Why Does My Dog Do That? 7 Most Googled Dog Behaviours Explained

Why Does My Dog Do That? 7 Most Googled Dog Behaviours Explained

Introduction

Bringing home a dog for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming. As a new dog owner, it’s natural to find yourself constantly searching online for answers to your pup's quirks: "Why is my dog eating grass?", "Why does she stare at me for minutes on end?" If this sounds familiar, you're in good company.

Dogs, much like humans, have a language all their own. While they can’t speak, their actions communicate a great deal. Understanding these behaviours not only helps you care better for your new companion but also strengthens the emotional bond between you. Misinterpreting these signs can lead to confusion, unwanted behaviours, and even health risks.

This blog post explores the seven most Googled dog behaviours. We’ll break down why they occur, how they vary by breed, and what you can do to handle them with confidence. Whether you're in London, Leeds, or Llandudno, this guide is your new go-to for making sense of your dog's curious conduct.

1. Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

Eating grass is one of the most universally observed yet misunderstood behaviours in dogs. It’s a behaviour that can stem from instinct, health issues, or even habit.

In-Depth Explanations:

• Inherited Foraging: In the wild, canines consumed entire animals—fur, bones, and stomach contents included. Grass eating could echo this ancestral dietary habit.

• Inducing Vomiting: Some dogs do vomit after eating grass, but research indicates that this is a rare, incidental outcome rather than a goal.

• Fibre Deficiency: Dogs fed low-fibre diets may seek out fibrous materials like grass to regulate digestion.

• Palatability and Sensory Feedback: Certain dogs enjoy the act of chewing or the moisture in fresh grass.

• Seasonal Curiosity: In spring, when grass is tender and aromatic, dogs are more inclined to snack on it.

• Compulsive Behaviour: In some cases, dogs eat grass obsessively, hinting at gastrointestinal distress or anxiety.

  
  

Breed-Based Tendencies:

• Poodles, known for their sensitive stomachs, may use grass to ease digestive discomfort.

• Working breeds like Border Collies or Belgian Malinois may graze due to under-stimulation or lack of mental challenges.

  
  

Tips for Owners:

• Provide a high-quality diet with adequate fibre. Consult your vet for nutritional advice.

• Use a journal to track when and where your dog eats grass. This can help identify patterns.

• Offer safe, chewable alternatives like raw carrots or commercial dog chews.

• Avoid areas treated with pesticides or herbicides.

• If grass eating is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy, contact your vet.

  
  

2. Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

Licking is a multifaceted behaviour with roots in biology, communication, and social bonding.

Understanding the Behaviour:

• Puppy Imprinting: Puppies lick their mothers to seek food and attention. This learned behaviour often carries into adulthood.

• Sensory Interaction: Dogs explore the world through taste and smell. Licking allows them to assess your scent and skin.

• Soothing Mechanism: Like humans biting nails or fidgeting, dogs lick to self-soothe.

• Communication Tool: Licking can express deference, affection, or excitement.

• Health Check: Some dogs lick their owners’ wounds or injuries, recognising changes in scent that indicate infection.

  
  

Breed Variations:

• Golden Retrievers and Labradors are well-known lickers due to their people-pleasing nature.

• Akitas, Shiba Inus, and Basenjis tend to be more reserved, expressing affection in other ways.

  
  

Management and Training:

• Use a command like “no lick” followed by redirection with a chew toy.

• Reward calm, non-licking behaviour.

• Provide more affection, attention, or walks if licking is attention-seeking.

• Excessive licking may signal allergies or skin irritation—consult a vet if it becomes chronic.

  
  

3. Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?

Dogs don’t stare to be rude—they're trying to communicate or observe. Decoding this behaviour can enhance your relationship.

Motivations for Staring:

• Mutual Gaze for Bonding: Like a loving glance, a dog’s stare releases oxytocin and builds trust.

• Anticipation of Reward: Dogs associate eye contact with treats, food, or attention.

• Behavioural Cues: Dogs often wait for signals like “sit,” “stay,” or “walk.”

• Guarding Behaviour: Some dogs, especially protectors, keep a watchful eye on their owners.

• Stress or Uncertainty: A hard stare with tension may indicate discomfort.

  
  

Breed Influences:

• Collies and Shepherds, bred for herding, have a strong “eye” and use intense stares instinctively.

• Guarding breeds like Boxers or Dobermans may stare when assessing perceived threats.

  
  

Practical Advice:

• Make eye contact during training to improve focus.

• Be mindful of signs of stress: growling, lip-licking, and whale-eye often accompany hard stares.

• Use treats or toys to redirect stares rooted in anxiety or boredom.

• Avoid punishment; staring isn’t inherently negative.

  
  

4. Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads?

Head tilting is one of the most endearing behaviours dogs exhibit—and it’s not just for show.

Why They Do It:

• Auditory Processing: Dogs tilt to pinpoint where a sound originates.

• Visual Adjustment: A tilt can help them better see your face, especially if they have a long snout.

• Engagement and Empathy: Tilting can show your dog is trying to understand your voice tone.

• Learning Response: Some dogs tilt their heads during training to better interpret cues.

  
  

Breed Comparisons:

• Spaniels, with their large floppy ears, often tilt more to help their hearing.

• Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs may tilt less often due to shorter snouts and ear position.

  
  

How to Respond:

• Use the tilt as a cue for engagement—reward attention during training.

• Avoid overstimulation or excessive prompting for the behaviour.

• If the head tilt is persistent, paired with imbalance or circling, seek medical advice.

  
  

5. Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?

While endearing, this behaviour can also signal anxiety or over-dependence.

Causes:

• Pack Instinct: Dogs are hard-wired to stick with their social group.

• Fear of Separation: Dogs may follow you constantly if they fear being left alone.

• Routine Triggers: Dogs learn quickly that you control resources—food, play, walks.

• Lack of Enrichment: Bored dogs often follow owners for entertainment.

  
  

Breed-Specific Insights:

• Velcro dogs like Vizslas, Weimaraners, and Poodles are more prone to clinginess.

• Aloof breeds like Chow Chows or Shar-Peis tend to be more independent.

  
  

How to Help:

• Establish a daily routine with consistent alone-time.

• Use commands like “place” to train your dog to stay put.

• Enrich your dog’s environment with toys, puzzles, and safe observation perches.

• Rule out anxiety with help from a vet or certified behaviourist.

  
  

6. Why Does My Dog Bark at Nothing?

To you, it might be “nothing,” but to your dog, it’s something worth voicing.

Common Triggers:

• High-frequency sounds: Dog whistles, electronics, or far-off sirens.

• Visual Triggers: Shadows, reflections, or subtle movements.

• Scent Alerts: Smells from other animals or visitors.

• Protective Reaction: Territorial dogs bark to assert dominance.

• Lack of Stimulation: Bored dogs bark for entertainment.

  
  

Breed Variability:

• High-alert breeds like Schnauzers, Terriers, and Huskies are natural barkers.

• Quieter breeds like Greyhounds or Newfoundlands bark less unless prompted.

  
  

Management Techniques:

• Observe and note environmental triggers.

• Train with positive reinforcement for a “quiet” cue.

• Block access to stimuli (e.g., draw blinds, use white noise).

• Provide more exercise and structured activities to reduce idle barking.

7. Why Does My Dog Sleep So Much?

Sleep is vital for physical health and cognitive development.

Age-Based Needs:

• Puppies: Need 18–20 hours/day to process training and growth.

• Adults: Average 12–14 hours depending on breed and activity.

• Seniors: May need up to 18 hours/day as their metabolism slows.

  
  

Reasons for Excess Sleep:

• Recovery from Exercise: Dogs expend energy in short bursts.

• Mental Fatigue: Learning or socialising can be tiring.

• Health Concerns: Sudden increases in sleep may suggest thyroid, liver, or heart issues.

  
  

Breed Influences:

• Giant breeds like Great Danes and Saint Bernards nap more.

• High-drive breeds like Belgian Malinois need stimulation to avoid oversleeping out of boredom.

  
  

What to Do:

• Create a sleep-friendly environment—comfortable bedding, quiet spaces.

• Balance naps with interactive play and regular walks.

• Monitor for signs of illness if sleep becomes excessive or restless.

  
  

Conclusion

Your dog’s behaviour is a direct window into how they perceive and experience the world. Whether they’re tilting their head in curiosity or shadowing your every step, these actions carry meaning rooted in instinct, learning, and emotion.

By understanding not only what your dog is doing—but also why, and how it varies based on breed—you empower yourself to provide the care, enrichment, and environment they need to thrive. From barking to licking, these behaviours are part of what makes dogs so wonderfully complex.

Final Tips:

• Tailor your response to your dog’s breed and age.

• Be observant—behaviour is often your first clue to health or emotional changes.

• When in doubt, consult your vet or a certified trainer.

• Keep learning—every dog has its own personality beyond its breed.

Over to you: Have a behaviour you’d like us to explore next? Does your dog do something puzzling that wasn’t on this list? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about it and maybe feature it in a future post!

Here’s to building a happier, healthier life with your four-legged friend.