by Anne-Marie Mayes
I feel it is time for another article on "why does my dog do that?"
I feel that when I answer these questions it gives owners more information on how to understand their dogs.
Why do dogs...
Pant
The main two reasons why dogs pant are because they are hot or due to stress. A dog that is panting due to heat or exercise will have a soft mouth (corners of mouth in a 'c' shape), their tongue may be hanging loosely out the side or front of their mouth, and they might sit or lie down. A dog that is panting due to stress will usually have tension in their face (corners of mouth upturned, tongue wide or curled, eyes wide).
Eat poop
Some dogs learn from their mother as she would clean up the area that the puppies are housed in, as well as when puppies are under 3-4 weeks they need to be stimulated to poop or pee which the mother dog will do therefore cleaning up. On the other hand dogs may eat poop if they are bored or they ultimately enjoy the taste (yuck, but they are dogs)
Roll in unpleasant smells or dead animals
They enjoy the smell and want to smell like it or they want to hide their own smell (mask it)
Mouth people or objects
Dogs explore objects by putting their mouth on it, or often mouth people or dogs during play. It is recommended to teach your dog not to put their mouth on humans. This can be done by redirecting them to a toy or rewarding the dog for touching us with their nose instead.
Lick objects or you
Some dogs are grooming or cleaning, some dogs lick out of stress or anxiety as they find it therapeutic, or they enjoy showing affection.
Howling
Dogs may howl to get attention, or express how they are feeling whether they are lonesome, anxious, excited, or content. Some dogs enjoy howling together as a group. Look for context clues to figure out what is causing your dog to howl at the time.
Snoring
There are several breeds that have a shorter snout that are called brachycephalic, for example French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, or Bullmastiffs. These dogs have a longer soft palate in their mouth and this extra skin causes them to snore. They may also have smaller nares (the openings or their nostrils). Other breeds may snore if they had a great day and are in a deep sleep.
Sniff other dogs bums
This is how dogs learn about each other. They are learning the age, sex and whether the dog is spayed or neutered, along with other information. Dogs are not verbal creatures so they do not ask questions and instead use their sense of smell.
Only potty in their own yard
Some dogs are only comfortable enough to do their business in their own yard. Another consideration is if you have a fenced yard, they may not be comfortable going to the washroom on leash as they need privacy or feel restricted. Usually after repeated walks on leash they will adapt.
Pull while on leash
Whether large or small, dogs walk faster as they are on 4 feet and we are on 2. If you have ever run with your dog they likely do not pull. We have to teach our dogs to slow down and walk at our speed.
Let me know your "why do dogs" questions!
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