Andrea Rosebrock 
Sometimes a dog’s behavior and actions can leave us completely baffled. This is especially true for new dog owners. So, here is a little guide to help you figure out why your dog might be doing the weird things that he does.
1. Why does my dog keep eating the cat’s poop out of the litter box?
Coprophagia is the technical term for eating feces. This has been studied in dogs by several people with no definitive answer for “why” being found. While this particular dog behavior seems to be among the most bizarre, there really is a simple explanation for it. Your cat’s diet consists mostly of protein, so his stool has a high protein content as well. Many dogs simply crave the protein located there. Try using a litter box with a cover or one that automatically scoops litter after each use.
2. Why does my dog try to eat pantyhose and socks?
Most likely, your dog starts chewing these items from boredom, frustration or anxiety. Then, once the chewing starts, his natural instinct is to continue the process by swallowing the object. In other words, it might just be a mistake. Once you know which clothing items of yours are your dog’s favorites, keep those and similar items tucked away in a drawer.
3. Why does my dog love to chew up my shoes?
Your dog chews your shoes up for one of two reasons: your dog is a puppy who is teething or he just loves the attention that such an act brings. If you have a teething puppy on your hands, provide him with some appropriate alternatives in the form of store-bought chew toys. If your dog is an adult, try not to react by chasing him around or making a big scene. This is exactly what your dog wants (your attention) and doing so will simply reinforce the behavior. Keep your shoes in a safe place and give your dog more of the good attention that he obviously craves.
4. Why does my dog like to dig holes in my yard?
Digging is an instinctual act for dogs, especially among certain breeds. The dog could also be trying to bury something or could simply be trying to reach the cooler soil beneath. If you determine that your dog is simply digging for no apparent reason, you can train him to dig in a designated spot in your yard instead of all over. Do this by spraying protected areas with a non-toxic dog repellent.
5. Why does my dog jump up on anyone who walks through the front door?
Your dog is simply attempting to affectionately greet you and your visitors. Puppies do it all the time, but they are hardly ever corrected because the animal is so small and the behavior, especially for a tiny puppy, can be pretty cute and endearing. Once the animal grows up, however, the behavior can be uncomfortable and threatening to both children and adults. The best thing to do is to train your dog not to jump up on people from the time he is a puppy.
6. Why does my dog like to ride with his head sticking out of the car window?
Your dog likes to stick his head out of the car window for the fresh air and the inundation of new smells and sights. While this behavior seems harmless enough, the potential for road debris to cost your dog an eye or head injury is fairly great. For your dog’s safety, keep the windows rolled up and the air conditioner on.
7. Why is my dog afraid of thunder?
Many dogs that are normally brave and outgoing creatures will cower and whimper at the first crack of thunder. The most likely reason for this behavior is the dog’s feeling that he cannot escape the looming danger that thunder (or any loud noise) represents. Their first instinct is to run from the danger (which would explain why so many dogs run away in reaction to July 4th fireworks); however, if they are confined, distress at their inability to escape can take the form of pacing, whimpering, howling and crying.
8. Why does my dog like to roll in the smelly dirt?
Your dog likes to roll in the dirt, especially after a bath, in order to mask his scent. This is an instinctual behavior that no amount of training is likely to change.
9. Why does my dog chase his tail?
A little tail chasing every once in a while is a perfectly normal dog behavior. If the tail chasing becomes excessive, however, it could be that your dog is craving your attention. If you laugh out loud, clap, or show other positive reactions whenever your dog chases his tail, then you may be encouraging him to repeat the action over and over again. Give your dog attention in other ways and make sure that if he does start chasing his tail, he is in no danger of injuring himself.
10. Why does my dog eat grass?
Eating grass is normal for a dog. Some dogs just like it, they may have certain species of grass or plant material that they will search out and eat. Some dogs just develop a taste for it no matter what the effect is on their digestive system (i.e. vomiting, diarrhea). If you can’t dissuade your dog from eating grass by offering him treats, make sure that the grass and plant matter to which he has access are not toxic to animals. In any case, grass eating is basically a normal behavior, and is not of concern unless your dog does it excessively.
On the subject of dogs eating grass I would like to point out that dogs eat grass just because they like it. This subject has actually been scientifically studied and the result was all of what you have suggested. However all scientists came to the conclusion that there need not be any reason for a dog to eat grass and that it seems they eat it just because they like it. After all; show me a bar of chocolate and even though there is no REASON for me to eat it…I will
Puppy Paws, I definitely have to agree with you. Both on the grass and the chocolate
My Jezzie and Bruti eat grass pretty consistently and I have seen them ’search’ through for what I would guess to them to be particularly ‘tasty’ specimens.
It is funny how some dogs do actually “search” for a certain piece of grass. My collies are the same as your dogs and are very fussy about which grass they eat. Not so the Dobe, he just wades in rather like a cow and chomps on great clumps of grass. There is a downside however, he gets the most awful “wind”. There is actually a type of grass that is so loved by dogs that its Latin name is ‘ Agrospyron Canina’ after the dog!
As to chocolate…It was my daughters birthday yesterday and I bought her a box of Lindt D’or chocolates. I managed not to eat them and wrapped them up with a pretty bow. Last night when everyone was asleep I woke up dreaming of a chocolate mountain!! Before I knew what was happening I was downstairs chomping on several of her chocolates. This morning I had to confess my crime but in my defense I claimed I was sleep walking.
Interesting bit of trivia on the grass. Now I’m going to have to check it out! LOL
And thank you for my laugh this morning! OMG! A sleepwalking, chocolate eater! I’ll have to find a reason to use that one!!! LMAO!!
Hey…One of the benefits of getting older is you can make outrageous statements and get away with it
At 21, my daughter just thinks I am going senile! Thing is the dogs are of the same opinion especially during the hot weather when I join them for a swim in the lake. They paddle around me with a look on their faces as if to say “Now what the heck is she doing here” Oh well It is good to keep them guessing 
Hi, my two boys not only eat the grass, they make sure the roots are still attached. I have little dents all over the yard.
Mine just stick with the grass, never have seen them go for the roots
Besides, there’s enough dents in my yard from them as it is!
My husband thinks there might be something lacking in their diet, but from all the reading at different sites, they seem to just like it.
My dog, for some reason loves to chew up my shoes. She leaves my husbands alone. She is 3 yrs old. Everyday I have to make sure my shoes are up, he doesnt worry about it, I don’t understand?
Jodi,
perhaps you husband has smelly feet? I know dogs hate bad oders. I was spraying my hair before school and my dog has learned to push open doors when there not fully closed, my friends dont go to teh bathroom when the dogs are inside, but Sherman walked in and sniffed the air. He sneezed about 3 times before he was even 4 feet out of the room. i started laughing pretty hard after that.