Why Does My Dog Do That? 15 Weird Doggy Behaviours Explained

Your dog suddenly races across the room at full speed like a furry rocket? That’s called the zoomies. It’s how dogs sometimes get rid of a sudden burst of energy, it can sometimes happen when they get over-excited or so happy to see you they have to let off some steam by zooming around the house!

It might be gross to us, but to dogs, it’s like reading a name tag and a life story at the same time. Their noses pick up on all kinds of information; age, diet, even mood! Just from one singular sniffing session. (Imagine what they must know about you!)

Before bedtime, your dog might do a little dance in their bed. This comes from their wild ancestors, who would circle to flatten grass and check for danger before settling for the night.

Sometimes it’s just for fun, and sometimes dogs chase their tail because they haven’t realised it’s part of them! Puppies are especially guilty of this one. All it takes is one misguided chomp to figure it out though.

But take note: If a dog chases their tail all the time or hurts themselves doing it, it could be a sign something’s wrong, like stress or a health issue. If you notice this, point it out to an adult so they can ask your vet for advice.

It looks silly, but it’s actually a sign that your dog feels safe and relaxed. That belly-up pose can also help them cool down.

This adorable move is exactly what it seems! They tilt their heads, sometimes to hear better, or they could just be trying to understand what you're saying. It’s very cute, and probably deserves a treat after you’ve finished your monologue.

Don’t panic! It’s not a cold. Dogs often give a little sneeze when playing to communicate different things to you, and to each other. In this case, it could be that they’re saying “I’m just messing around!” when the play gets a bit rowdy. Just a friendly signal to keep things fun.

This one’s extra gross, but natural. In the wild, dogs would roll in strong smells to disguise their scent. It helped them sneak up on prey, or confuse other animals. Essential survival skills. Your pet dog however? Well... Your cream carpet may not agree.

Dogs love to make their spot just right. Digging helps them fluff things up, making it cosy, or just like the zoomies it can burn off a bit of excitement.

This one is odd. But here’s why they look at you while they’re doing their business: when dogs go to the loo they feel vulnerable. So they stare at you, partly for reassurance, and partly to check nothing is going to happen while they’re... you know... dropping off a parcel.

It could mean “I love you”, or “you taste like ready salted crisps”, or “pay attention to me!”. Licking is one of a dog’s main ways to communicate! Licking can even have a calming effect, the action releasing something called "endorphins" inside them; this natural chemical sends messages to the brain to be calm.

Some dogs love to chase torch beams or reflections. It’s part of their natural hunting instinct, but make sure it doesn’t turn into a habit they can’t turn off!

That leg-thumping dance is a scratch reflex. You’ve hit a spot that send a message straight to their brain saying: “whoa, that’s ticklish!” or “that feels really good!” It’s like getting tickled under your arms, or getting a really good back scratch.

This sounds like dogs singing... because it is! Dogs are pack animals, and howling is their way of joining in when they hear a “call”. Sirens and some songs hit the right notes to trigger a howl. Sometimes, if they are alone, dogs may howl, as if to ask where everybody has gone!

Sometimes it’s a gift. Sometimes they have learned it’s a great way to get attention. Either way, it’s their way of saying, “saw this and thought of you!” - Even if it’s soggy and chewed.