Top 10 Things Dogs Do That Would Be Strange to See Humans Do Too

Dogs are not only our loyal companions but also a constant source of amusement and wonder. Their quirky behaviors often make us laugh, tilt our heads in confusion, or even marvel at their unique ways of interacting with the world. While these actions are perfectly normal for dogs, imagining humans doing the same things can feel downright strange—or even hilarious. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things dogs do that would be strange to see humans do too, delve into why dogs exhibit these behaviors, and provide insights to deepen your understanding of your four-legged friend.

Why Do Dogs Behave So Differently from Humans?

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why dogs engage in behaviors that seem so foreign to us. Dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, yet they retain many instincts from their wild ancestors. These behaviors serve practical purposes like communication, survival, and social bonding. However, when viewed through a human lens, some of these actions appear downright odd. By examining the top 10 things dogs do that would be strange to see humans do too, we can better appreciate the fascinating differences between species—and celebrate the quirks that make dogs so lovable.

The Top 10 Things Dogs Do That Would Be Strange to See Humans Do Too

1. Sniffing Each Other’s Butts

One of the most iconic dog behaviors is butt-sniffing. When two dogs meet, they often greet each other by sniffing rear ends—a ritual that would undoubtedly raise eyebrows if humans did the same.

Why They Do It:

• Chemical Communication: A dog’s sense of smell is incredibly powerful, and anal glands release pheromones that convey information about age, gender, health, and emotional state.
• Social Bonding: This behavior helps dogs establish familiarity and hierarchy within their pack.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

Imagine walking up to someone at a party and leaning in for a quick sniff of their backside—it’s safe to say that wouldn’t go over well!

2. Licking Faces (and Everything Else)

Dogs love to lick faces, hands, furniture, and pretty much anything else they can reach. While some people find it endearing, others might think twice if humans exhibited the same habit.

Why They Do It:

• Affection: Licking is a way for dogs to show love and seek attention.
• Exploration: Dogs use their tongues to investigate textures and scents.
• Stress Relief: Some dogs lick as a self-soothing mechanism.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

Picture someone licking your face during a conversation—it’s hard to imagine that being socially acceptable!

3. Eating Grass

Many dog owners have witnessed their furry friends munching on grass, only to spit it out moments later. This behavior leaves us scratching our heads—and wondering how it would look if humans joined in.

Why They Do It:

• Digestive Aid: Some experts believe dogs eat grass to induce vomiting if they’re feeling unwell.
• Nutritional Deficiency: Grass may provide fiber or nutrients missing from their diet.
• Boredom: Sometimes, dogs simply chew grass because it’s there.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

Watching a person casually graze on lawn clippings while strolling through the park would certainly turn heads.

4. Circling Before Lying Down

Before settling in for a nap, dogs often circle or paw at their sleeping area. This behavior dates back to their wild ancestry but seems peculiar when compared to human habits.

Why They Do It:

• Comfort: Wild dogs circled to trample down grass or snow to create a soft bed. insects away.
• Instinctual Behavior: Even domesticated dogs retain this ingrained habit.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

Imagine someone pacing in circles and fluffing their pillow repeatedly before sitting down—it would feel unnecessarily elaborate.

5. Rolling in Smelly Stuff

Few things are more baffling than watching a dog roll around in something foul-smelling, like garbage, mud, or animal droppings. If humans mimicked this behavior, it would definitely raise concerns.

Why They Do It:

• Camouflage: Wild ancestors rolled in strong odors to mask their scent while hunting.
• Curiosity: Dogs are drawn to interesting smells, even if we find them repulsive.
• Attention-Seeking: Sometimes, they just want a reaction from their owners.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

A person gleefully rolling in trash or manure would likely prompt calls to a therapist—not exactly dinner table conversation material.

6. Chasing Their Tails

Tail-chasing is a classic doggy antic that never fails to entertain. Watching a dog spin in circles trying to catch its own tail is adorable—but imagining a human doing the same is comical.

Why They Do It:

• Playfulness: Puppies often chase their tails as part of play.
• Boredom: Lack of stimulation can lead to repetitive behaviors.
• Medical Issue: Excessive tail-chasing could indicate allergies, fleas, or anxiety.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

Someone chasing their own shadow or spinning endlessly in public would attract quite the audience.

7. Humping Objects (or People)

Humping isn’t exclusive to male dogs—it’s a behavior seen in both genders and can occur regardless of whether the dog is fixed. While it’s natural for dogs, seeing humans do the same would be awkward, to say the least.

Why They Do It:

• Dominance: Humping can assert control or establish rank.
• Excitement: Overstimulation sometimes triggers this behavior.
• Play: For puppies, humping is often part of roughhousing.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

If someone started humping a chair or another person in broad daylight, it would definitely spark some awkward glances.

8. Burying Food or Toys

Some dogs dig holes in the yard or hide items under blankets, pillows, or couch cushions. This hoarding instinct makes perfect sense for dogs but seems odd when applied to humans.

Why They Do It:

• Survival Instinct: Wild ancestors buried food to save it for later.
• Security: Hiding prized possessions gives dogs a sense of ownership.
• Fun: Digging is inherently enjoyable for many breeds.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

A person burying leftovers in the backyard or hiding snacks under their mattress would seem eccentric at best.

9. Tilting Their Heads

The head tilt is one of the cutest things dogs do, especially when they’re trying to understand a sound or command. If humans adopted this habit, it would feel oddly robotic.

Why They Do It:

• Curiosity: Dogs tilt their heads to better hear sounds or interpret tone.
• Facial Recognition: The tilt may help them focus on your facial expressions.
• Reward Association: If a tilted head earns praise or treats, they’ll repeat it.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

Someone tilting their head every time you spoke would feel like an exaggerated game of charades.

10. Howling at Sirens

When a siren wails in the distance, many dogs respond with a soulful howl. While it’s charming coming from a dog, hearing a human mimic this behavior would be unsettling.

Why They Do It:

• Communication: Howling is a form of long-distance communication inherited from wolves.
• Emotional Response: Certain pitches trigger a vocal response in dogs.
• Pack Mentality: They may howl to signal their presence or connect with others.

What It Would Look Like for Humans:

A person standing on the sidewalk howling at passing ambulances would draw plenty of confused stares.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Behaviors

Q: Why does my dog sniff everything on walks?

A: Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to explore the world. Sniffing allows them to gather information about their surroundings, similar to how humans use sight.

Q: Is it okay if my dog eats grass occasionally?

A: Yes, occasional grass-eating is usually harmless unless accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. If concerned, consult your vet.

Q: Should I stop my dog from rolling in smelly stuff?

A: While it’s natural, you can discourage this behavior by redirecting their attention or keeping them on a leash near unpleasant areas.

Q: Why does my dog hump my leg?

A: Humping can stem from excitement, dominance, or boredom. Neutering/spaying and training can help reduce this behavior.

Q: What should I do if my dog chases their tail excessively?

A: Occasional tail-chasing is normal, but excessive spinning could indicate underlying issues like anxiety or medical problems. Consult a vet if needed.

Conclusion

The top 10 things dogs do that would be strange to see humans do too highlight the delightful quirks that make our canine companions so special. From sniffing butts to howling at sirens, these behaviors remind us of the evolutionary traits and instincts that shape their daily lives. Understanding why dogs act the way they do not only strengthens our bond with them but also deepens our appreciation for their unique perspective on the world. So the next time your dog does something bizarre, take a moment to smile—it’s just another reminder of how wonderfully different they are from us.

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