Why do dogs do that?
Why don’t we spin in a circle before we sit down on the loo?
Why don’t we sniff a strangers bottom?
Dogs are funny animals and they do some things that we consider odd. Why do they do that? Well we’re going to tell you....
Why do dogs sniff bums?
Approaching an unfamiliar dog head on can be seen as aggressive so dogs know that sniffing the bum is the polite and gentle way to meet a new friend. When your dog smells another’s bum it’s not the poop smell they’re interested in, they are reading the dogs story. The butt conveys an incredible array of information through two small anal glands, or sac’s, nestled inside. Each sac contains oil and sweat glands and emits a strong-smelling compound. This compound is as distinctive to each dog as a fingerprint so when a dog sniffs this area they get a real nose full of info.
Why do dogs circle before they poop?
Dogs feel very vulnerable when they’re pooping, this is often why they might look up at you when doing so, they’re not just staring at you thinking ‘haha you have to pick this up now..’ Circling before they commence the procedure allows them to check there are no threats close by and that they can poop in peace.
Why do dogs lick you?
Because they love you! Licking is a way of grooming, bonding and expressing themselves for dogs and they may do so in order to say they love you, get attention or even to soothe themselves If they are stressed. A less lovely reason is that you might just taste nice, particularly after exercise. When we sweat we release salt and acidic chemicals that may taste delicious to our dogs.
Why do dogs curl up in a ball when sleeping?
Well because it’s cosy and warm, but also it’s a natural behaviour from before dogs were household pets wearing luxury accessories. The curled up position is a form of protection from predators as it protects their vital organs more but most of all it’s simply cosy and you’ll see this more in your dog during the winter months.
Why do dogs eat poop?
Roughly 25% of dogs do this, we have to be particularly aware of Stella after she has done a poop so she doesn’t try and grab herself a nugget! The simple answer is, they just like the taste and texture. We may be repulsed by the very thought of poo, but to dogs, it’s packed full of interesting information that tells them about who its maker was and what they’d been eating.