Dog Behaviours Explained

Why your dog sniffs, kicks, and spins – and what it all means.

Have you ever paused mid-walk, watching your dog do something utterly puzzling and thought, “Why on earth are you doing that?”

Dogs are wonderfully expressive – yet sometimes, their behaviour feels like a mystery novel written in barks and tail wags. Let’s explore three of the most common “what are you doing?” moments and uncover what’s really going on behind the scenes.

1. Why Dogs Sniff on Walks

If your dog seems to stop every few steps to investigate a patch of grass for what feels like forever, you’re not alone.

Dogs live through their noses. They have up to 300 million scent receptors (compared to our modest 6 million). When they sniff, they’re not just taking in smells – they’re reading a story. Each scent tells them who’s been there, what they ate, how they felt, and even what time they passed by.

So, while you might see a “slow walk,” your dog is experiencing a rich sensory landscape. Allowing sniffing time turns an ordinary stroll into a mentally stimulating adventure – one that can help lower stress and boost focus.

Sniffing is how dogs make sense of the world – it’s their version of reading the news.

Next time your dog dives nose-first into the grass, pause and let them explore. It’s not a delay; it’s discovery.

 

2. Why Dogs Scratch or Kick After the Toilet

That dramatic back-leg kick after your dog finishes their business isn’t random – it’s instinct.

In the wild, dogs used this behaviour to cover their tracks and mark territory. Their paw pads contain scent glands that release pheromones as they scratch the ground – subtle signals to other dogs saying, “I was here.”

It’s part hygiene, part communication. Even our most pampered companions carry echoes of their ancestors’ instincts.

So when your dog kicks up a storm after a wee or poop, don’t worry. They’re simply blending modern manners with ancient instinct. Just… stand clear of flying dirt.

 

3. Why Dogs Circle Before Lying Down

That little bedtime dance – the circling, pawing, and gentle rearranging of the bed – is another inherited ritual.

Long before plush memory foam dog beds existed, wild dogs would flatten grass or leaves to create a safe, comfortable nest. Circling helped them check for hazards and mark a secure spot to rest.

When your dog does this at home, they’re not being fussy – they’re following the same instinct to settle safely. It’s their natural way of saying, “This feels just right.”

 

In Short

Each of these quirks – the sniffing, the kicking, the circling – is a glimpse into your dog’s deep-rooted instincts.

When we understand them, we connect more deeply. So next time your dog stops mid-walk, or spins before bed, take a breath and smile – they’re just being beautifully, instinctively dog.

Calm starts with instinct.
Designed for real life.