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Sarah Rutten is a Canine Behaviour Specialist with over 20 years of experience in force-free training. She has poured all her knowledge and love of dogs into a book called The Canine Perspective to make your life easier — and your dog’s life happier!
It’s a no-nonsense, humorous, and pawsitively informative look at dog training without any of the technical jargon!
A source of constant puzzlement for new dog guardians who’ve just welcomed a furry family member but also for experienced pet parents is whether their dog's behaviour is normal.
Sarah shared an excerpt of her new book exclusively with us (find all the details in her bio) to help you decode your canine's behaviours...
It’s a no-nonsense, humorous, and pawsitively informative look at dog training without any of the technical jargon!
A source of constant puzzlement for new dog guardians who’ve just welcomed a furry family member but also for experienced pet parents is whether their dog's behaviour is normal.
Sarah shared an excerpt of her new book exclusively with us (find all the details in her bio) to help you decode your canine's behaviours...
So, what is “normal” dog behaviour?
When it comes to dogs, “normal” behaviour is a wide and varied concept, and depends on a number of contributing factors. Dogs can behave in a manner of ways based on their breed and original function, but also have behaviours that they exhibit because they are … well … dogs.
Different breeds have different functions
It’s important to recognise the impact that different breeds and their original function plays on behaviour, and what might be normal for one breed, might not be normal for another.
Let me give you some examples.
🐾 Retrievers (like Labradors and Golden Retrievers) are obsessed with … you guessed it … retrieving stuff! They often greet you at the door at the end of the day with their favourite toy, a shoe, an item of clothing, or some other object firmly (but gently) in their mouth. They also love the water, so beelining for bodies of water is a thing.
Smelling stuff is their ultimate passion and I have clients who wonder if their dog’s ears are actually functional or are just there for decoration. They also love to yell. A lot.
🐾 Pugs, Shih Tzus, Cavaliers and other dogs bred for companionship love snuggling on the couch with you while watching Netflix. They LOVE couch potato time and staring at the back of their eyelids for most of the day is their “normal.”
🐾 Border Collies, Kelpies, Cattle Dogs and other herding breeds were bred to round up stuff, whether it’s cattle, sheep, chickens, cars, motorbikes, skateboards, pushbikes, (or children). The nipping that goes along with the herding is also “normal” for them.
✔️ Groin and butt sniffing (I’m talking yours!). Humans get REALLY concerned about this one. Dogs sniff each other’s “bits” to gather information about each other, because of the scent glands that are concentrated in genital areas. The same goes for us. Your smell is concentrated in your groin, armpits, and feet (the stinky bits!), so if you encounter a dog whose nose is at groin height, they will immediately go there for a good “let’s quickly check you out” sniff. Ladies—at certain times of the month, our smell is heightened even further, so dogs will make a beeline for that area. It’s not socially acceptable in human culture, but it’s normal. Not saying you have to allow it—this is where a rock solid “leave it” comes in really handy (that’s why I love having dogs not tall enough to reach that area!).
✔️ Playing tug. Another one that people get concerned about. Tug-of-war is a dog game. They will play it with each other.
✔️ Eating their own vomit. There are a number of theories on this one. It could be a throwback to some survival instinct, or the fact that dogs may be able to smell food particles within the vomit. Dogs don’t have the number of taste buds that we do, so eating their own vomit isn’t as gross to them as it is to us. Saves you cleaning it up (sorry—that was so wrong).
✔️ Eating poop. Another gross, disgusting thing that dogs do that is normal for them. I’m glad humans don’t subscribe to this [dry heave]. The theory on this one is that it dates back to early domestication days when wild dogs hung around villages and ate the rotten food and faecal matter of the settlers.
✔️ Barking, growling, biting, guarding items of value (resource guarding).
When it comes to dogs, “normal” behaviour is a wide and varied concept, and depends on a number of contributing factors. Dogs can behave in a manner of ways based on their breed and original function, but also have behaviours that they exhibit because they are … well … dogs.
And while some of these behaviours can have us questioning whether there’s something seriously wrong with them (you know, mentally…), understanding what is “normal” for dogs (and your dog in particular) can really help you work with those behaviours (rather than against them), and gain more insight into the amazing species of animal sharing your life.
Different breeds have different functions
It’s important to recognise the impact that different breeds and their original function plays on behaviour, and what might be normal for one breed, might not be normal for another.
Let me give you some examples.
🐾 Terriers were bred to hunt and kill small rodent-like critters. So, they hunt and kill stuff. Digging is a fave pastime, as is barking.
🐾 Retrievers (like Labradors and Golden Retrievers) are obsessed with … you guessed it … retrieving stuff! They often greet you at the door at the end of the day with their favourite toy, a shoe, an item of clothing, or some other object firmly (but gently) in their mouth. They also love the water, so beelining for bodies of water is a thing.
They are also extremely food motivated and think with their stomachs.
🐾 Beagles and other scent hounds were originally bred to hunt down prey by following their scent and are completely governed by their noses. As in, “Does anything else in the world exist except for the scent I’m currently following?”
Smelling stuff is their ultimate passion and I have clients who wonder if their dog’s ears are actually functional or are just there for decoration. They also love to yell. A lot.🐾 Pugs, Shih Tzus, Cavaliers and other dogs bred for companionship love snuggling on the couch with you while watching Netflix. They LOVE couch potato time and staring at the back of their eyelids for most of the day is their “normal.”
🐾 Border Collies, Kelpies, Cattle Dogs and other herding breeds were bred to round up stuff, whether it’s cattle, sheep, chickens, cars, motorbikes, skateboards, pushbikes, (or children). The nipping that goes along with the herding is also “normal” for them.
How else do you get stuff to move? These guys need some serious work channelling their “normal” behaviour into way more appropriate things, and also need to learn how to balance their high energy with calmness and stillness. “Couch Potato” time, is not high on their priority list.
(Of course, these are broad generalisations and individual dogs within each of these categories will have their own idiosyncrasies. What might be “normal” for one Golden Retriever, might not be “normal” for another).
11 “Normal” Behaviours You May Not Know Are Normal
And here are 11 more quick fun facts that you might not know are “normal” for your dog.
✔️ Hugging is a primate thing, not a canine thing. Some dogs enjoy it. Most tolerate it. Lots absolutely hate it. If you notice that your dog shows signs of stress when you hug them, then hugging stresses the hell out of them! So stop it!
✔️ Sniffing on walks. I think we’ve established that dogs sniff. It’s what they do. It’s what they were born to do. Your dog is going to want to have some sniffing time on a walk. Let them.
(Of course, these are broad generalisations and individual dogs within each of these categories will have their own idiosyncrasies. What might be “normal” for one Golden Retriever, might not be “normal” for another).
11 “Normal” Behaviours You May Not Know Are Normal
And here are 11 more quick fun facts that you might not know are “normal” for your dog.
✔️ Hugging is a primate thing, not a canine thing. Some dogs enjoy it. Most tolerate it. Lots absolutely hate it. If you notice that your dog shows signs of stress when you hug them, then hugging stresses the hell out of them! So stop it!
✔️ Sniffing on walks. I think we’ve established that dogs sniff. It’s what they do. It’s what they were born to do. Your dog is going to want to have some sniffing time on a walk. Let them.
✔️ Groin and butt sniffing (I’m talking yours!). Humans get REALLY concerned about this one. Dogs sniff each other’s “bits” to gather information about each other, because of the scent glands that are concentrated in genital areas. The same goes for us. Your smell is concentrated in your groin, armpits, and feet (the stinky bits!), so if you encounter a dog whose nose is at groin height, they will immediately go there for a good “let’s quickly check you out” sniff. Ladies—at certain times of the month, our smell is heightened even further, so dogs will make a beeline for that area. It’s not socially acceptable in human culture, but it’s normal. Not saying you have to allow it—this is where a rock solid “leave it” comes in really handy (that’s why I love having dogs not tall enough to reach that area!).
✔️ Playing tug. Another one that people get concerned about. Tug-of-war is a dog game. They will play it with each other.
“Fetch,” on the other hand, is a human game. I have not yet seen a dog lob a ball 30m away for another dog to go and get. I have, however, seen many a dog pick up a tug toy and race over to a friend, dangle it in front of their face, and try and entice them to play. Tug will NOT make your dog aggressive, but I would strongly recommend teaching a very reliable “give” cue so that you can get your dog to release the toy as soon as needed.
✔️ Rolling in stinky stuff. Yep—this one is normal too. No one seems to know why dogs love doing this, although there are a few theories. But it’s gross. Just accept that it’s a dog thing and move on.
✔️ Eating their own vomit. There are a number of theories on this one. It could be a throwback to some survival instinct, or the fact that dogs may be able to smell food particles within the vomit. Dogs don’t have the number of taste buds that we do, so eating their own vomit isn’t as gross to them as it is to us. Saves you cleaning it up (sorry—that was so wrong).
✔️ Eating poop. Another gross, disgusting thing that dogs do that is normal for them. I’m glad humans don’t subscribe to this [dry heave]. The theory on this one is that it dates back to early domestication days when wild dogs hung around villages and ate the rotten food and faecal matter of the settlers.
Some dogs find this a real delicacy and will either eat their own, other dogs’, or the poo of cats, birds, chickens, ducks, sheep, cows, kangaroos—you name it. I had a client whose dog was so obsessed with kangaroo poo that she went out in the morning to collect it all to use as training treats for her dog’s recall. It worked brilliantly. True story.
✔️ Barking, growling, biting, guarding items of value (resource guarding).
All of these are classed as undesirable behaviours, but are all normal. It is normal for a dog to bark. Normal for them to growl. Normal for them to bite. And normal to guard items. Teaching them that they don’t have to is what we’re often working on.
✔️ Chase and be chased, body slamming, face chewing, and wrestle/rumble are all appropriate play styles for dogs. Correct. All of these are styles of play in the dog world. Some dogs will have a particular play style (Staffies LOVE body slamming) and some will mix and match their play style depending on who they’re playing with.
✔️ Chase and be chased, body slamming, face chewing, and wrestle/rumble are all appropriate play styles for dogs. Correct. All of these are styles of play in the dog world. Some dogs will have a particular play style (Staffies LOVE body slamming) and some will mix and match their play style depending on who they’re playing with.
One thing to note is that those who like to chase and be chased don’t like being body slammed. Picking the right playmates with matching play styles and making sure everyone is having fun is important in dog play.
✔️ “Zoomies”.You know when your dog pins their ears back and runs around the room like they are possessed? They are called “zoomies” (although the technical term is “frapping” - which stands for Frenetic Rapid Activity Period), and are completely normal (and totally hilarious to witness).
✔️ “Zoomies”.You know when your dog pins their ears back and runs around the room like they are possessed? They are called “zoomies” (although the technical term is “frapping” - which stands for Frenetic Rapid Activity Period), and are completely normal (and totally hilarious to witness).
No one really knows why dogs do “zoomies,” although I think it’s possibly just a release of pent-up energy. Whatever the reason, it’s one of my favourite things about all the crazy stuff dogs do, and makes me seriously laugh out loud whenever I see one. The absolute joy they’re experiencing just warms my heart and makes me giggle. “Zoomies” seem to fade out as your dog gets older—so enjoy them while you can.
✔️ Humping. This one gets a lot interpretations—often mistakenly under the heading of “dominance.” In actual fact, no one TRULY knows why dogs hump their bedding, their toys, or each other (or you, if you’re lucky enough).
✔️ Humping. This one gets a lot interpretations—often mistakenly under the heading of “dominance.” In actual fact, no one TRULY knows why dogs hump their bedding, their toys, or each other (or you, if you’re lucky enough).
Often it can be out of excitement or increased arousal levels (and I’m NOT talking sexual arousal here). Sometimes it’s due to frustration, boredom, or stress. Or it just feels good. I think we can all agree that it’s just a dog thing and while it’s REALLY embarrassing, it certainly fits into the “normal” behaviour category (most of the time anyway).
Have you noticed any of the above behaviour happening in your dog? Have you breathed a sigh of relief and gone “Phew— they’re normal!”
Good! Because there’s so much that dogs do that is kooky, funny, bizarre, hilarious, and just plain weird, but is still normal dog behaviour.
But that does beg the question …
So, What’s NOT “Normal” Then?
Behaviour that changes suddenly or has a sudden onset is not what I would consider to be “normal.”
Have you noticed any of the above behaviour happening in your dog? Have you breathed a sigh of relief and gone “Phew— they’re normal!”
Good! Because there’s so much that dogs do that is kooky, funny, bizarre, hilarious, and just plain weird, but is still normal dog behaviour.
But that does beg the question …
So, What’s NOT “Normal” Then?
Behaviour that changes suddenly or has a sudden onset is not what I would consider to be “normal.”
✔️ A dog who suddenly starts spinning and chasing their tail.
✔️ A dog who suddenly starts toileting in the house.
✔️ A dog who suddenly bares their teeth and growls at their guardian for touching their ear.
The same goes with extremes of behaviour — extreme barking, extreme anxiety, extreme aggression.
But don’t freak out if your dog has had a sudden behavioural change. Sudden onset and extreme behaviour often have a medical cause which can be investigated. The first thing to do is to book in with your vet and rule out medical reasons for sudden changes in behaviour. Alternatively, if you’re concerned about your dog’s behaviour, contact your local force-free behaviour specialist for an assessment.
But it wasn’t just the dogs she loved, she loved their behaviour and understanding why they did what they did. So, after completing high school in Lismore, Northern NSW, Australia and spending a couple of years in the workforce, she decided to make the bold decision to follow her passion into canine behaviour and training.
But don’t freak out if your dog has had a sudden behavioural change. Sudden onset and extreme behaviour often have a medical cause which can be investigated. The first thing to do is to book in with your vet and rule out medical reasons for sudden changes in behaviour. Alternatively, if you’re concerned about your dog’s behaviour, contact your local force-free behaviour specialist for an assessment.
written by Sarah Rutten, Dip CBST KPA CTP CPDT-KA, owner and head trainer at The Canine Perspective.
Sarah's new book (Paperback or Kindle) is available for purchase through Amazon Australia or for a limited time only you can receive a personalised, signed copy via:
About the Author
Sarah Rutten has loved animals ever since she can remember – and dogs in particular. It didn't matter if it was her beloved family pet, the neighbour’s canine companion, or her friend’s furry family member. She was the kid that was always found out the back hanging out with dog.
In 2003 she officially took the plunge and enrolled in Delta Society Australia's Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training. It was a transformative experience, and on completion of her qualifications - she co-founded Paw Power Dog Training. In 2009, she embarked on a three-year Diploma in Canine Behaviour Science & Technology at the Companion Animal Sciences Institute in Canada.
In mid-2013, after leaving Paw Power Dog Training behind she opened The Canine Perspective. She completed the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainers Professional Course in 2016. She's a proud Delta Accredited Instructor and hold memberships of the Karen Pryor Academy, the Association of Animal Behaviour Professionals, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (Australia), and the Pet Professional Guild. Furthermore, she is a qualified assessor for Greenhounds, a qualified assessor and trainer for mindDog Australia and serve as a Department of Local Government temperament assessor.
Currently, Sarah resides between East Ballina and the Sunshine Coast, Australia with her partner, Chris, and their three adorable Pugs: Kali, Doug & Harvey. Apart from helping people with their canine companions, she indulges in her many hobbies - such as macramé, reading, walking, going to the gym, music, social media scrolling and spending quality time with friends—both human and canine!
Follow The Canine Perspective on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thecanineperspective or @thecanineperspective on Instagram.
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