We all know that dogs love to play, be petted, eat all day, sleep and run on the beach. However, there are certain things that dogs enjoy that humans may not be aware of. These behaviors and preferences are very specific to dogs and can help us better understand our furry friends.
Dogs have a lot of activities that make them happy, and it’s simply a matter of instinct, nature and social preferences. So if you have a dog at home and want to get to know them better, read this new Animal Wised article where we’ll tell you 10 things dogs love. I’m sure you didn’t know about them until now!
Table of Contents
Collecting trophies
Dogs often take things that don’t belong to them because they love their humans and want to interact with them. They see taking your things as a way to get your attention, even if it means behaving “badly”. Dogs will often hide your belongings in different rooms or under cushions because they want you to interact with them and they know that you will eventually come looking for your things.
Eating alone
Many people who have dogs as pets think that their dog loves to eat while they are being watched, or they see food as a social event. Although some dogs may like to eat when their owners are eating, for the dog, the act of eating is a personal moment. For a domesticated dog, you are the leader of the pack, so your dog will feel more comfortable eating in a private space where they can be sure that the alpha male won’t steal their food – this applies to any food or treat. Don’t be surprised if your dog takes what you give it into another room. You will see that it is its canine nature.
Always being by your side
Dogs love being close to their humans because it makes them feel safe and loved. When they’re close to us, they can transfer their own smells and odors onto us, which is part of their social-emotional-biological make-up. Some experts believe that this behaviour is indicative of protection on the part of your dog. They see you as a source of security, confidence and comfort, so they work as a barrier to keep intruders away from you.
Watching TV
Leaving the television on for your dog when you leave the house can actually be beneficial for them. Although dogs can’t see like humans, they appreciate the light, colors, and sound. For them, it can be mental stimulation and therefore is one of the things dogs love. In fact, some experts claim that dogs really enjoy watching TV because it helps them relax and fight boredom. However, these same animal experts emphasize that television should not be a substitute for love, human attention, and exercise.
Don’t miss our article on what dogs do when home alone.
Making the bed
Dogs, similar to people, desire comfort and will make their personal space as cozy and enjoyable as possible. The most straightforward method to do this is by walking in circles a few times, appearing as if they’re making their own little nest. By doing so, dogs spread their scent in the vicinity, making it clear that this is their territory. They also prepare the ground and temperature of the space to their liking.
Swimming
Have you ever seen a dog swim? It is a scene full of joy because they look like they are enjoying it immensely. Swimming is an activity that most dogs love like no other, and they also have an amazing ability to do it so much better than most people. For most dogs, swimming it is a great alternative fun exercise to a walk at any time of day.
Swimming is great for dogs because it helps them stay fit and healthy, while also having a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a new activity to do with your dog, why not try taking them swimming? You might be surprised at how much they enjoy it!
Music
Dogs have a natural affinity for music and react to it on both an emotional and sensory level. Many people are surprised to find out that their favourite pets have a finely tuned ear for music. Classical music is calming for dogs while heavy metal is agitating, but their favourite is vocal music. So now is the time to sing to your dog. When dogs howl, they pay special attention to what other dogs sound like and change their tone so that theirs is unique and stands out from the pack.
Being productive
Dogs have a sense of natural purpose and they love to feel useful and valued by accomplishing tasks. Our pets have a natural inclination to work, otherwise, they will feel bored and restless. Tasks that can make your dog feel recognised and rewarded include finding the newspaper, retrieving a ball, or even shepherding a flock of sheep. Literally anything that makes them feel needed can help make your dog feel happy and fulfilled. Having nothing to do can make your dog feel depressed and suppressed in their very nature, so it’s important to give them tasks that they can enjoy and feel good about!
Traveling
Dogs love to travel because they feel included and taken care of when they do. They will accompany you anywhere! Some dogs even get inside the suitcase of their human companions because they know that they are going to travel and want them to take them with them. Dogs are not aware that they are dogs, they feel they are part of the family, equal, just like any other human being… and they are right!
Sleeping with you
Sleeping with their human companions is one of the things dogs love most in the world. Not only does it symbolize the best time of the day, but it also symbolizes the best time of life. Letting your dog spend the night with you in your bed makes them feel privileged and part of your world because you are including them in your most personal space.