Let’s be honest — dogs are weird sometimes. Loveable, loyal, hilarious… but also kind of gross. From snacking on grass to sniffing other dogs' bums, our furry companions have some truly odd habits that can leave us scratching our heads (or holding our noses).
But don’t worry — most of these quirky behaviours are completely normal. Here are 7 dog habits that might seem a bit off to us humans but make perfect sense in the dog world.
1. Eating Grass
You let your dog out for a toilet break and two minutes later they’re munching the lawn like it’s a salad bar. Sound familiar?
While it’s still not fully understood why dogs do this, it’s a very common behaviour. Some believe dogs eat grass to settle their stomachs, others think it’s just for fun or boredom. As long as they’re not vomiting all the time or obsessively doing it, it’s nothing to worry about.
If your dog’s diet is a bit low on variety, they might be instinctively seeking fibre or fresh greens. Adding a bit of cooked veg or a balanced meal (like a spoonful of a fresh Doggy Grub meal) can help offer that variety in a safer, tastier way.
2. Sniffing (and, yes, licking) Other Dogs’ Bums
We know, it’s gross. But in the dog world, a good bottom sniff is just their version of saying “hello” and asking, “who are you?” Dogs have scent glands back there that carry loads of information — age, gender, mood, even diet.
So while it might make us cringe, this is actually a totally normal (and polite!) dog-to-dog interaction. Try not to interrupt unless things get a bit too... enthusiastic.
3. Circling Before Lying Down
You’ve probably seen your dog spin in circles before finally settling down for a nap. This little ritual is thought to be inherited from their wild ancestors, who would trample grass or leaves to make a comfy, safe sleeping spot.
It’s basically your dog making their bed — no cause for concern.
4. Scooting Their Bum on the Floor
Alright, this one’s not entirely normal, but it is common. Scooting usually means your dog has itchy or full anal glands, which can be pretty uncomfortable.
If it’s happening frequently, it’s worth a trip to the vet to check those glands or rule out worms. Diet can also play a role — adding fibre (like pumpkin or veggie-rich toppers) may help things move along more smoothly.
5. Rolling in Something Awful
Ever watched in horror as your dog gleefully rolled in poo or something equally horrendous? Yeah. Us too.
Experts think this is an instinctive behaviour passed down from wolves, who would roll in smells to mask their own scent or bring interesting info back to the pack. Disgusting? Yes. Dog logic? Also yes.
A good rinse (and perhaps a mild dog shampoo) is all you can really do here — that, and maybe keeping an eye out for smelly hotspots on your next walk.
6. Licking Their Paws
Occasional paw-licking is normal, especially after a walk or if your dog’s doing a bit of post-grooming. But if they’re constantly at it, there could be an underlying issue like allergies, irritation, or boredom.
Food sensitivities or environmental allergies are a common culprit here, so it might be worth exploring an elimination diet or switching to a fresher, less processed meal. We’ve got a whole ebook on food allergies if you're curious — and we’re always here to help if mealtime is causing more itch than joy.
7. Following You Absolutely Everywhere
Including the loo. Yes, even there.
This clingy behaviour is usually a sign of a strong bond. Dogs are pack animals, and if you’re the leader of their little pack, they just want to be where you are. (Also: what if you’re sneaking snacks without them?!)
If your pup’s shadowing is becoming a bit much, gentle training and encouraging independent play can help them feel more confident being alone — at least for five minutes.
When to Worry
Most of these habits are just dogs being dogs, but trust your gut. If your pup is suddenly doing something new, or a normal behaviour becomes excessive (like constant paw licking or grass eating followed by vomiting), it’s always worth a chat with your vet.
Living with dogs means accepting a bit of weirdness and a dash of mess. But behind every odd behaviour is usually a perfectly reasonable dog explanation. And the best part? Knowing that even their strangest habits are just part of what makes them, well… dogs.
Want to be the first to get your paws onto the hottest topics? Subscribe to our newsletter!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Doggy Grub blog is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners achieve happier, healthier lives, changing the way we feed our dogs one bowl at a time! If you would like to know more about our fresh food head to Doggy Grub
