Tag: Dog Behavior
As pet parents, we are always trying to figure out dog behavior. While we can often interpret their mannerisms once we get to know our dogs, let’s face it: Sometimes they’re just plain weird! Some common dog behaviors, including relentlessly digging up your yard, barking, howling, or baying, can confuse pet owners.
If you ask yourself what is my dog doing? You’re not alone. Decoding weird things dogs do has kept experts and novices alike busy for centuries. Thankfully, we can unravel some of the weird things dogs do.
Breeds like the terrier group have a crazy love of digging and can quickly litter your yard with potholes. Beyond instinct, dogs dig for many reasons, including shelter from the elements, to escape stress, out of boredom, or simply to bury their favorite bone.
The reasons behind a dog’s barking, howling, or baying can be challenging to identify. However, dog vocalizations are instinctual; they can express your dog’s emotions like fear, loneliness, annoyance, and excitement. Barking can be a response to physical pain, an alarming situation, or merely your dog seeking your attention. In contrast, melodic howling is often a reaction to high-pitched sounds like sirens. Hounds are known for baying during a hunt to notify other dogs and hunters of their location.
Want to know more about weird things dogs do? The BarxBuddy blog is filled with dog behavior articles that enlighten inquisitive dog owners on topics such as barking and training. While here, check out our collection of dog necessities and accessories, including our ultrasonic training tool in the BarxBuddy Shop.
Do Dogs Ever Get Tired of Barking? Nope, Says Every Dog Everywhere
In the summer of 2020, a simple question went viral on Twitter: “Do dogs get tired of barking?” unbelievable pic.twitter.com/P4yBCeoAZw— vessence (@faporizer) June 25, 2020 “Unbelievable,” tweeted the poster, who shared a meme that says, “do dogs get tired of barking” followed by the obvious answer: “Dogs do not get tired of barking.” We aren’t sure if the post was “unbelievable” because it’s true or because … don’t we all know that dogs never get...Read more
The Truth About Dog Kissing: How Dirty Is a Dog’s Mouth?
Aren't dog kisses the best? You can walk away with slightly damp cheeks or a full-on dripping face ... but so worth it. A dog's love is unconditional, and a dog kiss is merely one way they show affection for their humans. While the slobbery sweet nothings are hard to resist, you might want to rethink kissing dogs. Let's face it: We are oh-so cautious when kissing people (especially those we don't know), but when...Read more
Weird Things Dogs Do and What They Mean — Interpreting Dog Body Language
They may be man's best friend, but that doesn't mean we understand all the weird things dogs do and what they mean. You know what we're talking about: butt scooting, butt sniffing, and well … how do we put this … humping. These typical dog behaviors have humans scratching their heads and, sometimes, cringing. Chances are, if your dog is doing something weird, there’s a reason. First, figure out why your dog is doing the weird...Read more
Why Dogs Dig, and How to Stop a Dog From Digging
Do you have one of those back yards that resembles moon cheese, thanks to your hyper-digging dog? This rather annoying habit to us humans, aside from destruction, serves many purposes for our canine friends. The good news is, once you identify why your pet digs up your yard like it's a minefield, you can correct this behavior. We've got tips that'll answer the burning questions about why dogs dig and how to stop dogs from...Read more
What is a ‘Velcro Dog’ and How to Stop Clingy Behavior
It's a fact: Dogs love being around their humans. You can't blame them. Humans provide attention, comfort, shelter, and food. At the same time, dogs (and other pets too) provide us comfort, warmth, companionship, and entertainment. While this partnership typically works — it is, after all, why humans domesticated dogs and cats in the first place — there are times when a dog’s attention can feel clingy. That’s a Velcro dog — one that never...Read more
Storm Anxiety: How to Calm a Dog During Thunder, Lightning and Loud Noises
Do you have astraphobia? Does your dog? Astraphobia, which can affect humans and animals, is the abnormal fear of thunder and lightning. One small study reported in the International Journal of Animal Health Development suggests that the majority of dogs suffer to some extent from astraphobia -- 66.66% of dogs in the study showed abnormal fears of thunder and lightning. For most people, the news of an impending storm may cause them to rethink outdoor...Read more
Handle With Care: Adopting and Training Abused Dogs
Any time you walk into an animal shelter, you can find any number of dogs that are desperate for a new home that provides stability, care, and above all else, an abundance of love. For many of these animals, only they know their histories. Some were abandoned, some abused, while others were simply neglected and surrendered to the shelter. While many people fear adopting abused dogs, some make it their life's mission to help those...Read more
List of Online Resources for Dog Lovers
Bookmark These Dog Websites! Our Big List of Online Resources for Dog Lovers Looking for some health information for your dog? Searching for the perfect companion and not sure where to start? Or, maybe you need some pet inspiration? If you're a dog lover and looking for pet resources you've come to the right place. We have gathered several websites that we consider worthy of sharing with you as a pet parent. Best Pet Websites...Read more
Help! My Dog Hates to be Brushed
Are your dog grooming sessions more like a battle of wills? You, the responsible pet owner, have brush in hand ready to work the gnarly tangles out of her coat. Meanwhile, your dog stands defiant and would just assume to bite your face off than endure a grooming session? What to do if your dog hates to be brushed ... Before you throw in the brush (see what we did there?), there are a few...Read more
The Most Calm and Quiet Dog Breeds
Is your dog calm, cool, and collected? Or, is your canine high-strung, yapping at every noise and movement? While an owner's temperament and approach to training can make a huge difference in how a dog behaves, several breeds are so chill, so composed they have the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition of “calm dog.” If a quiet, subdued pup sounds like the perfect dog for you, your family and neighborhood, we have a list of...Read more
10 Tips for Raising Happy, Healthy Dogs so They Live Longer
What do food, friends, family, and your physician have in common? Together they are partly responsible for helping you stay happy and healthy. Surrounding yourself with loved ones, practicing proper nutrition, and minding your physical health add to your overall well-being. Dogs, too, need the love and support of those around them to live their best life. And of course, regular visits to the vet help your dog stay well. Here are a few tips...Read more
7 Reasons Dogs Bark
Dogs bark for one primary reason — to communicate. But you knew that. The real question is, what is your dog trying to say when it barks? The reasons dogs bark can typically be bucketed into seven categories, which we'll explore in more detail and offer tips for controlling unwanted barks: AlarmAnxiety Attention FrustrationGreetingInjury or illnessResponse Dogs have simple minds: They quickly associate actions with reactions. If they bark and you yell, they think you’re joining them. If...Read more