Why Does My Dog...
CANINE BEHAVIOR
Why Does My Dog Like to Dig?
Dr. Sarah Wooten reveals some of the reasons dogs dig — and what you can do to prevent the frustrating behavior.
Read More: What to do if the kissing is too extreme
The Latest in Why Does My Dog...
Lick Me? (Video)
Is your canine’s slobbery kiss simply a way to show affection, or is there more to it than that? Dr. Sarah Wooten explains. Watch our new video ›
Not Get Frozen Paws? (Video)
Ever wonder how canines can walk barefoot on the ice and snow in winter? Dr. Sarah Wooten reveals the science. When booties are a good idea ›
Lick Other Dogs' Muzzles? (Video)
Is this behavior really the friendly doggie kiss that it seems to be? Dr. Sarah Wooten examines what it means. What to do if you see it happening ›
Kick the Grass After Pooping? (Video)
Dr. Sarah Wooten explains what it really means when some canines kick the grass after going to the bathroom. What it has to do with their wild ancestors ›
Cock Her Head? (Video)
Ever wonder what this adorable canine behavior really means? Dr. Sarah Wooten explores the fascinating science behind it. Whether it’s an indicator of intelligence ›
Like to Bury Bones?
Have you ever wondered why dogs hide bones, toys and other items? Hint: It has something to do with their wild ancestors. Our veterinary behaviorist explains ›
Sniff Only Certain People?
Does your canine ever seem particularly interested in one person’s scent but will ignore others? Here’s what’s happening. Whether it’s true that they can smell fear ›
Look Guilty?
If you swear that your canine acts guilty when he’s been bad, the results of two studies will definitely surprise you. Mikkel Becker’s advice on your reaction ›
Not Get Frozen Paws?
Have you ever wondered why your pup can walk "barefoot" on ice and snow? A vet reveals the science behind it. When he should wear booties ›
Dig in the Trash Can?
Dr. Wailani Sung explains why your dog goes through garbage — and what you can do to prevent the behavior. Why his ancestors might be to blame ›
Try to Run Away?
Experts think pups bolt out the door because they want to explore the outside world or need more stimulation at home. How to get him to come back ›
Drop to the Ground When He Sees Other Dogs?
It doesn’t look like it, but when your dog drops to the ground upon seeing another canine, it’s actually a positive signal. When problems can arise ›
Automatically Like Some Dogs and Hate Others?
Ever wonder how your pup chooses her neighborhood pals? Or how about the dogs she seems to instantly dislike? Cues that we humans don’t even notice ›
Make a Beeline for Cat Food?
Experts think that dogs make a beeline for feline food because it has a higher protein content than canine kibble. Find out if it’s safe for pups to eat ›
Go to People Who Don't Like Pets?
In many cases, people who are not comfortable around dogs mistakenly think that the canine is singling them out. Why indifference can be attractive to pups ›
Cock Her Head?
Experts believe your pup tilts her head when she hears something that could possibly be important to her, like “walk.” More reasons she does this ›
Point?
Years ago, hunting dogs were bred to "freeze" and point their snouts to alert hunters to the presence of prey. Tips for teaching your pup this behavior ›
Twitch While Sleeping?
Animal experts theorize that while pups are snoozing, they act on their dreams by moving as if they were chasing a rabbit. Why you shouldn’t wake him up ›
Lick Other Dogs' Muzzles?
A pup who licks another dog’s muzzle may be displaying canine hierarchy, or it could be the equivalent of social kissing. How you should respond to the behavior ›
Steal Objects?
Canine kleptomaniacs snatch stuff like shoes and food for many reasons — sometimes just to get you to chase them. The best way you can respond ›
Like to Have His Belly Rubbed?
There isn’t much that’s cuter than a canine who rolls onto his back to request a good tummy scratch. Cues that you shouldn’t touch him ›
Shred Paper?
Whether it’s toilet paper or your son’s homework, some canines tear things up as an outlet for their energy or stress. Breeds most likely to be shredders ›
Roam?
Certain breeds, plus dogs who haven’t been neutered or spayed, may wander the streets seeking excitement or mates. How walks and attention discourage this ›
Bow?
If your canine plops down with his front legs extended and his rear end up in the air, it’s a sign that he wants to play. Why social hierarchy isn’t a factor ›
Bury Objects?
Your pup likely stashes his favorite toys and treats because his ancestors buried surplus food to hide it from scavengers. How to prevent this behavior ›
Thrash His Toys?
The action of grabbing and shaking playthings from side to side harks back to your pup’s instinctual predator drive. What it has to do with killing prey ›
Roll Onto Her Back When She's Scared?
Your pup flops onto his back when he feels fearful or threatened to show deference to other “alpha” dogs. When the behavior may signal a problem ›
Curl Up in a Ball When He Sleeps?
Humans like to stretch out when they snooze, but instinct and temperature cause canines to tuck into a ball. What it means if he’s sprawled out ›
Eat His Food Away From His Bowl?
Some canines take kibble from their dish and munch on it in another spot to avoid having an altercation with other pups. How to curb this curious behavior ›
Guard His Food Bowl?
If your canine bears his teeth when you get too close to him during feeding time, it’s likely the result of past experiences. How to curb the behavior ›
Pick Fights With Pups Twice His Size?
Little breeds tend to be scared of larger canines, which can cause them to overreact and become aggressive. How proper socialization can help ›
Lick and Chew His Feet?
Dr. Patty Khuly says canines chew on their paws for many reasons, such as boredom, skin allergies and injuries. When to consult your veterinarian ›
Drool So Much?
All dogs salivate to cool down, but pups with big or open lips, like Bloodhounds and Boxers, fling more drool than others. When it could signal a heat emergency ›
Pass So Much Gas?
Dr. Patty Khuly says flatulence could be a sign that your canine has a dietary intolerance to certain foods. When it's time to see the veterinarian ›
Like to Lick My Other Dog's Ear Cavity?
If your pup has a tendency to lick another pet's inner ears, it could be a sign of a compulsive disorder. How to halt this habit ›
Stare at Me?
Dr. Patty Khuly says your dog gazes expectantly into your eyes because he probably wants something from you. More reasons he can't stop looking at you ›
Have a Wet Nose?
Our expert explains why your canine’s nose is moist when it’s hot outside or when you cook bacon for breakfast. When it’s time to see the veterinarian ›
Still Try to Hump Things?
Mounting or humping can be driven by testosterone in a dog's bloodstream, but it isn't always a sexual action. How to discourage this behavior ›
Do a Poop Dance?
Experts think your pup spins and hops before he does his business to help get the digestive tract moving. Other reasons for this behavior ›
Eat Grass?
Your pup might be sampling the lawn, says Dr. Patty Khuly, because he thinks it’s fun or to soothe an upset stomach. When you should worry ›
Smell When He’s Wet?
Many dogs, especially those who aren’t bathed on a regular basis, emit a foul scent when their fur becomes damp. Medical conditions that could be to blame ›
Vomit Yellow Foam?
Dr. Mary Fuller teaches you what to watch for, including a yellow color, when your canine gets sick. When you should call your veterinarian ›
Snap at the Air?
Dogs bite at the air for many reasons, including aggression, simple play or a serious neurological problem. When to consult your veterinarian ›
Crawl Under the Covers?
Experts think your blanket-loving pup might want some added warmth or to snuggle with his favorite human. Breeds who love sharing the sheets ›
Walk in a Circle Before Lying Down?
Experts think this behavior originated from canine ancestors who had to stamp down grass to sleep comfortably. When circling could be cause for concern ›
Roll in Poop?
As gross as at sounds, there are biological reasons your canine basks in the fragrance of Eau de No. 2. How it helps him ward off predators ›
Sniff at the Ground Before He Poops?
There’s an instinctual reason why your picky pup has to sniff out the perfect place to do his business. The messages sent by scent marking ›
Push Around His Bowl?
Though bowl play is usually a harmless habit, strange food-related behaviors could indicate a medical problem. Why it helps to film your dog in the act ›
Whine So Much?
Puppies quickly learn that whining is rewarded with attention from their moms and continue this behavior into adulthood. Why Does My Dog... Whine So Much? ›
Like to Stick His Head Out the Car Window?
Your pup looks so happy when he sticks his head out of the car because he gets to enjoy the outdoor scenery and smells. The dangers of letting him do this ›
Refuse to Go Out When It's Raining?
Most humans don't like getting pelted by rain, so can you blame your pup for not wanting to get his paws wet? Tips for reducing storm anxiety ›
Drink From Weird Places?
Our expert explains why canines slurp from ponds and toilets, and how to tell if your dog is drinking too much. Hazardous outdoor water sources ›
Pee When Someone Is at the Door?
Welcoming guests with a puddle of pee is most likely a canine’s expression of submission or excitement. Why punishment isn’t the answer ›
Shake His Head All the Time?
If you're constantly hearing the jingling of your pup's ID tags, then it's likely that his ears are bothering him. Three possible causes ›
Always Seem Hungry?
It can be hard to tell if your begging pup is truly hungry or if he's just pushing the right buttons for an unnecessary snack. Diseases that cause outsized appetites ›
Lick and Chew His Feet?
Paw licking might seem like a common behavior, but allergies, ticks or tumors could be the cause. When to consult your vet ›
Attack People's Ankles?
A reader wonders about her dog's strange habit of lunging at people's heels when they pass him on the street. Why anxiety might be to blame ›
Refuse to Eat Her Food?
As hard as it is to believe, some pups turn their noses up at kibble because they just don’t find it that interesting. Find out if you should worry ›
More on Why Does My Dog...
- Why Does My Dog... Hate Having His Paws Touched?
- Why Does My Dog... Lick His Wounds?
- Why Does My Dog... Dig in Her Water Bowl?
- Why Does My Dog... Howl?
- Why Does My Dog... Chase His Tail?
- Why Does My Dog... Follow Me?
- Why Does My Dog... Pass So Much Gas?
- Why Does My Dog... Shake and Tremble?
- Why Does My Dog... Smell So Bad?
- Why Does My Dog... Scoot His Butt Along the Floor?
- Why Does My Dog... Sniff Me So Much?
- Why Does My Dog... Jump on People?
- Why Does My Dog... Cry?
- Why Does My Dog... Drink So Much?
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