The Weirdest Things Dogs Do (and What They Really Mean)
If you live with a dog, you already know: they’re quirky, goofy, and sometimes downright bizarre. From midnight zoomies to a love affair with dirty socks, dogs have perfected the art of keeping us entertained. But as funny as their antics are, most of these oddball behaviors actually serve a purpose. Let’s decode some of the weirdest things our pups do—with a few “seen it, survived it” stories along the way.
1. The Zoomies (a.k.a. “Frenetic Random Activity Periods”)
You’ve seen it—the wild eyes, the sudden burst of speed, the laps around the living room like your dog is training for the Indy 500.
Why it happens: Dogs build up energy, especially if they’ve been cooped up, and zoomies are their way of letting it all out. Puppies and younger dogs are the prime culprits.
What it looks like in real life: One golden retriever owner reported their pup did six laps around the house, launched off the couch like an Olympic gymnast, and body-slammed the Christmas tree. The tree lost.
What you should do: Let them race it out! Just maybe move that coffee table first.
2. Rolling in Disgusting Smells
Freshly bathed? Great. Found a dead fish or patch of goose poop? Even better, says your dog.
Why it happens: Experts think dogs roll in gross stuff to mask their own scent (a leftover instinct from their hunting ancestors) or to bring “news” of the smell back to their pack.
What it looks like in real life: One beagle owner shared that their dog came back from a hike smelling like “if onions and gym socks had a baby.” The dog was ecstatic. The humans, less so.
What you should do: Laugh, gag, grab the shampoo, repeat.
3. The Head Tilt
That iconic side head tilt is adorable—but it’s not just for show.
Why it happens: Dogs tilt their heads to adjust their ears for better hearing or to see past their own snouts and focus on our expressions.
What it looks like in real life: One corgi owner swears their dog tilted his head so hard at the word “walk” that he actually tipped over.
What you should do: Keep talking. You’re basically their favorite podcast.
4. Digging on the Couch or Bed Before Lying Down
You tuck in with blankets. Dogs… dig a crater in your comforter first.
Why it happens: This nesting behavior goes way back to their wild ancestors who pawed at the ground to make sleeping spots comfortable and safe.
What it looks like in real life: A husky owner described their dog digging on the bed so intensely that the sheets came off, the pillows were on the floor, and somehow the fitted sheet was halfway across the room. After the chaos? The husky flopped down and sighed like “perfect.”
What you should do: Provide a cozy bed, or just accept that your duvet is officially communal property.
5. Chasing Their Own Tail
Sometimes it’s play. Sometimes it looks like your dog is trapped in an infinite loop.
Why it happens: Puppies do it for fun, but adult dogs might be bored, anxious, or just really intrigued by that wiggly appendage.
What it looks like in real life: A terrier owner said their dog spun so many times chasing his tail that he toppled into his water bowl. He stood up soaked, wagging, and immediately went for round two.
What you should do: If it’s occasional, laugh and grab your camera. If it’s obsessive, it could be a sign of stress or a medical issue worth checking with the vet.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line? Most of your dog’s weird quirks are just leftover instincts, bursts of energy, or ways of communicating with you. And while they might leave you scratching your head (or holding your nose), those oddball behaviors are part of what makes life with a dog endlessly entertaining.
Pro tip: The next time your pup does something strange, snap a photo or video before you Google it—you might just go viral.
