5 Weird Dog Habits You Should Know

May 10, 2021

Humans and dogs have been best friends since the dawn of time. Whether they’re our couch buddies or helping us at work, dogs are always ready to lend us a helping paw! As such, we may think that we know everything we need to know about our furry companions. However, there are a few weird behaviors that dogs do that may leave us scratching our heads.

From lying on their backs to marking their territory, our furry friends can be really weird little creatures. Don’t be spooked if your dog starts showing strange habits. Most of the time, your dog’s behavior is perfectly normal. 

Here are five weird dog habits that you should know about:

1. Twitching or whining during sleep.

Have you ever noticed your dog whining, barking, or twitching when they’re fast asleep? It may be scary to watch your fur-baby react to something in their sleep but you shouldn’t worry about it too much. All dogs go through different stages of sleep, just like humans! During their REM (rapid eye movement) cycle, your furry friend may start moving their legs, twitch and make noises as they start dreaming. Unfortunately, we can’t ask our furry friends what their dreams are about. If anything, they’re probably dreaming about chasing squirrels or running at the dog park with you!

2. Kicking grass after its business.

Some dogs kick or rub their noses against grass after pooping or peeing. If you notice your dog kicking grass after they’ve done their business, know that it’s a natural canine habit! When dogs kick grass, they may be trying to mark their territory. Think of it as their way of telling other dogs, “Hey! This is my spot.” This weird dog habit is one of the traits they inherited from their wild ancestors, who used their scent to stop other canines from hunting in their area. Your dog may also use their nose to rub against grass near the area they pooped in. This can be their way of hiding or “cleaning up” after their mess. Either way, you have a very well-mannered fur-baby!

3. Stretching on you.

Another weird habit that some dogs have is that they’ll stretch their bodies on you. They may do this after you come home or after they get up from a nap. Strangely enough, stretching is a canine’s way of greeting you. It may also mean they want to spend some time with you, either through playtime or another activity. Because stretching is usually relaxed or confident behavior in dogs, your dog may view you as their equal or as an alpha. 

4. Pawing at your face or arm.

Barking or whining isn’t the only way that dogs communicate with you. When a dog paws at your face, arm, or any part of your body, they’re probably trying to tell you they need something. Your fur-baby may feel hungry or have a need to go outside. They may also want cuddles and affection from you, especially if you’re lying on the couch. If you’re playing with your furry friend, and they don’t like a particular movement or activity, pawing can also be a polite way of telling you to stop.

5. Lying on their back.

Sometimes, the path to a dog’s heart is through belly rubs. That’s why many dogs lie on their back when they’re around you—they just want you to give their tummies lots of love! This behavior also means that your dog completely trusts you and feels safe with you. Other reasons your dog may lie on their back are to cool their bellies while resting and to show submissive behavior to you. 

Yes, we know—dogs are a little weird sometimes, but that’s why we love them! If dogs could talk or write, they’d probably mention every human habit they find strange too. Learning about our dog’s weird habits helps us understand our dogs so that we can give them the space they need to live a happy life. We hope this list helped you learn more about your furry friend and some of their many weird habits! 

Did you like this post? Check out 5 Reasons Why Dogs Bite and How to Prevent It for more doggy habits. 

✓ This article has been reviewed by Petland Miami’s expert team to ensure accuracy and reliable pet care guidance.