21 Weird Things Dogs Do—and What They Actually Mean (Some Will Surprise You!)

We know how much you love your dogs. But let’s be honest—sometimes they do weird stuff. Whether it’s funny, a little embarrassing, or just plain strange, dogs have a whole list of behaviors that leave us guessing. Today, we will walk through 21 everyday things dogs do—and what’s happening behind them.

21. Why Dogs Kick When You Rub Their Belly

Ever scratched your dog’s belly and watched their leg start kicking like crazy? That’s called the scratch reflex. It’s not something they can control. You’re hitting nerves under the skin that send signals to their leg muscles. Your dog kicks to get rid of what their body thinks is irritating. It’s automatic—and adorable.

20. Why Dogs Kick After They Poop

It might look like your dog is trying to cover up their mess, but that’s not what’s happening. When dogs kick the ground after pooping, they’re leaving behind pheromones from scent glands in their feet. That’s how they mark their territory. Your dog says, “I was here, and this spot belongs to me.” It’s also a way to share information with other dogs—about danger or even that they’re ready to mate.

19. Why Dogs Drag Their Butts on the Floor

It’s not just a funny move—it’s a sign of discomfort. Scooting or dragging them behind on the floor usually means something is bothering them. Most times, it’s about their anal sacs—small organs near their rear that hold a stinky liquid used for communication. If those sacs get blocked, infected, or sore, your dog scoots to ease the pain. You might also see them licking that area to try and feel better.

18. Why Dogs Hump Things (or People)

It’s awkward when your dog starts humping a guest’s leg—but it’s not always what you think. Humping can mean your dog is trying to show dominance. It could be a way to burn off energy, calm nerves, or get attention. Both male and female dogs do it. Sometimes, it’s just how they greet others and claim space. If it’s bothering you or others, try distracting them with a toy.

17. Why Dogs Poop Facing North or South

This one sounds odd, but it’s real. After watching 70 dogs over two years, researchers found they prefer to poop facing north or south. It doesn’t matter what breed they are. Scientists recorded over 5,000 pee breaks and 1,800 poop moments. Turns out, dogs line themselves up with the Earth’s magnetic field. So, for your next walk, bring a compass, just for fun.

16. Why Dogs Twitch in Their Sleep

Those little kicks or jerks when your dog sleeps? That’s dreaming. Dogs enter a deep sleep stage called REM, just like us. During that time, they react to their dreams—maybe they’re chasing a squirrel or digging a hole. The twitching is just part of the show.

15. When Dogs Show Empathy

Dogs can tell when you’re sad or stressed. And they often respond with love. If your dog leans into you, licks your face, or stays close when you’re down—they’re comforting you. That’s empathy. It’s one of the most special things about dogs.

14. Sleeping on Your Clothes

Your dog might snuggle on your shirt or curl up in bed. That’s their way of staying close to you. Your scent makes them feel safe and calm. It’s their way of saying, “I love you and I miss you.” That’s why you’ll often find them in your laundry pile.

13. Sitting on Your Feet

When your dog parks on your feet, they do a couple of things. First, they’re claiming you—letting others know you’re theirs. But it’s also about love. Just like you sit close to someone you care about, dogs do the same thing.

12. Intense Staring

Dogs stare at you for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes, they’re waiting for a clue—like if you’re about to grab the leash or open the treat jar. Other times, they want something, like dinner or a cuddle. And then there’s the loving stare, where they look at you just because they feel close to you.

11. Squinting at You

Soft, squinty eyes from your dog mean they’re relaxed and friendly. They don’t want to play rough or show aggression. If your dog looks at you this way, they ask for attention or say, “I’m calm and I trust you.” It’s one of the sweetest expressions they have.

10. Rolling in the grass

Dogs roll around in the grass for a few reasons. They might be trying to scratch an itch or change their scent. That nice-smelling shampoo you used? Your dog might hate it. Rolling in stinky stuff helps them smell more “natural” again. It can also be about leaving their scent or just plain instinct—wild dogs used to do this to hide their smell during hunts.

9. Hunching Over

When dogs hunch their back, it usually means something’s wrong. They may be scared, hurt, or feeling vulnerable. It’s how they make themselves small and less noticeable. Dogs scolded, abused, or attacked often show this posture.

8. Why Dogs Lick You

Dogs lick to show love, to comfort you, or because they like how your skin tastes. But licking is also an instinct. Long ago, wolf pups licked food off their mother’s mouth. Today’s dogs still carry that in their DNA. Also, if you laugh or smile when your dog licks you, they take that as encouragement—and will probably keep doing it.

7. Marking With Urine

Dogs pee on things to claim them. It’s how they let others know, “This is mine.” It also tells other dogs about their gender and their readiness to mate. Unneutered or unspayed dogs mark more, but all dogs might do it. You’ll usually see it when they lift a leg near a tree or post.

6. The “Fuzzy Bagel” Sleep Position

When your dog curls up tightly with paws tucked in and tail touching their nose, it’s called the fuzzy bagel—or donut. This helps keep their body warm and protects their vital organs. It’s a familiar sleep pose in the wild; some dogs find it super cozy.

5. Why Dogs Dig

Dogs dig holes for lots of reasons. Maybe they’re hiding a toy or trying to cool off. A pregnant dog might dig a spot for her puppies. But most often, dogs dig out of boredom. It gives them something to do—and it’s fun!

4. Bringing You Gifts

If your dog brings you a toy or shoe, they care. It’s their way of showing affection. It also means they want your attention and maybe a little playtime. So next time they drop something at your feet, thank them—they’re sharing what they love most.

3. Destroying Furniture

Chewing on your couch cushions or shoes? That’s usually from boredom or stress. Dogs need both physical and mental exercise. Without it, they might chew stuff to burn energy. Try more playtime and longer walks to help them chill out.

2. Why Dogs Howl

Dogs howl to be heard. It’s how they say, “I’m here!” They also do it to respond to sirens—like police cars or ambulances. Those sounds match the pitch dogs hear best, so they often can’t help but join in. It’s their version of singing along.

1. Why Dogs Yawn

Dogs yawn when they’re nervous—not always when they’re tired. If a dog’s in a new place or around strange dogs, you’ll probably see them yawn more. It’s their way of saying, “I’m not a threat.” It can also help them stay calm when excited—like when they know they’re about to go on a walk.

Final Thoughts

Dogs are full of quirky habits, and many of them are their way of trying to connect with us. These little things have meaning, whether they’re kicking, licking, rolling, or leaning. Once we understand what they’re trying to say, it brings us even closer. So next time your dog does something weird—look a little deeper. They might just be talking to you in their special way.

In the comments, let us know the funniest or most confusing thing your dog does.