Opportunities for Species-Appropriate Behavior — Why Exercise Alone Isn't Enough
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Blog Series: The Canine Hierarchy of Welfare Needs
This article is the fourth installment in our blog series exploring the five levels of the canine hierarchy of needs, specifically through the lens of sighthounds.
In this series
✅ Part 1: Physiological Needs
✅ Part 2: A Sense of Safety
✅ Part 3: Social Connections
✔️ Part 4: Opportunities for Species-Appropriate Behavior (this article)
⏳ Part 5: Positive Experiences
A thriving dog needs proper nutrition, adequate rest, a sense of safety, and close human relationships. Beyond these, it must also have the freedom to express behaviors that come naturally to its species.
Species-appropriate behavior refers to actions that dogs have evolved to perform over thousands of years. Sniffing, exploring, playing, running, resting, and observing their surroundings are not merely entertaining pastimes — they are indispensable components of canine welfare.
When a dog is given the opportunity to fulfill these behavioral needs, it engages both its physical body and cognitive abilities in a way that aligns with its nature.
What Is Species-Appropriate Behavior?
All dogs share innate behavioral needs. These include:
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exploring the environment
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sniffing and scent work
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physical movement
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rest and recovery
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play
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social interaction
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problem-solving
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learning new skills
Modern animal welfare science emphasizes that true well-being goes beyond the mere absence of suffering or distress. It requires active opportunities to engage in natural behaviors and experience positive states within the environment.
When a dog is unable to express its fundamental behavioral drives, frustration, chronic stress, or unwanted behaviors often arise.
What Does This Mean for Sighthounds?
While all dogs share the same core needs, specific behavioral expressions vary across different breed types.
Sighthounds were selectively bred over generations to visually scan vast distances and move with incredible speed. They remain active observers of their surroundings, and many derive immense satisfaction from sprinting in safe, enclosed spaces.
Conversely, sighthounds are equally famous for their deep appreciation of rest. Long, uninterrupted naps are not a sign of lethargy; they represent entirely natural recovery behavior.
A thriving sighthound is given the freedom to be dynamic and active when engaged, yet rest deeply whenever its body requires it.
Sniffing Is Far More Vital Than Many Realize
Because sighthounds are categorized as visual hunters, people often overlook their olfactory capabilities. However, their sense of smell remains extraordinarily sophisticated.
When a dog stops to sniff an object or trail, it is not simply stalling or wasting time. It is processing complex chemical information about its environment, other animals, and recent events.
Scientific research confirms that scent-based activities lower heart rate, promote calming states, and significantly reduce stress levels.
Therefore, not every walk needs to be a brisk exercise session. A slow, exploratory stroll where the dog leads with its nose can be vastly more beneficial for its mental welfare than covering a long distance at a fast pace.
Running Is Only One Piece of the Welfare Puzzle
It is widely assumed that a sighthound's primary need in life is to run at top speed.
While sprinting is certainly a thrilling and rewarding activity for many sighthounds, overall well-being cannot be built on exercise alone.
It is equally essential to offer opportunities to:
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quietly observe surroundings from a comfortable vantage point
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engage the sense of smell
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make autonomous, safe choices during walks
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solve minor mental puzzles
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enjoy undisturbed, quality rest
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spend meaningful time with their human partner
Holistic well-being develops from a varied daily life where both physical and mental needs are met in balance.
The NAKU Dogwear Perspective
At NAKU Dogwear, we design functional apparel to support a dog's natural movement and behavioral freedom.
Clothing that is overly rigid or poorly fitted restricts freedom of movement, making outdoor outings frustrating or uncomfortable. Conversely, a well-constructed garment protects against adverse weather without hindering a dog's ability to run, explore, or use its body naturally.
To us, the primary purpose of protective dogwear is to enable active, comfortable outdoor experiences — even when environmental conditions would otherwise be unwelcoming.
Five Ways to Support Your Sighthound's Natural Behaviors
1. Allow ample time for sniffing
Avoid treating every outing as a fitness workout. Let your dog set the pace periodically and take time to investigate intriguing scent markers.
2. Provide opportunities for safe sprinting
A securely fenced area or private field allows sighthounds to satisfy their natural urge to run freely without compromising safety.
3. Vary your walking routes
Introducing novel scents, paths, and terrains offers rich mental stimulation without needing to increase physical mileage.
4. Respect rest as a welfare requirement
Extended sleeping hours are a vital part of a sighthound's natural physical recovery. Welfare does not require constant stimulation.
5. Choose gear that permits natural movement
Select ergonomic, well-fitting coats and harnesses that allow full shoulder and leg extension in cold, windy, or wet weather.
Summary
Expressing species-appropriate behavior is an essential pillar of canine welfare.
A thriving sighthound requires opportunities to move, rest, sniff, observe, and make autonomous choices within a safe environment.
When these behavioral needs are combined with adequate rest, a sense of security, and a trusting bond with their owner, they form a resilient foundation for overall well-being.
True welfare isn't about making a dog do more — it's about enabling it to do what it evolved to do.
Coming Next in the Series:
Positive Experiences — The Peak of Canine Welfare
When physical needs are met, safety is established, social connections are strong, and species-appropriate behaviors are fulfilled, we reach the highest tier of welfare: positive emotional experiences.
In the final installment of this series, we will examine why joy, curiosity, playfulness, and shared accomplishment are far more than optional bonuses — they are vital components of a truly fulfilling life.
References:
Mellor, D. J., Beausoleil, N. J., Littlewood, K. E. et al. (2020). The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human–Animal Interactions in Assessments of Animal Welfare. Animals, 10(10), 1870.
Horowitz, A. (2017). Being a Dog: Following the Dog into a World of Smell. Scribner.
Yeates, J. W. (2017). Animal Welfare in Veterinary Practice. Wiley-Blackwell.
– Laura