Philosophizing the Dog

I don't understand dog behavior.

Today it snowed, and, as usual, when I let our 8-month old puppy out, he started running around the yard. No particular reason why this happened, I guess. He just sprinted to one end of our yard to other. And again. And again. He'd stop for a moment to see if I was looking at him. Then he'd dash off again. And again. Funny animal, he.

Sometimes I would make like I was going to chase him, and he'd run some more. And what is this thing with socks, handkerchiefs, and whatnot, that he has to thrash it while he has it in his mouth? I don't get it.

I don't understand dog behavior, and maybe not for a long time. Maybe never.