinky Things?

Many owners despair when their dog joyfully rolls in foul-smelling objects like animal faeces or decomposing wildlife. This behaviour, rooted in evolutionary instincts, likely helped wild dogs mask their scent to sneak up on prey, making them more effective hunters. It may also serve as a way to mark the stinky object with their own scent or communicate a discovery to their pack. Recent UK veterinary psychology notes this behaviour persists despite domestication, and brushing your dog with patience after is best to manage it.

Why Do Dogs Scratch or Kick Up Grass After Toileting?

Cats often bury their waste to hide their presence, but dogs do the opposite. By scratching the ground or kicking grass around their toilet spot, dogs create both a visual and scent marker. This behaviour advertises their territory to other dogs and potential intruders. This is a natural territorial instinct supported by canine behavioural studies in the UK, emphasising the importance of recognising these signals to better understand your pet’s communication.

Why Do Male Dogs Cock Their Leg to Pee?

Leg cocking to urinate is not innate but learned. Male dogs often observe others or detect previously marked urine and adopt this stance to heighten their scent mark. Urinating higher spreads their scent farther, effectively claiming territory. Not all males do this; dogs lacking exposure to others or solitary males may never learn it, which is perfectly normal and not concerning. Socialisation plays a key role.

Why Do Dogs Rub Themselves on the Carpet?

When your dog rolls and rubs on the carpet, it may be relieving an itch or, more intriguingly, scent marking the home environment. Carpets, due to their size and traffic, hold many household scents. Dogs either leave their personal scent to claim ownership or absorb household smells to feel connected to their home. This multifaceted behaviour is a mix of comfort and communication.

Why Do Dogs Try to Lick Your Face?

Face licking is often affectionate, as dogs like the salty taste of skin. However, licking near your mouth reflects ancestral puppy behaviour, where puppies lick parents’ faces to stimulate regurgitation of food. Although now mostly symbolic, this gesture is ingrained and shows bonding and anticipation. For hygiene, discourage licking near your mouth but enjoy your dog’s affectionate displays.

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership

Understanding why dogs behave as they do enhances the bond between owner and pet. Accepting these behaviours as normal or instinctual helps approach training and care with patience and empathy. Always source your dog from reputable breeders or adopt from trusted organisations, ensuring pets receive proper care and socialisation. If unwanted behaviours become problematic, consult with a professional trainer or vet rather than resorting to punishment.

For those interested in exploring dog ownership further, finding a puppy responsibly is the first important step. Responsible acquisition supports healthier pets and more positive human-dog relationships.

In summary, while dogs’ quirky behaviours may puzzle us, they are rooted in ancient instinct and social communication. Embracing these traits with knowledge promotes a happy, well-adjusted dog living harmoniously with their human family.