Dogs communicate in many different ways-through body language, whines and whimpers, barking, growling and even no sound at all! By learning what your pup is telling you through these different means, you can have a much stronger bond with him or her. Here are a few strange behaviors they do and their meaning:
Dogs frequently shake their head to alleviate tension and anxiety. This behavior may also appear when scared of larger animals or humans – it should not be misinterpreted as aggression! This behavior should be seen as very normal behavior rather than misinterpreted as aggressive.
Dogs that repeatedly lick their genitals indicate boredom or an urinary tract infection; it’s one of the primary reasons pet owners visit veterinarians.
Dogs usually lick objects other than food to clean them off; however, if your pup seems predisposed to lick certain textures like carpet or tile on a consistent basis, this could be a telltale sign that something more serious may be going on with their health.
Many people find the behavior of their dog intimidating; however, growling should be seen as a warning signal and in combination with exposed teeth it indicates potential danger to either itself or humans nearby. At times though a dog might growl when playing to communicate that they desire more attention or to alter the game plan altogether.
If your dog humps other animals, people or inanimate objects without reason, you might be worried it’s aggressive or sexual in nature. According to Dr. Jakubowsky, however, this behavior may simply be an expression of dominance or excitement and often arises among dogs that lack sufficient socialization or are too excited about meeting new people and animals. This behavior could also indicate aggression on its part.
Dogs, like toddlers, are naturally curious and drawn to various objects. That is why some dogs prefer burying bones and treasures while other may simply try to keep track of what belongs to them.
Though stereotypic behaviors aren’t normal, they may serve as useful coping mechanisms. Altering your dog’s daily routine, limiting exposure to stimuli and providing constructive outlets for their usual behaviors might help ease compulsive behaviors. Genetics and prenatal or neonatal stressors like maternal separation may also play a part in dog anxiety. If you suspect your pup might be suffering, make an appointment with your veterinarian – they can help identify its source as well as create a treatment plan to combat it. Dogs may become fearful around various things, including people (eg, new babies and teenagers), loud noises, smells, visual stimuli, environments with different textures or surfaces and activities like grooming or boarding. Fear and anxiety are the top-referred problems to veterinary practices, accounting for 70% of referral cases. Their origin can range from environmental stressors such as lack of socialization or familiarization to stimuli; genetic factors; to learned responses — all potentially leading to anxiety-producing responses in animals.
