Dogs might not seem as mysterious as cats, but our canine friends certainly have their fair share of peculiar and thought-provoking behaviors. As humans, we sometimes have difficulties discerning canine body language and social interactions. Admittedly, many dog behaviors are downright baffling. Chasing the mailman and hiding during a thunderstorm are slightly understandable, I admit. A dog’s desire to sniff butts, hump legs and chase tails does not translate for most people. What is it that motivates them to chase their tails and scoot their bottoms on the ground? While it would be logical and simple to attribute off-the-wall behaviors to their wild roots, the fact is dog behavior is a fascinating potpourri of ancestral tendencies and behaviors which have developed secondarily to social interaction with people.
Butt Sniffing
Strange as it may seem this is the dog’s way of saying, “Hey, what’s up?” In our world, such behavior would certainly result in summoning of the authorities and maybe even a stint in the local jail. Even though it’s an accepted behavior in the dog world, why is butt sniffing the best way to greet a potential new friend? The basis for this seemingly strange and offensive behavior is more complicated than one would imagine and lies in the enormously acute sense of smell (about 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than our own) gifted to our canine friends. It may seem unusual but the depth of information one dog can determine about another through this unique exchange is nothing short of extraordinary. This practice provides information on gender, emotional status, diet, general health, and more. Think of it like speaking with chemicals or chemical communication. The chemicals emitted and stored in the anal sacs encompass a treasure trove of information about the host. A dog’s sniffer can make sense of the glandular secretions without the “poopy” smell getting in the way. Actually, dogs have a second and very important component to their olfactory system called the Jacobson’s organ. The nerves of the Jacobson’s organ serve as a fast lane transmitter of chemical information directly to the brain for processing, thus limiting interference from other odors.
Howling
Howling is an evolutionary trait. Howling in wolves, dogs’ canine brethren, alerts other members of the pack of their presence and whereabouts. What better way to send a message to a pack member who might be far away? The loudness and pitch of the howling sound is also thought to establish and enforce rank within the pack. Considering this, modern day dogs don’t really need to howl. It’s more of a vestigial instinct which has been carried over from their ancestral cousins with no true modern day utility. But, as the American Kennel Club notes, “whether your dog is howling for friends, barking for fun, or baying during the hunt, it’s not so important to ask why they are doing it, but rather listen to what your dog is trying to tell you.” The American Kennel Club lists a number of potential reasons dogs may howl. Motivations for howling, while still not completely understood, may be relatively simple and straightforward, such as your dog wanting attention, your dog wants to let you know you’re in danger, your dog wants to communicate with other dogs, or your dog wants to respond to high-pitched noises like sirens.
Chasing Their Tails
This behavior is always amusing and is simply a way for your dog to expend a little excess energy. Puppies and younger dogs may not realize their tail is a part of their body, so confusion may play a role in this behavior in this population. It’s considered more of a toy rather than a permanent appendage. Youthful tail chasing is usually a transient behavior which does not require veterinary attention. But if the tail chasing does not prove to be a passing phase, then you might want to consider the possibility of an underlying medical condition. If you can’t redirect your dog from tail chasing, or if you suspect a medical condition, you should speak with your veterinarian.
Dogs love attention of any kind, so laughing at or rewarding your dog while they’re on tail patrol may encourage or reinforce the behavior. They may actually start chasing their tails in an effort to get your attention.
Be sure you’re spending quality time with your dog for socializing and exercise. I stress this to my clients all the time.
The anxiety and restlessness accompanying a lack of exercise or mental stimulation can manifest in behaviors like tail chasing. Spend time with your dog playing ball or catch. Don’t forget the positive mental impact of socializing and spending time reinforcing training principles can have on your dog’s overall wellbeing. Mental stimulation can be as, if not more, taxing and beneficial to your dog than extreme physical activity.
Underlying medical conditions can also result in tail chasing. If an adult dog abruptly develops a tail chasing behavior it is best to consult with your veterinarian. Internal and external parasites can cause tail chasing. This sounds gross, but internal parasites, such as tapeworms can migrate out of your dog’s rectum and can cause your dog the type of fervent donutting seen with tail chasing. Pain in the tail region, fleas, and allergy type conditions can also cause tail chasing. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions.
The Old Booty-Scoot
As funny as it may look, if your dog drags her bottom on the carpet, it might be time for a trip to the doctor. Scooting behavior may be an indicator of an itchy backside or discomfort. Dogs have two anal sacs situated adjacent to the rectal area. They are vestigial scent glands and thought to aid in the process of elimination. When marking and defending boundaries were crucial for survival, they likely had a key role, adding a dog’s unique and identifying scent to his excrement. Today, these glands produce a fetid smelling liquid material which, in theory, lubricates hard stool, making it easier for the dog to defecate. If your dog is scooting, it is advisable to have your veterinarian check for problems or disease in this area. Sometimes theses glands get clogged and fill up with that special, stinky material. Some dogs will take to scooting to help mitigate the pressure and discomfort. Most of the time the glands simply need evacuating or expressing, which frequently alleviates the discomfort.
Walking in Circles Before Lying Down
How many of us have witnessed our dogs circling repeatedly until they settle into the comfort of their comfy, fluffy bed? This behavior is another ancestral holdover from ancient times. Wild dogs did not have the conveniences and comforts of modern day living. They had to construct their beds and quarters from earthen materials and tall grass. They would walk around a spot to pat down the leaves, grass or other debris to create a nice nest or bed or an indicator to others that the area has been claimed.
Thankfully, we can all give our dogs a nice and comfortable bed to lie on, no digging or preparation required.
Humps You, Your Friends or Other Dogs
Everyone has a dog or knows a dog that seemingly humps everything in sight. It can sometimes be embarrassing. Imagine, everyone’s having a great time at the party until Buddy starts humping the party guests. Buddy’s owners are understandably embarrassed and apologetic. Everyone gets a good laugh as Buddy’s owners insist, “We just don’t understand, he’s fixed.” Whether a dog is humping your leg or the next closest inanimate object, humping is usually not for sexual reasons. More likely, neutered and spayed female dogs hump because they are excited or seeking attention. To prevent this behavior just simply ignore or redirect with a toy.
Stares at You
Count yourself as lucky if your dog’s eyes are always glued on you. In all likelihood he is transmitting subtle clues for a treat or some kind of attention. That expression of longing is exactly what it looks like. Before we go further, it’s important to keep in mind that some dogs consider direct eye contact threatening. So if you’re getting that “hard stare,” make sure to thoroughly assess the situation to make sure the dog isn’t showing signs of aggression or fear.
Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone,” is well known for its role in forging connections between people. The oxytocin neuropeptide is released when people engage in bonding activities such as holding hands. This hormone plays an instrumental role in the bonding of mother and child during breastfeeding. The big questions are, could oxytocin be responsible for interspecies bonding as well and could that loving gaze your dog gives you play a role?
Researchers believe humans have had a dramatic impact on the evolution of dogs. Some even say dogs have evolved in ways to facilitate their bonds with humans. If so, what a very unique and exclusive situation.
Evan L. MacLean and Brian Hare, evolutionary anthropologists and researchers at the Duke Canine Cognition Center, wrote in Science Magazine. “In addition, exogenous administration of oxytocin causes dogs to initiate more social contact with other dogs and humans, and allows dogs to tune into human social cues even more faithfully. These findings suggest not only an interspecies effect of oxytocin, but also the exciting possibility of a feedback loop.” The feedback loop means dogs and people boost each other’s “love hormone” levels, which is exactly what happens when mothers and babies are bonding.
MacLean and Hare referenced in a 2015 study this notion of a special human-dog oxytocin feedback loop and the role staring has in promoting it. Researchers evaluated and observed 30-minute interactions between people and their dogs. What they found was that after prolonged eye contact between pets and their owners, oxytocin levels in BOTH participants increased, thus concluding that oxytocin plays a prominent role in those long, tender stares between dogs and their humans. Now tell me that’s not cool!
Researchers have also demonstrated, interestingly, that wolves and the owners who raised them did not show the same results, thus concluding that this biological mechanism for bonding with people was a unique trait in dogs and a result of evolutionary adaptations brought on by their relationship with humans.
It goes without saying that not everyone agrees with these assertions. But, programmed by nature to love us or not, we love dogs and all the crazy and unique things they do and the seemingly unconditional love they provide to the people around them.
Dr. Scotty Gibbs is the owner of Hilltop Animal Hospital.
