Ever wondered what’s really going on inside your dog’s head? From tail chasing to baby talk, our four-legged friends have some curious habits — and science is finally catching up to explain them!

In our latest segment, we explored some of the most common canine quirks with insights from animal behavior experts and the friendly staff at Petland Iowa City, who help local pet owners understand their furry companions every day.

What’s in a Name?

Does your dog really know their name — or do they think “Sit” and “Stay” are part of it? Research in canine cognition suggests that dogs don’t identify names like humans do. Instead, they learn to associate the sound of their name (like “Buddy” or “Bella”) with attention, rewards, and positive experiences.

If your dog doesn’t come when called, it might not be stubbornness. They could associate that sound with something unpleasant — like bath time or leaving the park. Their “real name” might feel to them like a joyful mashup of “good boy, sit, stay, no drop, come here!”

 Handshakes vs. Sniffs

Humans greet with handshakes. Dogs prefer... sniffing butts. It might sound silly, but for dogs, sniffing is a powerful social tool — they can determine another dog’s sex, health, diet, and emotional state with one quick sniff.

In comparison, our handshake — historically a way to show we weren’t hiding weapons — probably feels shallow to them!

Do They Love Baby Talk?

You might feel silly using a high-pitched “Who’s a good boy?” voice — but your dog doesn’t think so! Studies show dogs respond better to exaggerated, melodic speech patterns (similar to how babies react to “parentese”). That baby talk tone is often linked with affection, play, and positive attention.

The Head Tilt and Bathroom Follow

Why does your dog tilt their head when you talk? It’s not just cute — it’s functional. Head tilting helps dogs locate sounds and read facial expressions more accurately. The most common triggers? Words like “treat,” “walk,” and “food.”

As for that bathroom bodyguard behavior — it’s rooted in pack instinct. Dogs are social animals who seek closeness for comfort and companionship.

If you’d prefer some privacy, try setting up cozy dog beds in multiple rooms so your pup feels secure even when you step away.

earn More from Petland Iowa City Experts

For pet owners who love diving deeper into dog behavior, Petland Iowa City is a local gem. Co-owned by Ron and Wendy Soldier, the store offers friendly guidance, pet care tips, and even a party section for dog birthdays!

📍 Location: Marketplace Mall, 1851 Lower Muscatine Road, Iowa City

🕒 Hours:

• Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  

• Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 🌐 Visit petlandiacity.com or call 319-351-9451 for more info.