Dogs bring so much joy to our lives, but sometimes their quirky habits leave us scratching our heads. Why do they bury toys? Why do they roll in the grass—or even worse, in something stinky? In honor of International Dog Day, let’s decode some of the strangest (and most fascinating) canine behaviors.
Burying Things
That toy disappearing into your backyard isn’t just mischief—it’s instinct. Before domestication, dogs had to protect their food from being stolen by other animals. Burying a meal under dirt helped keep it hidden and masked the scent. Today, dogs may bury toys or even household items because they feel protective of them, are bored, or are experiencing anxiety. Some breeds, like terriers, dachshunds, beagles, basset hounds, and miniature schnauzers, are especially prone to this digging habit.
Rolling in Grass
Few things delight a dog more than a good roll in the grass. This behavior also dates back to their predatory ancestors. Rolling masked their scent so prey wouldn’t detect them, or it allowed them to leave their own scent behind as a territorial marker. Sometimes, though, rolling is simply about enjoyment—it just feels good! Even when your pup rolls in something unpleasant, it may be their way of “collecting” an interesting scent to share, much like wolves do when bringing information back to their pack.
Sniffing Each Other’s Rear Ends
It may seem odd to us, but this is perfectly normal in the dog world. With a sense of smell about 40 times stronger than ours, dogs rely heavily on scent to learn about one another. Specialized pheromones provide information about a dog’s age, gender, social status, and even mood. Every dog has its own unique “signature scent,” which helps them identify and communicate with each other.
Running or Barking in Their Sleep
If you’ve ever seen your dog’s paws twitch or heard them bark softly in their sleep, they’re probably dreaming. Dogs spend about half their day snoozing, and just like humans, they enter REM sleep, the stage where dreams happen. Research shows that dogs often act out their natural instincts in their dreams—like spaniels flushing out prey or pointers holding a stance. Interestingly, small dogs tend to dream more frequently, though their dreams are shorter, while larger dogs dream less often but for longer stretches.
Sleeping on Their Back
That belly-up nap position is more than adorable—it’s functional. Exposing their underside helps dogs regulate body temperature, since the belly has thinner fur and releases heat more efficiently. This position also signals trust. Lying on their back with their belly exposed is a vulnerable state, and when a dog sleeps this way, it’s a sign they feel safe and secure in their environment.
What may look like weird behavior often has deep roots in survival instincts, communication, and comfort. On this International Dog Day, let’s celebrate not only our pups’ unconditional love—but also their fascinating quirks that make them who they are.