The Natural Instincts of Domestic Pets: Understanding Your Dog’s Wild Side

Have you adopted a new dog into your family? If so, congratulations! Pet ownership is like nothing else. You and your pet will grow to be best friends, loving one another unconditionally. However, it's important to understand that your pet, while domesticated, comes from a line of wild ancestors. This means that as much as you may view your pet as a human—many pet owners do—pets are going to have some habits and behaviors that are inherent and natural that come from the fact that they are animals. Understanding this upfront can help create a better bond and keep you from unpleasant or unanticipated surprises.

Understanding Your Pet’s Ancestry and Deep-Rooted Desires

There is no need to worry, as your dog will adapt to life in your home, especially if you start training them from day one. But deep down, their wild roots still influence much of what they do. Many of the behaviors we see in our pets are inherited from their ancestors, who lived in the wild and relied on these instincts to survive. For example, one thing that dogs like to do is dig. The desire to dig comes from their wild ancestors, who dug to create a safe place to sleep or to bury food for later. If your dog starts tearing up your backyard, they’re not trying to be naughty; they’re just following an age-old instinct.

Another behavior you might notice is your dog spinning in circles before lying down. They may try to rearrange their blankets or even their dog bed, something that can be amusing to watch. But this, too, stems from their origins. Your dog’s ancestors would trample down grass or leaves to make a comfortable, safe spot to sleep. And so, your dog is doing the same thing, minus the grass and leaves.

Hunting: Chasing and Catching Prey

Have you ever noticed when you walk your dog, they’ll stop abruptly, stand at attention, and watch something off in the distance? This behavior is all part of their hunting instinct. Dogs have a strong prey drive, especially certain breeds that are known for hunting, like Beagles, Retrievers, and Terriers. These dogs were bred to chase after small animals or moving objects, and even today, they can’t resist the thrill of the chase. Whether it’s a squirrel darting up a tree or a ball thrown across the yard for a fun game of catch, your dog’s instinct kicks in, urging them to pursue the target just as their ancestors did when hunting in packs. This behavior is a natural part of who they are, connecting them to their wild past. 

Exploring: Sniffing and Tracking

Many dog owners joke that when they take their dogs for a walk, they do more standing than walking. This is because, as much as dogs need exercise, they are also interested in all the unique smells they pick up along the way. And what smells good to your dog is not likely what smells good to you, most of the time. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, far more powerful than our own. This ability to pick up and distinguish scents was important for their ancestors in the wild, helping them track down food or follow the trail of their pack. So, when your dog stops every few steps on a walk to sniff the ground, trees, or even other dogs, they gather a wealth of information about their surroundings. This instinctual behavior also explains why dogs sometimes roll in the grass or dirt, they’re picking up new scents or masking their own, a behavior passed down from their wild ancestors who needed to stay hidden from predators or blend into their environment.

Being Territorial: Marking and Guarding

Just as your dogs like to sniff, you may notice another behavior: peeing on everything. This behavior is more common in male dogs, but whether male or female, this should not become an indoor habit. You can start training your dog as soon as you bring them home to go outside to handle their business. With smaller dog breeds, it can take a little more time and patience, but with positive training methods, it can be done. If you continue to struggle, reach out to a pet training professional for help and tips. But you have to understand that, for dogs, it’s about more than just peeing. They have a strong territorial instinct that often shows itself through undesirable behaviors like barking and marking. When your dog barks at strangers or unfamiliar noises, they’re not just being noisy; they’re acting as the guardians of their home, alerting you to potential intruders. Similarly, when they stop to pee or mark, they leave their scent behind to let other dogs know, “I was here, and this is my territory.”

Social Structures and Pack Behavior

Last but not least, let’s talk about your pet’s true role in your family. If you see your pet as family, that’s a good thing because your pet does, too. Dogs are natural pack animals, and in your home, they see you and your family as their pack. This instinct influences much of their behavior, including their strong need for companionship and their tendency to follow a leader—often you. That’s why your dog is always by your side, eager to be part of everything you do. This pack mentality also explains those adorable videos where dogs are seen protecting infants or young children. To your dog, that baby is part of their pack, and keeping the little one safe is their job.

Dogs are highly attuned to their owners' emotions, often responding to changes in mood through body language and behavior. They can sense happiness, sadness, or stress and react accordingly, strengthening the emotional connection between the pet and the owner. For example, if you hang a pet portrait, your dog can feel the joy that it brings you as it gives the space positive energy. Your dog can sense your affection through your tone, body language, and overall vibe. However, it’s important to remember that while pets are very much a part of the family, they are still animals and should always be supervised, especially when interacting with young children.

Finding the Right Pet for Your Family

We can’t emphasize enough the joy and fulfillment that a pet can bring to you and your family. There is a ton of research out there that shows the positive effects of the human-pet bond, including health and wellness and a better outlook on life. That said, no matter what breed of dog or new puppy you decide to bring into the family, all animals all have a natural wild side. By understanding your pet’s instincts, you can be better prepared when certain behaviors decide to come out and learn how to best combat them in positive ways.