Every dog parent has wondered, “Should I correct this behavior?” While training is important, some of our dogs’ most endearing actions are actually expressions of their natural instincts and deep bond with us. Understanding which behaviors to nurture rather than correct can transform your relationship from constant management to mutual respect and appreciation.
Sniffing Everything During Walks
Your dog’s nose is incredibly powerful—10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than yours. When they stop to investigate every fire hydrant and tree, they’re gathering essential information about their world. This behavior provides crucial mental stimulation and emotional well-being. Instead of rushing them along, build in “sniff time” during walks for a more relaxed, content companion.
Bringing You Their Favorite Toys
When your dog presents their treasured toy with bright, excited eyes, they’re offering you one of the highest compliments possible. This gesture stems from their desire to share joy and bond through play. In the canine world, sharing valuable resources shows deep affection and trust. Acknowledge their loving offering with enthusiasm, even briefly—it strengthens your emotional connection.
Digging in the Yard
Digging is rooted in thousands of years of evolution. Wild dogs dug for survival—creating cool resting spots, warm shelters, and hiding food. Your dog carries these same instincts, and digging provides physical exercise and mental satisfaction. Consider designating a specific digging zone in your yard rather than completely preventing this natural stress reliever.
Following You Everywhere
Your “velcro dog” isn’t clingy—they’re expressing the beautiful bond between humans and dogs. This behavior stems from co-evolution where staying close to humans meant safety and companionship. Your dog follows you because you represent their entire world of love and security. Appreciate these moments of pure devotion from your well-bonded, emotionally healthy companion.
Sleeping on Your Bed
When your dog seeks your bed, they’re following powerful instincts for warmth, security, and pack bonding. Your bed represents the ultimate safe space—it smells like you and offers comfort close to their trusted companion. Sharing sleeping space strengthens your bond through oxytocin release and provides mutual comfort and security.
Protectiveness Over Family Members
When your dog positions themselves between you and strangers or shows concern during family tension, they’re demonstrating loyalty and protective instincts that made dogs humanity’s trusted companions. This healthy protectiveness manifests as alertness and calm assessment, not aggression. Your dog has learned to read human cues with remarkable accuracy, watching over their loved ones with dedication.
Getting Excited About Specific Sounds
The joyful chaos when your dog hears car keys or treat bags reveals incredible optimism and emotional intelligence. This enthusiasm demonstrates their ability to form positive associations and genuine excitement about life’s pleasures. Unlike humans who become jaded, dogs maintain infectious enthusiasm for experiences they associate with joy. This sound-triggered excitement showcases impressive memory and learning abilities—celebrate their happiness rather than calming it.
Seeking Physical Comfort When Scared
During thunderstorms or fireworks, your dog’s instinct to seek comfort represents profound trust and love. This behavior stems from evolutionary programming where seeking pack protection during danger was essential for survival. Providing comfort doesn’t reinforce fear—it reinforces security and helps build resilience. Your calm presence helps regulate their stress hormones and shows them they can count on you as their safe harbor.
Understanding these eight natural behaviors transforms your relationship from constant correction to mutual joy and respect. Each behavior—from determined sniffing to tender toy-sharing—represents important aspects of your dog’s health, well-being, or love for you. By honoring rather than suppressing these instincts, you respect your dog’s authentic nature and open yourself to deeper understanding of your remarkable companion. Dogs teach us about enthusiasm, loyalty, and expressing love without reservation. The behaviors we once wanted to correct are often the very qualities that make our dogs extraordinary companions.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
