Ever wonder why your beloved pup seems determined to dig up the backyard or bark at the mail carrier every single day? You’re not alone. As dog lovers, we often find ourselves exasperated by certain behaviors that, no matter what we do, seem impossible to fully erase. But here’s something comforting: many of those “annoying” habits are actually written into your dog’s DNA. What we see as mischief is often just your dog being, well, a dog! Let’s take a closer look at ten of the most common canine quirks and uncover why your four-legged friend just can’t help themselves.
Barking at Every Little Thing
Barking can make even the most patient dog parent’s nerves fray, especially when your pup seems to sound the alarm at every passing squirrel or leaf. This isn’t just drama—dogs are born to alert their pack to changes or possible danger. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, something’s different. Let’s check it out!”
If your dog’s barking feels excessive, it helps to observe what sets them off. Some breeds are more vocal by nature, while others use barking to express excitement or anxiety. Teaching a “quiet” cue and rewarding calm behavior can help, but remember, your dog’s inner watchdog is just doing their job.
Digging Up the Yard
Nothing says “dog was here” like a freshly dug hole in your garden. Digging is deeply rooted in canine history—wild dogs dug for food, shelter, and even to hide their treasures from rivals. Today’s pups may dig for entertainment, comfort, or to cool down on a hot day.
If your dog is a serial digger, try giving them a designated digging spot or sandbox. Redirecting their instinct to a safe area can save your flowerbeds and keep your dog happy. Sometimes, a little compromise is the best way to a peaceful backyard.
Rolling in Stinky Things
Few things are as baffling (and, let’s be honest, gross) as watching your dog gleefully roll in something smelly. This behavior likely comes from their wild ancestors, who would mask their scent to sneak up on prey or avoid predators.
You can try to curb this habit by keeping your dog on a leash in high-risk areas and practicing a strong “leave it” command. Still, don’t be surprised if nature wins out now and then. For dogs, that mysterious stink is like the world’s finest perfume.
Jumping on Guests
A dog that leaps up to greet you with muddy paws can be embarrassing, but it’s also a sign of affection and excitement. Puppies lick their mother’s face in the wild to ask for food or attention, and jumping is their way of reaching up for connection.
Teaching your dog to sit for greetings is a great alternative. Consistent cues and plenty of praise when your dog keeps all four paws on the floor can turn a jumpy greeting into a polite welcome.
Chewing Everything in Sight
Chewing is more than just a way for dogs to pass the time—it’s a natural instinct that helps clean their teeth, relieve boredom, and soothe teething pain in puppies. Adult dogs may chew when they’re anxious or craving stimulation.
Providing a variety of safe chew toys can steer your dog away from shoes and furniture. Rotating toys keeps things interesting, and lots of physical and mental exercise helps tire out those busy jaws.
Chasing Moving Objects
Whether it’s a squirrel, a skateboard, or your neighbor’s cat, many dogs can’t resist the urge to chase. This prey drive is a holdover from their hunting ancestors and is especially strong in breeds bred for herding or chasing.
You can channel this instinct by playing fetch or using flirt poles for supervised play. Teaching a solid recall and “leave it” command will also help keep your dog—and small neighborhood critters—safe.
Begging at the Table
The soulful eyes and hopeful whimpers at dinner time are hard to resist, but begging is a behavior reinforced by humans. In the wild, dogs scavenge for food and learn to take advantage of any opportunity.
To curb begging, avoid feeding your dog from the table and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Giving your pup a special treat or toy during meal times can redirect their focus and make dinner more peaceful for everyone.
Sniffing Everything (and Everyone)
Dogs see the world through their noses, and sniffing is their primary way to gather information. Every scent tells a story, from who passed by to what they had for breakfast.
Letting your dog sniff on walks provides vital mental stimulation. Instead of rushing your pup along, try slowing down and enjoying the world from their perspective. You might be surprised at how much happier and calmer your dog becomes.
Guarding Food or Toys
Resource guarding—growling or snapping when someone approaches food or a prized toy—can be unsettling, but it’s a deeply natural behavior. In the wild, resources are limited, and protecting what’s yours is a matter of survival.
If your dog guards resources, work on building trust with positive reinforcement. Avoid punishing the behavior, as this can make things worse. Gradual desensitization and teaching “trade” games can help your dog feel safer and less defensive.
Sleeping All Day (and Night)
Dogs spend a surprising amount of time snoozing—up to 14-16 hours a day for adults, and even more for puppies and seniors. This isn’t laziness; dogs in the wild conserve energy for hunting and play by napping frequently.
If your dog seems extra sleepy, make sure they’re getting enough physical and mental activity when awake. But don’t worry if your pup loves a good nap—rest is a key part of a healthy, happy dog’s routine.
Jen is a passionate nature lover and ocean conservationist. She has dedicated her life to protecting the environment and preserving the beauty of the natural world. Growing up in a small coastal town, Jen sincerely appreciated the ocean and its inhabitants. She has spent countless hours exploring the shoreline, learning about the creatures that inhabit the waters, and advocating for their protection. Jen is an active member of ocean conservation organizations, and she is committed to educating the public about the importance of conserving wildlife and the natural environment.
