Dogs are known to have unexplainable behaviors. Dogs have been kept by humans for thousands of years but in spite of this fact dogs have some behaviors that cannot be understood by humans. Experts find the study of these perplexing behaviors of our furry and four legged friends very interesting. Dogs have an unexplainable appetite for grass; have the propensity to sniff each others butts. Dog owners are forever curious about the rotating-before-lying down routine of dogs. A lot of dog owners are mystified by the dog’s habit of chasing the tail .

Dogs are known for their playful personalities. Dog experts theorize that tail chasing which is more common in puppies is due to the fact that puppies believe that the tail is a toy that can be played with and not a body part. The inclination to chase the tail which is common in puppies would eventually decrease as the puppy gets older.

Dogs can deal with the discomfort caused by flies by using the tail as a fly swatter. A sleeping dog pestered by flies and other insects would get up and chase its tail. A dogs infested with fleas would do the same thing. Fleas on the dog’s tail would cause immense itching so that the pet will be seen chasing and biting its tail. The itching of the anal area caused by intestinal parasites would make the dog bite and chase the tail in an effort to ease the discomfort.

Dogs are social animals – always wanting interaction with the human family. A dog that has the habit of chasing its tail may be calling the attention of the human family. Bored dogs have the tendency to develop unwanted behaviors. The bored dogs can become an excessive barker, a destructive chewer and also develop the habit to chase its tail.

This perplexing behavior can be an indication that the dog has a neurological problem. Psychomotor epilepsy that causes the dog to seize is another reason why a dog would chase its tail. The habit of chasing the tail is most commonly seen in dogs that have high cholesterol levels. High cholesterol causes humans to manifest obsessive compulsive behaviors and to have panic attacks. In adult dogs, the habit of chasing the tail can be caused by high cholesterol levels.

Dog owners would always be in search for the reasons behind the dog’s odd behaviors. These unusual actions can be due to behavioral or medical reasons. Studies on dog behavior may or may not provide answers for this concern but the outcome will not cause humans to love dogs less.

Do you know why your dog would meet you excitedly with a wagging tail? Dogs do not have the ability to talk but with they can easily convey their affection and whatever they want to convey to their human friends by using various body movements. Dog can easily show various emotions simply by the movements of the tail. The wiggling of the dog’s tail typifies its friendly personality. Dogs and kids are known to form a legendary bond. Dogs are generally friendly with children thus it is common for these animals to meet a child with an excitedly wagging tail.

Animal behaviorists theorize that the wagging of the tail is one of the body movement dogs do to communicate with humans and with each other and with other animals. Dogs don’t talk, dogs don’t have hands but they can communicate by using various parts of the body. For a dog, the tail is the most effective communication tool. Dogs would recognize the presence of other dogs at a distance by waving the tail. This behavior is believed to be the dogs’ way of greeting each other.

The way the tail is wagged is believed to depend on the emotional condition of the dog. A tail that is raised high with only the tip wagging stiffly is an indication of aggression. Dogs wagging the tail this way may attack. Some dogs are considered “yellow” pets not because of the yellow colored fur but because of its nervous personality. Nervous dogs will be noticed easily because the tail that is held low between the legs is wagged slowly.

Aside from being a form of communication, the to and fro movements of the tail is theorized by dog experts as an indication of submission. Having descended from wolves; dogs are also pack oriented like their ancestors. Wolves that are lower in rank would have to recognize the leader of the pack and the way the tail is held is believed to be a form of submission to the alpha male. In the presence of the alpha male, dogs lower in rank would have a tail that is held lower than the topline and wagged slowly. Alpha male would manifest the dominance by holding the tail high and wagging in a no-nonsense manner.

Dogs wag their tails in different manners and to be able to know the emotional state of the pet, it would be very necessary for a dog owner to make an effort to understand what the pet is trying to convey through the movements of the tail.

Dogs are used by man in various capacities. Majority of dog owners keep the dog as pets because these are very loyal and affectionate animals. The dog owner will always receive the credit for the impressive appearance and the good behavior of the dog. Simply put, a responsible and caring owner takes the time to provide the pet with the best care and attention to ensure its health and impressive appearance. The owner would also take time to socialize, obedience train and discipline the dog to mold the dog into a good canine citizen.

Dogs are not treated merely as pets but as members of the family. Considered as the baby of the family, dogs would receive all the love and attention from its human friends. With its lively and playful personality, a pet dog will be a kind of living toy that will be the ideal companion of the kids. The affection to the pet usually gives rise to unwanted behaviors when family allows the pet have its way. This would give rise to the situation where the dog will now own the humans instead of the other way around.

Dogs have the habit of chewing inappropriate items, jumping at people, filching food or raiding the trash and barking incessantly. Some dog owners have this notion that dogs should not be reprimanded for these unwanted habits as these are animals and therefore not expected to understand what is acceptable and what is not. Disciplining the pet though is one of the responsibilities of a dog owner.

The dog may be too effusive with its affection or too aggressive thus it would have to be disciplined. How would you discipline your dog? You know that disciplining the pet is necessary but would you inflict physical punishment or would you persuade the dog to accept you as the leader of the pack with toys and treats?

Dogs are intelligent animals but these animals would not understand the fact that they are being punished because they have done something wrong. The trick is to use something that will be remembered by the dog like being sprayed with cold water or being startled with the sound of rattling can. Every time the pet is at its hobby of raiding the trash can or barking at the passersby or tormenting the cat, use the spray bottle on the dog’s face or rattle the coins in the tin can. These methods that will serve as unpleasant stimuli would be more effective than physically punishing the pet.