Funny facts about dogs and their true meaning

Your dog spins around three times before sitting down. On a walk, it positions itself remarkably precisely when doing its business. These behaviours seem strange to us, but they usually have a biological reason or signal a problem.

Why does my dog align north or south when defecating?

Dogs may possibly align themselves with the Earth’s magnetic field when defecating and urinating. A study by the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague measured around 7,500 faeces and urine deposits from 70 dogs over two years for this purpose: Only in a calm magnetic field did the animals prefer the north-south axis; in an unsettled one, the effect disappeared. However, the matter is not certain, as a later investigation in Lyon dog parks did not find the alignment again.

The researchers suspect that dogs possess magnetoreceptors, similar to migratory birds. This ability helped their ancestors with navigation. Today, it is an evolutionary remnant without practical use.

What does it mean when dogs scratch after defecating?

The scratching after doing their business serves to distribute scent, not to bury it. Scent glands are located on the paws, releasing pheromones with every scratch.

This behaviour is shown mainly by dominant or insecure dogs. They mark their territory in addition to the faeces, especially in unfamiliar surroundings or when other dogs have been nearby. Male dogs scratch more frequently than female dogs.

When does tail chasing become problematic in dogs?

Occasional tail chasing in puppies and young dogs is normal. It becomes problematic if your dog chases its tail several times a day or injures itself while doing so.

The triggers are usually: chronic boredom, too little mental stimulation or stress. Some dogs develop it as an attention-seeking strategy; if you react every time, you unintentionally reinforce the behaviour.

In cases of compulsive tail chasing, more exercise, intelligence games and consistent ignoring of the behaviour help. If your dog injures itself while doing so, speak to the vet about behavioural therapy.

Can dogs really feel shame?

Dogs show guilty behaviour, but not out of shame, rather out of learned caution. They recognise your body language and mood and have learned: “If the owner looks like that, there will be trouble.”

The “guilty dog look” arises from lowered ears, avoided eye contact and a crouched posture. This also happens when you scold the dog without it having done anything wrong. It reacts to your emotion, not its own behaviour.

When relieving themselves, some dogs actually show discomfort if they are being watched. This is due to the vulnerable position; in nature, they would be defenceless against predators.

Why does my dog scoot on its bottom?

Scooting is a warning signal for health problems. The most common cause is blocked anal glands, which cause itching and pressure.

Further triggers: worm infestation (especially tapeworms), allergies to food or environmental stimuli, injuries to the anus or ingrown hairs in long-haired breeds.

Scooting once after defecating can be normal. Repeated scooting, especially with licking or nibbling at the bottom, requires a visit to the vet. He can express the anal glands; in case of worm infestation, targeted deworming helps.

Why does my dog even follow me to the toilet?

Your dog is protecting you in a vulnerable situation. From the perspective of a pack animal, you are vulnerable when using the toilet, just as he is himself when defecating.

Particularly strongly bonded and vigilant dogs show this behaviour. They position themselves so that they can keep an eye on their surroundings and warn you of surprises.

The behaviour is harmless, but it can become annoying. Training helps: teach your dog to wait outside the bathroom door. Reward him for staying out rather than following you in.