What the Dog Doin / What the Dog Doin Meaning

"What the dog doin'" has become a popular internet meme that's used to express curiosity or confusion about a dog's behavior. While this phrase is often used in a lighthearted and humorous way, it does bring up an interesting question: what exactly is a dog doing when they engage in their various behaviors? In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most common things that dogs do and try to understand the motivations behind their actions.

Before we dive into the specific behaviors that dogs exhibit, it's important to understand a bit about canine psychology. Dogs are social animals that have evolved to live in groups or packs. In the wild, packs of dogs hunt and scavenge for food together, share resources, and rely on each other for protection. As a result, dogs are highly attuned to the social cues and body language of their peers, and they rely heavily on these signals to communicate with one another.

This social nature is evident in many of the behaviors that dogs exhibit. For example, dogs often engage in play with one another as a way to strengthen social bonds and communicate their intentions. Playful behavior can include running, jumping, wrestling, and chasing, and it's often accompanied by playful vocalizations like barks and growls. When dogs play, they're learning important social skills like how to communicate effectively, how to gauge the intentions of their peers, and how to control their impulses.

Another common behavior that dogs engage in is sniffing. Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, and they use this sense to gather information about their environment, including the presence of other dogs and animals, the location of food, and even the emotional state of their human companions. When a dog sniffs around, they're essentially "reading" the scent markings left by other dogs and animals, and they can learn a lot about their surroundings in this way.

Dogs also engage in a variety of body language behaviors to communicate their emotions and intentions. For example, a wagging tail is often seen as a sign of happiness or excitement, while a lowered tail can indicate fear or submission. Dogs may also raise their hackles, growl, or bark to communicate aggression or defensiveness, or they may roll over on their back as a sign of submission.

So, what are some of the specific things that dogs do, and what do these behaviors mean?

Barking

One of the most common behaviors that dogs engage in is barking. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including to communicate with other dogs, to signal their presence to humans, and to express their emotions. For example, a dog may bark when they're feeling happy or excited, or they may bark when they're feeling anxious or afraid.

Barking can also be a sign of frustration or boredom. Dogs that are left alone for long periods of time or that don't get enough exercise or mental stimulation may bark excessively as a way to release their pent-up energy. In some cases, excessive barking can be a sign of an underlying behavioral problem, such as separation anxiety or territorial aggression.

Chewing

Another common behavior that dogs engage in is chewing. Dogs have a natural urge to chew on things, and this behavior serves a number of purposes. For one, chewing can help to keep a dog's teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque and debris. Chewing can also be a way for dogs to relieve stress or anxiety, and it can help to keep them occupied and entertained.

However, chewing can also be a problem behavior if a dog is chewing on inappropriate items, such as furniture or shoes. In these cases, it's important to provide the dog with appropriate chew toys and to train them to use these toys instead of destructive items.

Digging

Many dogs also enjoy digging, whether it's in the backyard, at the beach, or in a pile of dirt. Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, as it allows them to create a cool and comfortable spot to rest, or to bury and store food. In the wild, dogs may also dig dens or burrows as a way to protect themselves from the elements or from predators.

While digging can be a fun and harmless activity for dogs, it can also be a nuisance if the dog is digging up the lawn or garden. In these cases, it's important to provide the dog with a designated digging area, such as a sandbox or a section of the yard that's been designated for this purpose.

Jumping

Many dogs also love to jump, whether it's up onto the couch, onto their owner's lap, or over obstacles in the yard. Jumping is a natural behavior for dogs, as it allows them to navigate their environment and to engage in play with their owners and other dogs.

However, jumping can also be a problem behavior if the dog is jumping on people or furniture inappropriately. In these cases, it's important to train the dog to jump on command and to discourage jumping behavior when it's not desired.

Licking

Finally, many dogs enjoy licking, whether it's themselves, their owners, or other dogs. Licking is a natural behavior for dogs, and it serves a number of purposes. For one, licking can help to keep a dog's coat clean and free of parasites. Licking can also be a way for dogs to show affection and to communicate with their owners and peers.

However, excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying health problem or behavioral issue, such as anxiety or compulsive behavior. If a dog is licking excessively, it's important to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to determine the cause of the behavior and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

In conclusion, dogs engage in a wide variety of behaviors, from barking and chewing to digging and jumping. While these behaviors may seem confusing or amusing at times, they all serve a purpose in the dog's natural environment and can be an important way for dogs to communicate with their peers and with their human companions. By understanding the motivations behind these behaviors, we can better understand and care for our furry friends, and help them to live happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives.