Dog Behavior: What is Normal?

Dogs will be dogs. They will fetch, roll over, and beg. They will also chew, dig, and bark. Sometimes they are cute, and sometimes they are troublesome.

Which canine behaviors are normal and which are problematic?

Heritage and Behavior

Some canine behaviors are innate. Long ago, dogs were bred to accomplish certain tasks. For example, a border collie may chase bikes because he was bred to herd sheep and wants to corral the bicycle. A beagle may bark at a new scent or sound because she was bred to track and hunt. 

Some dogs repeat the survival skills of their ancestors that lived in the wild, so a Samoyed may dig a hole in the yard because he is trying to make a cool, comfortable bed outdoors.

Often, what we view as problem behavior is just a dog being a dog. But if your dog digs in the flower bed, scares the neighborhood kids while they ride bikes, or disturbs your sleep by barking all night, the behavior is problematic. 

By examining some common dog behaviors and the instincts that underlie these behaviors, we can better understand how to defuse situations without punishing the dog for “doing what comes naturally".

Degrees of Misbehavior

If your dog "misbehaves", try to rank his infractions. There are different levels of undesirable behavior.

1. Behaviors within the normal range for the age and breed of dog. Some annoying behaviors are just plain normal. For example, chewing in pups is expected while they are teething. Pet parents need to effectively redirect this temporary behavior so it does not become a persistent problem. Offer them suitable chew toys that are considered high value so they focus there and not on your favorite running shoes or couch.

2. Behaviors that lie within or just beyond the normal range. Some behaviors are challenging because, although they are considered normal, they may be harmful and difficult to manage. For example, it’s normal for dogs to mark their territory, but urinating on a new couch is a no-no. Understanding the basis of the behavior will help you deflect it, but you should have a realistic level of expectation. Cleaning up a little urine is part of being a dog owner.

3. Behaviors that lie outside the normal range and are considered problematic. Some behaviors are definitely abnormal. Serious behavior disorders may be the result of emotional issues related to insufficient early socialization, medical conditions, or genetic predispositions. Behavior problems like fear aggression or resource guarding require working with professionals who can provide training guidance and behavioral modification medications when needed.

Fortunately, most common canine behavior problems fall into categories 1 and 2 and are temporary or manageable.

Common Behavior Issues

When inherited behaviors pose a problem, find an outlet for the behavior that suits both you and your dog. Here are some common behavior issues that can be resolved or reduced so that human and canine family members live in harmony.

Barking. Almost all dogs bark, and pet owners know they must endure a little racket. However, excessive barking that disrupts the household or disturbs the neighbors is a problem. 

First, determine why your dog is barking. If he barks to get your attention, he may be insecure. Ignore him until he stops, then reward his quiet time. If your dog barks when someone knocks on the door, he is instinctively guarding his territory. Shouting at him to hush fuels the frenzy. Talk to him in a soothing voice and reassure him that the intruder is not a threat. If your dog barks when you return home because he is excited to see you, ask him to sit and give him time to settle down before playing with him.

Chewing. Chewing is natural for all dogs. Dogs examine the world with their mouths and may gently chew an object out of curiosity. Pups chew a lot because they have so many new things to examine. Plus, chewing helps soothe sore gums if a puppy is teething. 

"Dogs examine the world with their mouths and may gently chew an object out of curiosity."

Unfortunately, some adult dogs chew when bored or excited and are destructive. Destructive chewing is an abnormal manifestation of a normal behavior. Try “doggie proofing” the house by placing items out of reach. Consider confining your dog to a crate when you are not around. Also, provide chew toys or high-value rewards to give the dog an acceptable outlet for his chewing instinct, such as a toy stuffed with peanut butter or kibble.

Digging. Dogs historically dig to carve out a good place to sleep or to bury their treasures. Digging removes small branches and stubble that make for an uncomfortable bed. In hot climates, moving the topsoil exposes underlying earth that is cooler to sleep on. Make sure your dog has a cool, comfortable spot to rest outside. Digging is normal unless your dog digs excessively, out of anxiety or boredom, and destroys the garden or injures his paws.

To combat boredom and decrease digging, use exercise and/or mental stimulation, such as dog puzzles. You can also try using deterrents (noxious odors, electric fences). Or, as a last resort, you can try to redirect the digging instinct by creating a digging area in the yard where you bury small treats. While not optimal, sacrificing a small portion of the yard may save the flower garden! If the root cause is anxiety related, you need to try to identify the trigger and consider using some medications while working on modifying the behavior.

Chasing. A dog’s predatory or herding instinct can compel them to chase moving objects or people. This behavior puts both the chaser and the chased in peril. Train your dog to “freeze” on command and come when called. Keep him on leash when walking and be aware of potential triggers, such as joggers or kids on bikes. Fill his need to chase by playing fetch in the safety of your own backyard.

Biting. Pups may nip at other dogs or people because of inherited pack mentality while they learn their place in their pack or family. This is normal, but when biting extends beyond puppyhood or becomes harmful, it is abnormal behavior. Some dogs only bite when they are in pain, feeling threatened or fearful, or guarding their territory. These behaviors are understandable, but can still be harmful.

Some dogs display dominance aggression and are simply dangerous. These behaviors need to be addressed immediately by visiting your veterinarian first. They will help rule out any medical causes of the behavior and determine if professional behavioral counseling is the next step. Constant owner vigilance, responsible breeding practices, early training, and socialization can reduce problem biting.