The 5 Weirdest Things Dogs Do and What They Mean

Dogs can keep us entertained with their quirky and sometimes downright bizarre behaviour. From chasing their tails to barking at nothing, they have some habits that leave us scratching our heads. But as strange as these behaviours seem, they usually have logical explanations. Here are five of the weirdest things dogs do and what they mean.

1. Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

It might look harmless fun, but when a dog spins in circles to catch their tail, there’s usually more to it. Puppies often chase their tails because they’ve discovered them and think they’re toys. However, in adult dogs, tail-chasing can have several explanations:

• Boredom or pent-up energy – Dogs that don’t get enough physical or mental stimulation may resort to repetitive behaviours like tail chasing. Increasing daily exercise, introducing puzzle toys, or playing fetch can help reduce this behaviour.
• Attention-seeking—If a dog learns that chasing its tail gets a reaction from its guardian, it might continue doing it. Even laughing or talking to it when it chases its tail can reinforce the behaviour.
• Fleas or irritation—If your dog suddenly starts obsessively chasing its tail, it could be dealing with fleas, allergies, or irritation at the base of the tail. A thorough flea check and a vet-recommended flea treatment can help resolve this.
• Compulsive behaviour – Some dogs, particularly breeds like Bull Terriers and German Shepherds, are prone to compulsive tail chasing, which may require behavioural training or veterinary intervention.

If your dog’s tail-chasing becomes excessive, it’s a good idea to consult a vet to rule out medical issues and develop a management plan.

2. Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads When You Talk to Them?

Few things are as adorable as a dog tilting its head when you speak to it, but why do they do it?

• Better hearing – Dogs tilt their heads to reposition their ears and better identify where a sound is coming from. This is especially true when they hear unfamiliar noises or high-pitched sounds.
• Trying to understand you—Some experts believe head-tilting helps dogs process and focus on speech patterns, making it easier for them to recognise words they’ve been trained to understand. Studies suggest dogs with larger vocabularies are more likely to tilt their heads.
• Seeing past their muzzle – For dogs with long snouts, tilting their head might help them see your facial expressions more clearly. Breeds like Collies or Dachshunds may tilt their heads more frequently.
• Learned behaviour – If you react positively to your dog’s head tilting by giving them treats or affection, they might continue doing it to get a response.

While occasional head tilting is endearing, frequent or sudden tilting without reason could indicate an ear infection or balance issue. A vet visit is recommended to rule out inner ear problems or vestibular disease if this happens.

3. Why Do Dogs Kick the Ground After Pooping?

After doing their business, many dogs kick back with their hind legs, flinging grass and dirt everywhere. This isn’t just them being messy—there’s a reason behind it.

• Marking territory – Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and by kicking up dirt, they’re leaving a scent marker to claim their territory. This is especially common in more dominant breeds.
• Spreading their scent further – Kicking disperses it, making it more noticeable to other dogs. This is a way of communicating to other animals that they were there.
• Instinct from their wild ancestors – Wolves and wild dogs perform similar behaviours to communicate their presence in a specific area. Even domesticated dogs retain this instinct, even if they live comfortably indoors.

While this behaviour is normal, it can be frustrating when it ruins a neatly kept garden. Training your dog to go in a designated area or redirecting it immediately after it finishes can help prevent unwanted landscaping.

4. Why Do Dogs Bark at Nothing?

Have you ever noticed your dog barking at what seems like absolutely nothing? While it might look like they’re barking at ghosts, there’s usually a more practical explanation:

• Superior senses – Dogs have far better hearing and smell than humans, so they might pick up on something you can’t perceive, such as a distant siren, another dog barking far away, or a strange scent from the wind.
• Attention-seeking behaviour – Some dogs bark to get their guardian’s attention, especially if they’ve learned that barking results in interaction. If barking gets them treats, playtime, or affection, they’ll keep doing it.
• Protective instincts – Certain breeds, like German Shepherds and Dobermans, are naturally more alert and protective, barking at any unfamiliar sound or movement, even if you don’t notice anything. They see it as their job to guard the home.
• Boredom or anxiety—If a dog is left alone for too long or lacks enough stimulation, it may bark excessively to release pent-up energy or frustration. Providing interactive toys, chew treats, or structured play sessions can help reduce unnecessary barking.

If your dog is barking excessively and there’s no apparent cause, providing more physical exercise, mental stimulation, or calming aids like dog-friendly calming chews can help reduce unnecessary barking.

5. Why Do Dogs Roll in Smelly Things?

One of the grossest habits dogs have is rolling in things that smell awful—like dead animals, garbage, or even their poop. While we might find it disgusting, dogs have their reasons for doing it:

• Hiding their scent—In the wild, rolling in strong smells could help a dog disguise its scent from predators or prey. It’s an ancient survival tactic.
• Marking themselves with a mesmerising scent – Dogs may roll in something pungent simply because they like the smell and want to carry it. This behaviour might be their way of bringing an interesting scent back to their guardian.
• Communicating with other dogs – Some experts believe rolling in strong scents is a way for dogs to share information with their pack about where they’ve been, almost like a scent-based story.
• Sensory enjoyment – Some dogs enjoy rolling in things with a strong odour, much to their guardian’s horror! They find joy in exploring different textures and smells.

To prevent this behaviour, keep a close eye on your dog when out on walks and use a firm recall command if it looks like it’s about to roll in something foul. If your dog has already doused itself in a bad smell, a deodorising shampoo can help get rid of the odour.

Dogs Do Weird Things for a Reason

While some of your dog’s quirks might seem strange, most have deep-rooted instincts or practical explanations behind them. Understanding why they do these things helps strengthen your bond with your dog and allows you to manage or redirect certain behaviours when needed.

If your dog’s behaviour suddenly changes or becomes excessive, consult a vet to rule out medical concerns. Otherwise, embrace the weirdness—that’s what makes dogs so wonderfully unique!