From the fiercest Pit Bull to the cutest Pomeranian, dogs of all breeds are quirky creatures that often display behaviors we can't help but laugh at.
Dogs are so full of life and whimsy. They're also unpredictable and mischievous, getting into all kinds of trouble that make life as an owner fun! There are plenty of things that dogs do that have us humans scratching our heads in confusion and rolling on the floor with laughter.
While not all funny behaviors are intentional, and some actions hold a deeper meaning that's more serious, we can't help but chuckle at the sheer bizarreness of canine life.
Here are 13 things dogs do that make us laugh and what they might mean.
1. The Zoomies
Zoomies are the quintessential dog behavior that deserves a laugh. To those unfamiliar with the colloquialism, zoomies refer to those short bursts of high-energy activity dogs exhibit at seemingly random times.
In most cases, zoomies manifest as running around rapidly as dogs take any open route they can find. You might see your dog do this whenever you get home or let your pup out for a potty break.
On the more technical side, zoomies are called frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). Zoomies are most common in puppies and young adults. There are many reasons why FRAPs occur. In most cases, it's your dog releasing pent-up energy. It could also be pure excitement. However, frequent zoomies could also indicate issues you could address.
For some pups, zoomies are a coping mechanism to handle overstimulation. It may also be the only way your dog can eliminate that bottled-up energy during the day!
Consider revamping your dog's schedule. More frequent play and exercise sessions will give your dog more opportunities to be active, making zoomies less necessary.
2. Sleeping in Awkward Positions
Here's a behavior that you should feel okay to laugh about. Dogs have a reputation for sleeping in some of the weirdest positions. You might find your pup splayed out on your couch, contorted on the floor and more. It's a strange sight! But why do dogs do this?
Generally, the odd sleeping positions are a sign of true comfort. This is especially true if your pup sleeps on their back, fully exposing their bellies. That's a sign of trust. They're not fearful of some predator harming them as they snooze, so your precious pooch is free to sleep however they want.
If your dog isn't whimpering in pain or sleeping in a way that indicates a health problem, feel free to laugh and take all the photos you want!
Related: 8 Reasons Why your Dog is Suddenly Sleeping on the Floor
3. Sock and Shoe Stealing
We've all been there. You've lost track of a sock or shoe, only to find your dog stashing it elsewhere. While you might get frustrated for a second, the oddball behavior leads to a laugh as you ponder why your dog loves your smelly foot accessories!
The truth is that many dogs sneakily steal items like this because they carry your scent. Sure, it's adorable to think about. However, considering why your dog needs your scent, you may stop laughing at the behavior.
Many pups will steal socks and shoes because they're lonely or anxious. Having your scent nearby is comforting. Suddenly, it's not so funny, is it?
Try spending more time with your dog or providing more outlets for stimulation. That could mean hiring a dogsitter, investing in mind-challenging toys or putting more effort into training. Whatever the case, encouraging your dog to find solace in other activities will give them fewer reasons to steal your stuff!
4. Getting a Whiff of Smelly (and Embarrassing) Places
One potentially embarrassing behavior is having your dog become infatuated with something super smelly, like trash or a toilet. Many dogs also go straight for a person's crotch, making things awkward for you and your guest!
Dogs have a powerful sense of smell. Experts believe a canine's olfactory senses are up to 100,000 stronger than a human's. In the case of trash, the need to get a good whiff is often due to curiosity. Those strong smells are sensory overload, and dogs can't get enough.
If your pup likes to sniff the private parts of another animal or human, the behavior is an attempt to learn more. Those private areas have a high concentration of apocrine glands that release hormones, allowing dogs to gather as much information as possible about the new people or creatures they encounter.
Related: What Smells Do Dogs Hate? 10 Scents That Repel Dogs
5. Carrying Random Objects Around the House
Ever spot your pooch carrying around a pillow, toy or blanket everywhere they go? It's a cute behavior that's usually no cause for concern. Carrying random objects is all about comfort. Those items make your dog feel at peace and happy, so of course, they want them around as much as possible!
Generally, there's nothing wrong with this laughable act. However, it can teeter into concerning territory if dogs get excessive. Sometimes, that impulsive need to carry things around is due to anxiety and stress. If that's the case, consider hiring a trainer or behavioralist to get to the bottom of things.
6. Licking Things That Just Don't Need Licking
Dogs lick weird things–It's in their nature. Licking is how dogs explore the world, much like sniffing. While we expect them to lick food and our faces, you may also catch your pup licking things that simply don't need licking. We're talking about trash, poop and their own body!
Periodic licking is normal. However, excessive licking could mean something deeper. If your dog licks a part of its body, it could have a medical issue like allergies. The behavior is self-soothing but could lead to infection. Therefore, seeking veterinary assistance is important, especially if you see that body part turning red or inflamed.
Unrestrained licking could also be a reaction to boredom or stress. Unless you address the root cause of the behavior, it could get worse.
Related: What Does it Mean When a Dog Licks Your Hand Constantly?
7. Stinky Puppy Farts
Dogs are living creatures with complex digestive systems, just like humans. Farting is a perfectly normal biological function and is a sign that their gastrointestinal system is working as it should. Despite the gross smells and laughable sounds it produces, farting is normal.
That said, excessive farting or super-smelly gas might indicate health problems or dietary issues. Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), or bloat, is a potentially life-threatening problem that can happen when your dog eats too fast or becomes active soon after eating.
GDV can prevent your dog from farting and releasing gas, but you'll see the belly expand as your pup's breathing gets more labored. When that happens, get vet care immediately.
When farting becomes an all-too-frequent problem, consult with your vet about your dog's diet. Allergies and sensitivities can cause excessive and smelly gas, so it's worth exploring better nutritional options.
8. Drinking Water Like It's the Last Drop They'll Ever Have
Does your dog scarf down water like no tomorrow after a walk or play session? Despite having all the water your dog could ever want available, it might drink like it's absolutely parched! It's funny and frustrating to watch as water goes everywhere.
This behavior is often a sign of dehydration or overheating. If it was a hot day out, your pooch likely struggled. Unhinged drinking is your pup's attempt to lower its body temperature. To prevent this, make water readily available and be more mindful of the heat.
Unfortunately, crazy drinking habits could also point to medical concerns: Cushing's disease, kidney disease, urinary tract infections and more cause excessive thirst. If you can't link the behavior to dehydration or heat, it may be time for a health checkup.
9. Stashing Toys or Food in the Oddest Places
Dogs have lived the domesticated life for thousands of years. However, that doesn't mean they don't have any of those wild instincts still lurking. Hiding food and toys is the perfect example. This behavior stems from the perceived need to protect belongings. Many dogs do this because they believe it's crucial to their survival.
While it can be laughably cute, you should investigate why they feel the need to do it. Dogs should feel comfortable in their homes and not resort to survival instincts. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.
Rescue dogs are likely to behave this way; some will even growl or bite anything touching their stuff. Hire a trainer to work with your dog and make them feel more comfortable, less anxious and more secure.
10. Riding in a Stroller Like Royalty
In this case, most people direct their laughs to owners rather than dogs. It can be strange to see a dog carried around in a stroller as if they were a human baby. Many assume the dog is completely spoiled, living in the lap of luxury and not experiencing that canine life. However, the truth is usually not that simple.
Sure, some dog owners use strollers to pamper their pups. But sometimes, the dog can't physically walk without struggling. Arthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and other painful conditions make it impossible for dogs to walk more than a few steps without feeling pain.
Older dogs, in particular, struggle. Does a dog's condition mean they shouldn't explore the world and go for walks with their owners? Of course not! Thankfully, dog strollers are there to save the day.
11. Stealing Snacks Like a Spy
Snack stealing is another "of course your dog would do that" behavior. In most cases, it's innocent. Dogs love to eat, and that flavorful meal you're eating is the epitome of enticing! Even still, it's worth training this behavior out of your dog. Human snacks aren't appropriate for dogs. Eating them could result in some serious health complications.
Ensure you're providing enough food for your dog. Invest in high-quality, nutritionally dense foods that your dog enjoys. Then, put the effort into training your dog to leave your food alone.
12. Howling with Distant Sirens
Many dogs will hear sirens in the distance and howl with them. Some breeds are likelier to exhibit this behavior than others (we're looking at you, Huskies!) However, any dog can reciprocate those distant calls.
Howling is a form of communication, and the behavior is pure instincts. In the wild, dogs would howl to communicate with others at great distances. Your dog might think another is trying to get in touch, so they return the exchange with a howl.
Generally, there is nothing wrong with it. Some pups may howl in a more territorially protective manner, but most react instinctively to what they think is socializing. If it gets to be too much, you can work with a trainer to put a stop to it.
13. Sitting on You or Other Pets
There's nothing funnier than seeing your dog barrel over another, only to sit directly on them. Your pup may even do that to you, invading your personal space as you sit on the floor or couch.
There are a few reasons why dogs do this. For the most part, it's all affection when directed at you. Think of it as a funny form of bonding. The same can also apply to other dogs, cats and other pets. Many also do it for warmth.
It becomes not so funny when dogs do it to alleviate anxiety or assert dominance. Usually, sitting is just one indicator that there's a bigger problem. For example, anxiety sitting typically accompanies clinginess. Meanwhile, dominance-based sitting may be just one type of aggressive behavior you see.
Related: Why Do Dogs Lay, Sit, & Sleep on your Feet?
The Oh So Crazy Things Dogs Do
These 13 behaviors are just a small glimpse into the laughably crazy things dogs do. As you can see, some actions have a deeper meaning than others. We can never truly know what's happening in a dog's head when they do something that makes us laugh. However, we can pay close attention to other actions that could point to trouble.
If you suspect these behaviors are a byproduct of a deeper emotional or physical problem, don't hesitate to contact your vet. But if your dog seems all good, there's nothing wrong with getting a good chuckle out of your pup's wackiness!
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