Weird behavior? 6 reasons why your dog might hide or act strangely

You should be worried if your dog’s been aggressively staring off in the distance for no good reason or licking air. Dogs are goofy, fun, and curious, but they are not stupid! When you observe weird behavior, it’s usually for a good reason.

If you see your dog acting weird, there’s a high chance your dog’s facing an issue. He is not at ease.

Below, we’ve listed six potential reasons why dogs may act weird, along with how you can address their situation effectively.

Let’s check out typical weird behavior and what it means.

Your dog is sick

Most dogs don’t display any negative signs when faced with a health issue. They may suddenly become clingier and require massive amounts of attention. They may want to spend the day in your lap or sleep in unusual places (i.e., closer to where you’re spending your time). 

Some dogs may become grumpy, antisocial, or cranky. Or they may even refuse to eat or drink.

What to do about it?

If you see your pup exhibiting these signs out of the blue, you should take it to the vet. When in pain, your canine doesn’t have words to convey what’s paining them, and hence, the best strategy is to take them to a medical professional who understands.

Environmental disturbances

Animals are most stable when kept and bred under a routine. If there are changes in their routine activities, place of living, or diet, they may become anxious or stressed. 

And when anxious and stressed, you may see your dog:

● Yawning a lot

● Avoiding eye contact

● Panting

● Lip-licking

● Tucking ears and tail 

What to do about it?

Check out what you’ve changed in their life and work to stabilize it. If you can reverse the changes, that’d be great. But you should spend time with your dog to soothe him if you cannot. Be kind and help him get accustomed to the changes. With that said, avoid degrading the quality of food you serve to your dog.

Little or negative socialization

Most dog breeds appreciate the company of other dogs. This explains why outdoor walks are essential to your dog’s routine.

However, if you keep your dog indoors and isolated, it’s likely to develop negative behavioral patterns. You might find your dog become aggressive, shy, or fearful around other humans or animals. Lack of socialization may even cause depression spells. You may witness your dog develop irregular sleeping and eating patterns, or it may refuse to play.

At times, negative or traumatic socialization experiences can have the same effect. For example, if your dog is chased and teased by kids, it may find it safer to hide when kids are around. 

What to do about it?

Monitor and lead your dog’s socialization experiences. Make sure it spends with friendly dogs and animals. If you witness bullying amongst animals, separate your dog and introduce him to a new circle. Similarly, keep a keen eye on its experiences with humans. Ensure that your furry pal is treated well, particularly as a pup.

Your dog is growing old

Aging can mess with your dog’s body. It may develop diseases and disorders, owing to which it may develop behavioral changes. You may see your dog sleeping during the day and stay awake at night. Consequently, boredom is associated with behavioral changes. It may bark excessively, urinate or defecate in the home, or chew on furniture. 

What to do about it?

If you notice your elderly dog behaving oddly without apparent reason, you should take it to the vet and address the underlying disease or disorder.

Genetic issues

Some dogs inherit weird behaviors from their parents and lineage. For example, a husky may be fond of digging holes in the mud despite being a pet dog. That’s because denning may have been a common practice amongst its ancestors. Similarly, some dogs may be rebellious and end up doing the exact opposite of your instructions. 

What to do about it?

Consider the dog’s breed before adopting it. Check out its history. Also, visit its parents and assess their temperament. If it’s positive and calm, adopting the dog is safe.

Insufficient mental stimulation

When dogs don’t have enough to do or occupy their minds and body, they invent things to do, such as chasing a cat, dispersing neatly lined toys (even when they’re not playing), or tearing up the couch.

What to do about it?

Use dog puzzles and toys that could keep your dog occupied while you’re away. Alternatively, you can get a companion.

Final words on canine weird behavior

You now know the six potential reasons why your dog may be acting weird. However, we ask you not to overthink the situation. Know that it’s common for dogs to roll in dead things, pull on the leash, growl when threatened, guard food and bones, and more.

Before you stress yourself, ensure that you’ve educated yourself enough on the normal-weird behavior of dogs. So, you can distinguish it from weird-weird behavior and take necessary measures accordingly.

Shawn Mack is a content writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. His educational background in the business and technical fields has given him a broad base to approach many topics. He is also fond of writing engaging articles on technology & digital marketing-related topics.