14 Ways to Understand Your Dog

In this video, we will talk about 15 strange things dogs do and explain the meanings behind them.

0:00 Introduction
0:20 Nuzzling you
0:56 Sit between your legs
1:30 High pitched bark
2:03 Destructive behavior
3:05 Urine marking
3:32 Kick back after pooping
4:20 Scared of thunder
5:05 Bowing
5:36 Pee when excited
7:13 Avoiding eye contact
7:40 Pace around
8:04 Drag their butt
8:53 Lick their crotch
9:16 Humping
9:48 Howling
10:36 Running during sleep
10:45 Digging

Why dogs nuzzle you
More often than not, dogs touch their nose or face on you when they want your attention.
Dogs also nuzzle to show you affection and love.
Why dogs sit on your feet or between your legs
It’s a normal behavior for a dog to settle down at their owner’s feet. This may be a way of showing affection.
In some cases, your dog may choose to sit or lie down on your feet when they are in an unfamiliar environment. This means they are fearful or anxious.
Why dogs lick their crotch
While crotch-licking seems pretty gross to us, your pooch does it for a good reason. They need to keep their private areas clean from dirt and discharge.
High-pitched bark
A dog’s bark pitches can range from low to high. Lower pitches tend to mark aggression, suspicion, or cautiousness, while higher pitches usually show playfulness, or eagerness.
Likewise, dog play growls will sound higher pitched than aggressive growling.
Destructive behavior
Dogs who exhibit destructive behaviors—such as tearing up furniture or carpet—are often doing so because of stress, anxiety, or boredom.
Dogs are pack animal. Some dogs feel extremely anxious when they are left alone without their human, and they chew to relieve the stress of separation anxiety.
Why dogs howl
Howling goes back to dogs' ancestral roots. In the wild, dogs and wolves howl to announce their presence and make contact with other dogs. They may also howl to tell other members of their pack where they are. In some cases, howling is a form of locating others.
Why dogs kick their feet after pooping.
While it may look like your dog is trying to cover up its urine and feces, it isn’t. By scratching the ground, your dog is releasing the pheromones located in the scent glands of their feet. This is the main way your dog marks its territory.
Head Pressing
If you notice your dog pressing their head against the wall or another firm object, there's a need for your immediate attention. Head pressing is a common sign of some serious problems, such as toxic poisoning or damage to the nervous system.
Why dogs are scared of thunder
Many dogs are afraid of thunder because they do not understand what it is. Dogs hear this loud noise and perceive it as something threatening.
Interestingly enough, some studies suggest that dogs experience unpleasant tingling sensation
from static electricity that is generated during thunderstorms.
Bowing
Playbow is when dogs place their chest on the ground with their butt in the air. This playful gesture is a clear sign that your dog is excited and is trying to initiate play with you or another animal.
Why dogs pee when excited or submissive
Many dog owners mistake submissive and excitement urination as a house-training problem when they are actually involuntary behavioral issues.
During times of high excitement, such as when you return home or a friend arrives at your door, your puppy may dribble or squirt small amounts of urine. This is the canine equivalent of, “I’m so happy and excited that I peed my pants!” T

Interestingly enough, dogs also urinate in an attempt to communicate a submissive status to a person or animal.
Avoiding Eye Contact
If you ever notice your dog is avoiding eye-contact with another person or dog, it often means they don’t feel comfortable in their presence.
Why dogs pace around
A dog who paces back and forth is one full of anxiety. Dogs often use pacing as a way to relieve their stress.
Why dogs hump
When dogs hump, it is not necessarily a sexual activity. Humping can occur when dogs are over-excited, such as during play. It's just a way for the dog to burn off excess energy.
Dogs also hump other dogs and people to display social status or express dominance.
Urine Marking
Some dogs scent mark by urinating small amounts on vertical surfaces, usually while raising a leg. Dogs use their urine to mark areas they consider to be theirs.
Why dogs dig
Dogs dig in your yard for several different reasons. They may be burying toys or bones to keep them protected from other predators.
They may also dig to cool themselves off in a hot summer day. Pregnant dogs may dig a hole as a nesting instinct to make a home for her pups.
But more often than not, dogs dig to alleviate boredom or just for fun.
Dragging their butt along the floor
Your dog dragging their bottom along the ground is also known as scooting and it is almost always a sign that something is irritating your dog.
More often than not, this irritation has to do with anal sac problems.

[angdongyiqss]

I was thinking of getting a dog and I always watch your awesome videos so that I can keep my future do happy and healthy.

[dr.calebrobbins.]

About 6 years ago I came home to find my 2 JACK RUSSELLS were not at the front door to welcome me home from work.
Having had both since they were 6/52. After about 2 minutes I realized we had had a burgurler. The house was trashed.
That was not my priority ... Where were they ?. Thinking they'd run from the wretched scene I combed the area. Eventually I found the female dead and stuffed in a computer bag ... Heartbroken Angry and horrified, I continued to look for the male. I'd come 'home' from the Vet after depositing the female in for an autopsy. Sitting in my kitchen despondent, bereft, smoking a cigarette, I became aware he was sitting stone still at the foot of the stairs ... just staring at me. I was SO relieved. However, I noticed a
HUGE CYLINRICAL LUMP right in the centre of his head. I dashed to the Vet. He had acquired a fractured skull.

I might mention at this point when I informed the local Police they were not in the least interested. Going as far as to infer I may have done it ...
I vacated asap. Sold up and my boy and I moved to the better side of the City
., , So we're now settled here.
The point of this is after that incident if he having an emotional episode he rubs the top of his head into his be, anywhere soft. Nobody seems to know why, or what is the motivation. Any behaviourists out there are welcome to comment.

[Freemasons]

both my dogs while growing up couldnt help but get soo excited they would pee when my grandfather would come over and we would have to let them go out side to say hello. my first dog was pretty grumpy to just about everyone but absolutely loved him.

[MrSa]

This is great information to know so when I get another dog

[Hakunamatata-rhbt]

Your videos make me understand my dog. thank you

[primetime]

I'm getting an Airedale in a few weeks. We're very excited as a family. All tips appreciated!

[rachelpenny]

One of our dogs will growl at me when playing, Or if he wants to play. But he will lie against me baring his tummy and fall asleep. But I am a sucker and spoil them. One of our previous dogs, (we have had golden retrievers for at least 30 years) was very mothering, but if you showed her your fist when playing, she would bare her teeth at you while wagging her tail. She would also cuddle right into you.
Each of the dogs we have or had were different with different temperaments, but they tended to be protective of us.

[Rudeboy]

My little rescue Staffordshire terrier came straight to me and sat on my feet the first time we met she chose me ❤️🐶

[joseoner]

My dog must be having fun riding a bicycle in his dreams😂

[madprinceklaus]

It’s interesting: My dog is terrified of thunder (and for that matter, lightning) — but *only* when he’s inside. If he’s outside it doesn’t seem to bother him nearly as much.

[irishMinecraft]

When training my pup to jump, she did the pray motion and slowmo her way down like she was praises her wolf ancestors about to pounce at me like whoa girl 😂❤

[bitwize]

My dog is very dominant with respect to other dogs, and if she encounters a hostile or aggressive dog, she will snarl and bark at them. Sort of a "I don't start fights, but I do finish them" attitude. But she is also an excellent reader of canine body language, and if she sees the tail wag or play bow from even a large, overly exuberant dog, she will bounce around, chase, and be chased, the happiest dog in the world.

She also likes to sit on my feet. The physical contact of butt on Papa's feet helps her feel more secure. And she not only nuzzles, she will buck her snout into my hand when she wants pets. If the pets end too early she will grab my forearm with her paw to ensure they continue.

[robbieberg]

My dog loves fireworks and thunderstorms lol

[jay-day]

My friend has a pit bull who FREAKS OUT when she sees a reflection (from something shiny) on the ceiling.If someone has a package with cellophane or other thing that reflects a light on the ceiling, especially if it's moving, she will start barking at it and trying to chase it. Strangest thing.

[jasonlawrence]

When my dog hears thunder. She start shaking lol

[oldfogey]

I wish my fur baby would acknowledge my return! He will I'm his own time!

[oldfogey]

My fur baby hisses he doesn't growl!

[chazisdead]

For the thunder, would it be smart to use a dryer sheet to help with the static? Maybe it would calm them.

[Maxhuskygod]

Oh so that's why my dog sniffs a lot because he wants to know if some other dog is here or there

[Cyotetherian]

My dogs sometimes twitch in thier sleep just like this video. Can dogs get sleeping paralysis?