Decoding Your Dog’s Bizarre Behaviors

1 Overview

Do you really know a dog’s emotions? Their joy, anger, sorrow and fun hide in body language.

Body Language

– Anger –

Angry: whole body stiff, legs straight, fur up, lips curled showing teeth, threatening sound, tail slightly wagging, ears up toward the other.

– Happy, inviting play –

Joy: jumping, body curved, front paws stamping the ground, tail wagging hard side to side, ears back and twisted; large dogs lunge to lick the owner’s face.

– Alert, gloomy –

Tense: neck fur up, legs braced, gaze firm, highly guarded, ready to attack.

Decoding Unusual Behavior

Q: Why does the dog not eat in the bowl but drag food out?

A: Each meal, the dog carries food from the bowl to a hidden corner to enjoy slowly, leaving crumbs around. This habit comes from ancestors’ hunting: wild dogs had to hunt in packs; after catching big prey, instinct made them scramble, then hide to avoid others’ competition.

Q: Why does the dog sometimes sigh like a human?

A: Is a dog’s sigh like a human’s ‘disappointed, helpless’? Actually a dog’s sigh signals it is very calm, content, in a relaxed state. But frequent sighing and moaning need attention; petMD reports deep frequent sighs may mean drowsiness, and with other odd signs like refusing food or play, watch then see a vet soon.

Q: Howling at street calls?

A: Sudden long howls trace back to wolf days. Wild wolves howl to talk; the sound travels far, telling the pack their position – like GPS, gathering the group.

Q: Likes chasing and biting live chickens?

A: Chasing birds is the nature of a meat-eating mammal; the key to fixing it is to catch the dog in the act and strictly correct: lightly pat its mouth, say ‘no’ softly. If it kills the bird, face it with an unhappy look for a while and teach patiently.

Q: Frequent shaking after petting?

A: A dog shaking after you pet it does NOT mean ‘disgust’. Rather it is excited and tries to shake off extra energy to calm down.