In movies and TV shows, dogs love to chew on bones, chase tennis balls, and they go crazy when the mail carrier comes! As many pet parents know, pups do these things in real life, too. During moments like these, we can’t help but wonder what’s going on in their minds. Get ready to decode seven classic dog habits and finally find out what they’ve been trying to tell you all along!
1. Barking at the Mail Carrier
INTRUDER ALERT! Dogs are ride-or-die loyal friends. They want to protect you against everything, even when you’re feeling a little less grateful and a little more annoyed by their dramatic alarm system: barking. Mail carriers see that protective instinct in action all the time. The American Kennel Club points out that mail carriers stop by the house for a bit and leave. This trains dogs that when they bark, “intruders” go away.
Bored pups are especially likely to bark at strangers passing by. To stop the habit, you can give your dog a task to do when they see someone. Pet parents can also make sure their dogs aren’t too bored by keeping them active to burn off that nervous energy. And in general, puppies who are around people early in their lives grow into friendlier adult dogs.
2. Marking on Fire Hydrants
Have you ever been on a walk and it feels like your dog stops every two feet to sniff or pee on something? Though it might seem a little extreme, they’re actually being social! Dogs’ urine holds info about their gender, health, diet, and more. That can be passed along to other dogs through the scent!
So why are fire hydrants always the go-to sniff-station? Veterinarian Bruce Fogle says that taller objects are better for leaving a mark. Smells stick around on these surfaces for longer, and odors left above the ground travel easier through the air. Plus, dogs can hike their leg up to leave their message at nose-level for the next pup that passes through. Makes sense why dogs love to pee on fire hydrants!
3. Chewing on Bones
Dogs and bones are a common combo. Turns out, it’s a dog’s instinct to chew on bones for nutrients and oral hygiene. It removes plaque and tartar from their teeth and strengthens their jaws. It also stimulates saliva production and massages the gums, which is great for oral health.
Giving your dog a bone can also keep them from chewing on objects that could harm their teeth. It’s super important to give dogs uncooked bones that are the right size for them, so they don’t choke. When in doubt, keep an eye on your furry friend and ask a vet for advice.
4. Chasing Tennis Balls
Have you ever wondered how your dog can chase the same tennis ball for hours on end without getting bored? Their bright yellow color is eye-catching to dogs, who see limited colors but spot yellow like pros! Tennis balls fit perfectly in most dogs’ mouths, and their strong rubber scent stands out to pups’ strong noses. The prey-hunting instinct kicks in when dogs see a target moving irregularly—like a bouncing ball—so of course, they want to chase and catch it!
5. Wagging Their Tails
The tail can tell us tons about a dog. Since their eyes are super sensitive to movement, pups use their tails to talk! According to a study from Current Biology, tail movement on the left side of the body could mean that a pup is stressed out. Tail-wagging on the right side of the body, however, could show a more relaxed feeling. Slower tail movement could mean a dog is uncertain about something, and fast tail-wagging could be energetic or happy. If a dog is feeling scared, they might have a lowered tail between their legs, and a dog with a tail held up high could find something interesting.
And what about dogs who chase their tails? When dogs are bored, they could just be chasing their tails because it’s something to do. If you think this is the case, take them on a run or throw a ball for them! Some younger dogs bite their tails because they don’t understand that their tail is a part of them yet. Silly puppies!
6. Licking
Just like we pet our pups to say, “hi,” dogs lick us to say it back. In fact, tons of different animals use touching to connect and to get attention. Dogs’ moms show affection to their puppies by licking them, so pups grow up and show us love the same way. Also, they use their tongues to discover the world around them. Dogs might lick you to try to know more about you, like your mood or what you just ate.
7. Snoring
Sometimes, it seems like our dogs snore louder than us. While most of the time snoring is completely harmless—and hilarious—it can be caused or worsened by medical problems. One common reason for snoring is congestion. Like in humans, allergies, colds, and upper respiratory infections can increase snoring. Dogs who have gained weight can also begin snoring because of too much tissue around the airways. Some other causes of snoring are hypothyroidism, sleeping position, and short noses, like in pugs and boxers. A vet can help you find out more about why your dog is snoring.
Dogs may not speak human, but they’re always sending us signals. From tail-wags to tracking down tennis balls, everything has a reason. So, the next time you find yourself wondering what’s going on in their fuzzy little heads, remember: our four-legged besties want to connect, protect, and show us love in their own adorable ways.