Our dogs' odd behaviors can range from funny to frustrating, and although some of the weird things canines do that don't make sense to humans, they make perfect sense in Dog World! 

1. Circling Before Laying Down: Like most peculiar dog behaviors, this canine ritual has ancient roots. Their ancestors slept in beds of leaves and grass, and trampling the brush chased away snakes and insects that might be nesting underneath. It also signaled to other dogs that space had been claimed and created a more comfortable bed.

2. Howling: Dogs that howl at sirens and other high-pitched sounds have inherited the instinct from their wolf ancestors, who howl to communicate over longer distances. Your dog may be responding to a noise that sounds like other canines howling.  

3. Tail Chasing or Spinning: A dog may chase its tail simply due to boredom, or pent up energy. Conditions such as flea allergies and irritated anal glands can also cause this behavior. For some dogs, however, spinning is an obsessive/compulsive behavior that can get out of hand. Discuss this behavior with your vet if it persists! 

4.Butt Sniffing: Although it seems rude to us, butt sniffing is a proper greeting in Dog World. Sacs located there secrete odors that allow dogs to determine gender, health, diet, emotional state, and other valuable information. 

5. Burying or Hiding Things: Does your dog painstakingly bury or hide his food, treats, and toys? This instinct comes from their thrifty ancestors who hid surplus goodies to return to in leaner times.

6. Humping: For females or neutered males, humping is usually a response to over-excitement or anxiety, a way to get attention, or just part of the play- it's not typically related to mating instincts.

7. Starting at You: When your dog stares at you, unfortunately, it isn't hero worship. The simple explanation: He wants something. It could be food, playtime, or just your attention. He may also be trying to read your facial expressions to see if he's likely to get it!