Blogs / Fetch / Winter 2010 / Wacky Stuff My Pet Does

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For the Love of Pets

Wacky Stuff My Pet Does

It’s time for a little Q & A. Does your pet do something that boggles your mind? My six pets sometimes have me scratching my head. I just don’t understand some of their behaviors. I also don’t understand the behaviors of some of my friends, family and coworkers too but that’s a whole other topic! I know (hope) some of my Fetch readers have other pets besides cats, dogs and chickens. I want to hear from you, I want to interview you and your special pet!
 

Q:Why does my dog roll over and expose his belly?
A: What your dog is really saying is this, ‘you are my master, I am submissive and I love you’. Or maybe he just wants his belly scratched. A happy dog is a dog that knows his place in the household. Have you ever heard of Cesar Millan? He is ALL about the dog owner being the leader of the pack.
 

Q:Why does my dog lick?
A:I dog sit a Boxer that would lick your skin off. She is so sweet but seriously, that tongue is a force of nature!
Licking is a way for your dog to seek attention and show affection. They (the experts of course) say that dogs lower in rank are more prone to this behavior. The tip here is to allow a lick or two and then ignore your dog until the licking stops. My girl June licks like crazy, we always use the same phrase ‘no licking’ to help her stop. I know, I know…genius, right?
 

Q:Why do dogs dislike the UPS truck/delivery person?
A:This one was tough to find an answer for. One big theory is that the UPS man is an ‘intruder’, you don’t let him into your house but he comes on your property. I have also heard the uniform seems to bother the dogs. Really? What do you think about this one? When June hears the truck pull up at work, she lets out a ‘growl’, I can’t really answer this.
 

Q:Why does my cat shove her butt in my face?
A: I love this question; I haven’t met a cat who doesn’t do this! Cats seem to rub their butts in your face as a way of saying they trust you and they like you. They also want to make sure you pay attention to them and give some pats. Animals sure do have funny ways of showing their love.
 

Q:Why does my cat bring me dead animals (ie: mice, birds, unidentifiable fur balls)?
A:Pure and simple: PRIDE. Cats are distant relatives of lions after all.
 

Q:Why does my hen sometimes lay double yolkers? (Confession, this one is my question and I wish she would do it more!)
A:Double Yolkers appear when ovulation occurs too rapidly, or when one yolk somehow gets "lost" and is joined by the next yolk. I say, who cares how they happen…they are awesome!

If you have a question that you need answered or if you want to know what is ‘normal,’ send it my way. I also want to hear about your dogs’ snow behavior. Personally my dogs roll around in the snow like they have an itch on their back. June is well-known for her seal routine on the snow. Send pictures too, to Fetch@Sunvalleymag.com! Thanks, and thanks for reading!

[Photo credits. Dirty-nose dog by S. Latham. Cash's belly, Elmer the cat, and Dumb and Dumber (chasing ball) by Jenna Resko.]