Throughout the 21 years I’ve owned a dog (Ricky the Beagle, 2003-2014; Kemba the Duck Toller 2014-present),
I’ve been repeatedly amused by, and thoroughly skeptical of, the explanations of certain odd dog behaviors by the so-called “experts.” For instance: Dog owners wonder why their pooch walks in circles on the couch, moving or kicking aside any objects that get in his way, before lying down. Dog behaviorists tell us to blame your pet’s ancestors: When wolf-like dogs lived in the wild, they’d walk around a spot to pat down the leaves, grass or other debris in order to create a nice nesting spot.
But I find myself wondering, how do the behaviorists know this? Did some wolf-like dog tell them this is why they walk in circles, and need to constantly renovate their environment? Isn’t it possible that my Kemba, a male, shoves all the couch pillows to the floor because, like most males, he hates throw pillows?
Why does your dog lick you?
What the experts* say: Licking you is actually his way of showing affection. Plus, your dog has probably figured out that licking you tends to get your attention.
Why I think Kemba does it: He loves the taste of my sunscreen.
Why does your dog cock her head?
What the experts say: Exactly why dogs cock their heads to the side remains uncertain, but behaviorists speculate that canines are trying to make sense of what they hear.
Why I think Kemba does it: He’s trying to look cute, so I’ll give him whatever he wants. Which works pretty much all the time.
Why does your dog kick the grass (dirt, sand, etc.) after pooping?
What the experts say: Dogs have scent glands in their paws that release pheromones that last longer than the smell of their urine or feces. Kicking helps spread their scent and lets other dogs know they’ve been there.
Why does your dog hump other dogs?
What the experts say: Humping, whether it’s on other dogs, on your leg or on an object — is usually not for sexual reasons. And it’s probably not an attempt to dominate. More likely, neutered and spayed dogs hump because they’re excited or seeking attention.
Why I think Kemba does it: Excited is close. Horny is more like it.
Why do dogs dig?
What the experts say: It could be any number of reasons. Boredom. Anxiety. The need to cool off, by digging a comfortable spot to lie down in. Hiding something they want to keep safe. Hunting smaller animals. Finding the source of an interesting smell.
Why I think Kemba does it: To get to China.
* The “experts” referred to above are from the American Kennel Club, vetstreet.com, and AI Overview
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