06/09/2026
I AIN’T REALLY MISBEHAVING - I’M JUST DOING WHAT DOGS DO!
What we may label as bad behaviour is often nothing more than a dog behaving exactly as nature designed them to.
Dogs are not born understanding human rules, household etiquette or the expectations we place on them.
They don't automatically know that some things are not meant to be chewed, that food left on a countertop is strictly off-limits or that they’re expected to walk calmly on a leash.
When we bring dogs into our lives, we expect them to automatically adapt to a world that is not naturally theirs.
We confine them to houses and yards, expect them to fit into our busy schedules, keep quiet and ignore the countless natural temptations that surround them every day.
When we view behaviour through this lens, frustration should begin to give way to understanding.
Understanding behaviour does not mean allowing dogs to do whatever they want. It means recognizing that behaviour serves a purpose and is fulfilling a need.
Instead of punishing a dog for behaving naturally, we can guide them towards behaviours that are acceptable. We can prevent rehearsal of unwanted behaviour, teach new skills, meet their physical, emotional and social needs, and provide appropriate outlets for their natural needs.
Dogs who are given opportunities to sniff, explore, chew, forage, play, problem-solve and engage with their environment are far better equipped to cope with the expectations placed on them.
The more we understand why dogs do what they do, the more successful we can become at helping them navigate our human world.
When we stop viewing every unwanted behaviour as misbehaviour and start seeing it as communication, we shift from trying to control our dogs to supporting and meeting their needs.
One of the greatest gifts we can give our dogs is our understanding.
