Ever heard the old adage "Give your dog a job, or they will find one for themselves"? Well, chances are, the mischievous behaviors your bird dog is displaying could actually be signs they're craving a job to do. Let's take a look at 7 of the common signs you may see, and what they mean.
1. They're Constantly Stealing or Hoarding Objects
If your dog is always grabbing shoes, socks, or random household items, they're not doing it to be "naughty." Stealing objects is often a sign of an unmet retrieving instinct.
Retrieving breeds (including bird dogs) are wired to pick things up, and carry and deliver them to their handler out in the field.
When that need isn't fulfilled, your dog will find their own "retrieves" throughout your home.
How to Fix This
Provide your dog the opportunity to channel that instinct through structured activities. This can be things like:
- Simple toss-and-return retrieve games
- Using a training dummy instead of balls or toys
- Teaching your dog to gently hold and deliver an item back to you
Activities like this give your dog a clear, appropriate outlet for something they're already trying to do.
2. They Pace, Whine, or Can’t Settle—Even After Exercise
If your dog is restless even after walks or a game of fetch, this is a sign of an unmet mental and instinctual need. Physical activity may tire the legs, but your dog's mind is still running a mile a minute because it's under-stimulated.
Bird dogs weren't bred just to move. They're built to hunt, search, and problem-solve. You can't out-exercise a lack of cognitive fulfillment.
How to Fix This
Introduce activities that require your dog to think and problem-solve. This can be things like:
- "Find it" games with hidden food or toys
- Creating scent trails for your dog to track
- One-on-one training sessions that teach new skills or challenges
"Exercising" the brain is just as important as physical activity when it comes to bird dogs.
Now let's also keep in mind that context matters. Nabu, my GSP, for example will whine when he is bored, but he will also whine when you stop rubbing his belly, when Niko or Nova have a bone or toy he wants, or when dog dad comes home from work (to name a few). If you've done nothing with your dog all day, chances are they're whining due to unmet needs. But, sometimes it can be for any of various reasons, like the ones I just listed. You know your dog best. Now, enjoy this video of Nabu whining because he is ready for me to clock out of work (I work from home) LOL.
3. They're Obsessed With Sniffing On Walks
If your dog is zig-zagging, nose to the ground, pulling toward every scent on walks, this can feel frustrating and even overwhelming. While frustrating for you, this is a sign that your dog has a strong scenting and tracking instinct with no structured outlet.
Your dog isn't provided with the opportunity to engage their senses and channel this instinct, so they're creating their own setting where they can.
How to Fix This
Instead of trucking through your walk in a straight line, allow periodic stops where your dog can take their time to smell the bushes, trees, ground, or whatever captures their attention. Spend 10 to 20 seconds at each stop. Also begin incorporating activities at home for your dog to use their scenting and tracking instincts. This can be things like:
- Scent drags or trails
- Hidden scent work games
As you provide more opportunity for your dog to use their instincts, you may find walks become easier over time.
4. They Fixate on Birds, Squirrels, or Movement
If your dog freezes, barks, or attempts to chase every animal that passes by on your walks, this is their prey drive and hunting instincts kicking in.
It's healthy for your dog to express these instincts, so rather than punish and correct your dog when they're pulling, chasing, barking, etc., focus on redirecting that energy.
How to Fix This
Give that drive a controlled and appropriate outlet. This can be things like:
- Tracking-style games
- Impulse control work
- Structured flirt pole sessions
When your dog is given opportunity to express their instincts along with building their impulse control, reactivity to wildlife should improve over time.
5. They're Destructive When Left Alone
If your dog chews furniture or walls, tears up bedding, and/or destroys random objects in your home, this is often a sign that they are under-stimulated. We tend to label these behaviors as boredom, but the reality is that your dog is missing targeted fulfillment.
You leave them alone when they still have energy to expend, instincts to express, and a need for engagement. This is a recipe for displaced instinctual behavior, which can show up as destruction. Your dog is creating their own outlet for the energy and instincts that need to be expressed.
How to Fix This
Focus on proper fulfillment in your regular routine. If you know you are going to be leaving your dog alone (whether it be for work, to go to the store, etc.), focus on fulfilling activities beforehand. This can be things like:
- Scent work games before you leave
- Short training sessions that expend moderate energy (like dummy retrieves)
- Pairing a fulfilling activity with a long-lasting chew to give to your dog when you leave
Destruction often decreases when your dog's underlying needs are met first.
6. They Struggle to Focus During Training
You're trying to engage with your dog through one-on-one training sessions, but they're "disengaged," not listening, or just seem distracted. This isn't a training issue, it's more likely an instinct mismatch.
You're asking your dog to "sit," "lie down," "give paw," ...a lot of tricks or exercises that require stillness and focus. Meanwhile, your dog is genetically wired for tracking, chasing, and retrieving.
Without those needs being met first, it can be hard for your dog to focus, often displaying as stubbornness.
How to Fix This
Incorporate instinct work into your training.
- Use retrieves and searches as rewards
- Keep sessions short
- Alternate obedience with instinct-based activities
When you work with your dog's instincts rather than against them, focus improves naturally. It can also help to incorporate a short session of some form of physical activity beforehand.
7. They Seem "Too Much" No Matter What You Do
Your dog is high energy, bouncing off the walls, always "on," and, no matter what you do, nothing ever feels like enough. This is a classic sign of a high-drive dog without appropriate outlets for their instincts.
Your dog isn't too hyper, too difficult, or too demanding. They were simply bred for a purpose, and that purpose isn't being fulfilled.
How to Fix This
Use an intentional, layered approach to your everyday routine. This can look like:
- Rotating instinct outlets (scent, chase, retrieve)
- Consistent (not excessive) enrichment
- Giving your dog a "job" they can rely on
A dog whose needs are met will shift from being overwhelming to incredibly balanced.
Your Dog Isn't Misbehaving
If your dog has shown any of these 7 signs, it's easy to assume they're just being mischievous or difficult. The reality is that your dog is actually sending out a cry for help. A cry for the need to have their instincts fulfilled.
At this point, you might be thinking, "Okay… this makes sense, but where do I even start?" You're not alone.
Behaviors like this are exactly why I created A Practical Guide to Instinctual Enrichment, packed with 100+ activities with step-by-step instructions, and full guidance on how to properly fulfill your bird dog's instincts at home. If you're done with the chaos and ready to experience a calm and fulfilled bird dog, grab your guide today.