Understanding Dog Behaviour: 30 Interesting Facts

Does your dog dig up your garden?

Boredom or instinct (some breeds love to dig).

Provide puzzle toys or a designated digging pit filled with treats.

Is your dog constantly barking when you leave?

Separation anxiety and loneliness.

Try leaving an item of your clothing with your scent behind and practice short absences.

Is your dog chewing everything in sight?

Teething, stress, or lack of stimulation.

Offer appropriate chew toys and rotate them regularly to keep it exciting.

Does your dog bolt out the door the second it opens?

High prey drive or lack of impulse control.

Teach a strong “stay” at the door using positive reinforcement.

Is your dog barking at every passing car or person?

Territorial behaviour or alertness.

Train a “quiet” command and reward calm behaviour with treats.

Does your dog jump up to greet guests?

Excitement and seeking attention.

Teach a “sit to greet” behaviour and only reward calm sits.

Is your dog pulling your arm off during walks?

Excitement or poor leash manners.

Use a front-clip harness and stop walking when the leash tightens to teach loose-leash walking.

Is your dog chewing walls or furniture when alone?

Anxiety or boredom.

Use calming music or dog TV and increase daily physical activity.

Does your dog bark when left in the crate?

Crate may be associated with isolation.

Make the crate a positive space with treats and toys; build up crate time gradually.

Is your dog escaping your yard?

Curiosity or searching for a mate.

Ensure physical barriers are secure and provide more mental stimulation indoors.

Does your dog howl when alone?

Vocal expression of stress or loneliness.

Try interactive toys like treat-dispensing puzzles during your absence.

Is your dog jumping on the couch uninvited?

Looking for comfort or elevation.

Provide a comfy dog bed and reward them for using it.

Does your dog bark at nothing?

Dogs hear and smell things we can’t.

Redirect attention with training exercises like “find it” games.

Is your dog shredding paper or pillows?

Stress relief or boredom.

Introduce shredding-safe toys like snuffle mats to channel the behaviour.

Does your dog chase joggers or bikes?

Prey drive or lack of impulse control.

Train a “look at me” command to redirect attention before chasing starts.

Does your dog cry when you pick up your keys?

Anticipation of being left alone.

Desensitize by picking up keys randomly and not leaving each time.

Is your dog pacing when you’re away?

Anxiety or excess energy.

Use a camera to observe, then try calming supplements or professional training.

Does your dog chew their leash during walks?

Overstimulation or frustration.

Use a chain leash temporarily and redirect with a toy or treat.

Is your dog mouthing your hands?

Play behaviour or teething.

Teach bite inhibition by yelping and stopping play when it happens.

Does your dog jump into guests’ laps uninvited?

Seeking affection or lack of boundaries.

Train a “place” command where your dog stays during visits.

Is your dog barking in the car?

Excitement or car anxiety.

Practice calm car entry/exit and reward quiet behaviour during drives.

Does your dog nip at heels when people walk away?

Herding instinct.

Redirect to a toy and teach a “leave it” or “settle” cue.

Does your dog whine when you’re out of sight?

Early signs of separation anxiety.

Use gradual desensitization to increase tolerance to being alone.

Is your dog reactive on leash?

Frustration or fear-based reactivity.

Use distance, high-value treats, and counter-conditioning techniques.

Does your dog constantly lick you?

Affection, anxiety, or grooming behaviour.

Reward calm behaviour and give them alternative ways to engage with you.

Is your dog obsessed with shadows or lights?

Compulsive behaviour or boredom.

Increase mental enrichment and consult a vet if it becomes excessive.

Does your dog act out more when you’re busy or distracted?

Attention-seeking behaviour.

Schedule regular, focused play and training sessions each day.

Is your dog possessive over toys or food?

Resource guarding.

Practice “trade” games using high value treats to build trust.

Does your dog act hyper after walks instead of tired?

Walks might be under-stimulating mentally.

Incorporate sniffing breaks and obedience cues to engage their brain.

Does your dog panic during thunderstorms or fireworks?

Noise phobia.

Use white noise, pressure wraps, and create a safe, cozy den-like space.