Understanding The Weird Things My Dog Does

I have to remind myself every time that it hasn't been up to two months since I became a dog mum. These last weeks have been awesome and I like that I'm getting to know Panda more daily. Seeing her grow right before me is amazing. There are things she does that are interesting and I wouldn't have known if I didn't have a dog.

Sniff before pooping

The first time I noticed this I found it funny that she had to sniff around for a comfortable spot to pee or poop. Then I learnt that dogs do this to mark territory or to maintain a particular pooping spot they find safe. It all makes sense because when they crouch to do their business, they are in a vulnerable position and they wouldn't want to be caught off-guard.

Pee randomly

Panda's doing well with her potty training so far. She knows first thing in the morning is to go out to pee and she patiently waits as I open the door unlike before when she'd pee before we get to the front door. During the day she pees outside every few hours and sometimes pees inside the house. When she does this, she feels guilty and runs away.

I used to be annoyed that she'd randomly pee inside sometimes even after just peeing outside. Then I noticed that she pees when she's really happy or afraid and it is natural with dogs.

Digging the floor

The way she tries to dig the floor is so interesting to watch. She also digs and scratches the couch a lot as if looking for something. She usually likes these spots and will end up relaxing there. I have seen her several times digging into my potted plants and lying on the soil when she's done.

Any chance she gets, she comes to my room and drags one end of the duvet from the edge of the bed and relaxes on it. She sniffs all over it, digs it, and decides, 'yes, that's my spot'. I read it is a natural instinct for dogs to scratch and dig in order to find a comfortable spot to sleep. It is also a territorial behaviour gotten from their wolf ancestors.

Licking her paws

I'm not too sure what this means but I figure she's grooming herself. It isn't excessive so I'm not bothered.

Vigorously shaking her toy

I thought Panda just really loves seeing her toy light up, reason why she likes shaking it with her mouth. But I got to know it is a natural instinct also. Wolves capture have their prey in their mouth and shake from side to side until it dies.

Display of emotions

Some days, Panda is very needy. She's a Lhasa by the way and she can get teary if she's really hyper and no one wants to play with her. She'd cry until someone gives her attention or pets her. It's really cute and it's hard for me in particular to resist her puppy eyes.

Nothing prepared me for the show of feelings I get from her. Happy, sad, bored...I get it all. She has all expressions on lock and it can be confusing knowing what exactly she wants. Is she hungry, wants to be petted, or just wants to play? It's fun finding out.

Do your pets do weird or funny stuff too?

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