The Natural Behaviours of Dogs

Dogs also have a deep need to express their natural behaviours. It’s totally okay if you don’t want your dog digging up the flower beds or barking at every passerby. But it’s not fair (or realistic) to expect these behaviours to never show up at all. They’re part of who your dog is.

It is your job to find healthy, safe, and satisfying ways for your dog to express those behaviours, without wrecking your garden or driving the neighbours mad.

Let’s look at some common instinctual behaviours and how to gently redirect them in a way that makes both you and your dog happy.

Digging

Dogs dig for many reasons: to bury food, create a cool spot to lie in, or even because it’s just plain fun. While the days of den-building are mostly behind them, the urge to dig is still alive and well in many dogs.

What you can do:

• Create a digging zone in your garden (sandpits work really well)

• Bury toys or treats in that area to make it rewarding

• Supervise and praise them when they dig in the right spot

Hunting & Stalking

This often shows up in play, especially with herding or hunting breeds. It might look like your dog locking eyes on something, crouching low, then pouncing. It’s completely normal and not necessarily aggressive.

What you can do:

• Play scent and search games

• Use tug toys or squeaky toys to engage that hunting instinct

• Try enrichment activities that involve problem-solving

Chasing

Most dogs love to chase, it’s how they play, and it’s incredibly self-rewarding. Squirrels, birds, even bikes . . . that urge to run after fast-moving things is strong. Luckily, they don’t usually want to catch; the thrill is in the chase.

What you can do:

• Play structured games like fetch 

• Use a flirt pole (like a giant cat toy for dogs)

• Consider dog sports like flyball or agility

Barking

Barking is how dogs talk, to us and to each other. It can be excitement, frustration, fear, or a call for attention. While it comes from the same roots as the wolf’s howl, each bark conveys something different.

What you can do:

• Learn what your dog’s different barks mean

• Respond to the need behind the bark, not just the noise

• or more tips, see the chapter on canine communication

Scenting & Tracking

A dog’s sense of smell is its superpower. Through scent, dogs “read” the world around them, who was here, what they were doing, and whether anything has changed.

What you can do:

• Play hide-and-seek with treats or toys

• Try tracking games or scent trails in your garden or on walks

• Use puzzle toys or snuffle mats at mealtimes

Shaking

You might notice your dog shaking a toy from side to side, this mimics the way their ancestors killed prey. It’s totally normal, even if it looks a little wild.

What you can do:

• Play tug games with soft, durable toys, be gentle with them to avoid damaging teeth 

• Squeaky toys to engage that prey drive

Retrieving

Originally, dogs retrieved food for their pack, now, it’s more about the joy of the game. Fetch isn’t just fun, it taps into something deep and satisfying.

What you can do:

• Classic fetch with a ball or toy

• Hide-and-seek games around the house

• Reward successful retrievals with treats or praise

Regurgitation

This might sound gross, but regurgitating food was how wild dogs and wolves fed their young. Puppies still instinctively lick around their mother’s (or your) mouth to “ask” for food.

What you can do:

• If this behaviour happens frequently, check with your vet

• You may need to adjust diet or feeding routine

Food Guarding

Some dogs hide their food or guard it fiercely, this is natural too. It’s a leftover survival instinct, but one that can cause problems if left unaddressed.

What you can do:

• Start early: occasionally remove your dog's food bowl mid-meal, add a higher value food item, and immediately place the bowl back on the floor. This builds trust and teaches that sharing means good things

• Do the same for toys, provide them with a variety of toys and swap/rotate toys to avoid possessiveness

Chewing

Chewing helps keep your dog’s teeth clean and their jaw muscles strong. Plus, they just really enjoy it! If they don’t have appropriate chew toys, they’ll find their own (usually your shoes).

What you can do:

• Offer a variety of chew toys

• Supervise and rotate them to keep things exciting

• Choose size-appropriate, safe chews (not too hard!)

Scavenging

Dogs are natural scavengers. That’s why they’re always sniffing the ground, licking up crumbs, or raiding the bin if given the chance.

What you can do:

• Use snuffle mats or treat-dispensing toys

• Hide kibble in cardboard boxes or egg cartons for fun food hunts

• Make mealtimes more interactive

The bottom line is that none of these behaviours are “bad.” They’re simply natural. Trying to stop them entirely is like taking paper away from a child who loves to draw and then being mad when they draw all over the walls. Don’t fight against their instincts, work with it and use it to have fun.