So you think your dog is weird? You couldn’t rephrase the question any? I mean, unique, beautifully psychotic, emotional train wreck, strong in his independence, or individual are all acceptable synonyms. But you chose weirdo, so we’ll just go with that for the time being.
Why is your dog so weird?
Dogs, like humans, have particular personality traits and characteristics that could pose as strange or weird in comparison to other dogs. This unique behavior is common among dogs as it directly reflects their individualized psychological mannerisms.
This is completely normal, as is with our human counterparts.
Disclaimer: The Can My Dog articles contain information based on the individual research and opinions of the author of the site – who just so happens to be a dog. How you utilize the information given is completely up to you. Proceed at your own risk.
Now, let me be the first to mention that if a pup is suddenly showing signs of drastic behavioral alterations, that this can be a flag for illness or duress and they should be seen by their vet immediately.
I have covered this more thoroughly in a previous blog post. Click this link if you feel like diving in a bit deeper on what your dog may be trying to tell you. It’s important to open the channels of communication when it comes to the relationship you have with your dog.
Your Dog Isn’t Weird, He’s Actually Quite Normal
Moving forward, I need you to know that the rest of this article will be written under the assumption that there’s nothing psychically wrong with your dog, that you have been to the doctor if you feel otherwise, and all is well in the world.
Except for the fact that you have a weirdo for a dog.
Below I want to talk about specific behaviors you may be seeing from your dog. Some of my favorites include the following:
Do you catch your dog staring at you? Like, all the time? No worries. This is normal. Read why in my post here.
Does your dog insist on joining you while you’re sitting on the pooper? Totally normal. So does the rest of the canine community. Dogs show love and adoration by following you from place to place on occasion.
Does your dog spin circles (in the same section) before deciding it’s the perfect spot *now* to lay down? Normal. As a matter of fact, dogs need to do this as an innate act of survival. You will see this done in the wild as a way to position themselves in the night to fight off any danger.
Does your dog sit right on top of your feet? I do the same to my humans. And it’s totally normal. I wrote an article on why dogs need to always lay on there humans just the other day. I’ll link it here for you.
More Weird Dog Behaviors…
Is your dog terrified of the vacuum? I am too and so is my sister. Normal. It’s loud and sucks things up. This one shouldn’t be a surprise to you.
Does your dog make awkward eye contact while he licks a particular spot on the couch? My sister does this. Totally not normal. Super weird and gross. Kidding. Other weirdo pups do this too apparently. Oftentimes this is an innate response to a smell or spill on the couch. This is another means of “marking” for you dog.
Does your dog bring you a present every time you walk in the door? I need to do this too. Plot twist: It’s not actually for you. I just can’t show up empty handed. Brining a present to you is representative of your dogs trust and love for you. Both playful and respectful in nature.
Does your dog eat poop? Totally normal. Dogs evolved as scavengers. There’s protein in poop. This is a survival behavior. Case closed.
Does your dog have separation anxiety? ME TOO! My goodness I miss my mom when she leaves. This is normal and can be helped. Click this link to read my thoughts on the subject.
Does your dog try to play with the dog in the mirror? This is also normal. My sister does this. Most dogs think it’s a ghost dog – one that doesn’t even have a smell. Super weird to try to explain to your dog. Best to let them keep playing.
Let’s be honest.
This list could go on for pages so, for the sake of readers fatigue, I’ll stop here.
I need you to know that all of the aforementioned weirdness is actually quite normal. As a matter of fact, maybe you’re weird for not doing these things. Perhaps this is some paradoxical enigma and you’re in the dog matrix not fitting in.
Ever think about that?
Where Does This Weird Dog Behavior Come From?
I’ve always had an affinity for psychology.
Some may say I have a strange obsession with the way a brain works – especially for a dog. Apparently most other dogs stick to the 2 wave lengths making up these 2 centralized questions.
Or
2. Can I chase it?
Most dogs are driven emotionally by the two concepts above. It’s a survival mechanism.
Clearly I’m not like most dogs so don’t try to squish me into the restrictive box.
Lucky for you, I’ve learned how to peck on this little letter board and let all of you in on the secret society of all things dogs.
I feel an urge to reiterate the underlying concept to the question raised from the jump here. Your dog is not a weirdo. Your dog is unique and shows signs of personality exclusivity.
This is an awesome thing and should be both celebrated and harnessed.
Weird Behaviors Are Common In Habitual Creatures
Dogs are literal creatures of habit.
Oftentimes, obsessive behavior, odd rituals, or invasive actions are perpetuated out of habitual necessity.
In other words – we like things the way we like them and we want every day to be exactly the same. Otherwise we may get a little stressed.
This is just another reason I harp on *repetition* when teaching your dog a new trick or behavior modification.
We learn best through the process of repeating the same thing over and over.
Is this not how you learn too?
I think it is.
I believe the human athletes call this “practice“?
We’re no different, so stop over-complicating the issues.
Do the work to understand your dog as the individuals that they are. Do the work to help them settle in. And do the work to maintain some form of daily consistency.
After all, this is what harnesses our quirky behavior and gives you something to talk to your human friends about.
This Weirdo Concludes
Key takeaways from today’s lesson.
- Stop calling your dog a weirdo. Name calling is mean.
- Embrace the authenticity of your dog.
- Love them.
- Repetition is your friend.
- Dogs are creatures of habit and love a solid daily routine.
It’s that simple.
Humans need to take a page out of the dog handbook.
The chapter title I’m referencing here is: LOVE.
Your dog accepts and loves you unconditionally. This means they adore you regardless of what you look like naked, what you wear, how you smell, where you live, or what you binge on Netflix.
Do as we do.
I truly believe the world could benefit from dog love in more ways than one.
And as always human friends, continue to Live, Love, Laugh, and Scratch our bellies often.
Love you guys,
JTB
P.S. If you’re new to this world, you may want to check out my Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Parents. It’s a great reference to get you started on this journey.
This article has been reviewed by our Editorial Board and has been approved for publication in accordance with our Editorial Policies.
