Have you ever wondered why your dog circles before lying down, why your cat knocks things off the table, or why your horse spooks at the same shadow every day? These actions might seem quirky or frustrating, but they’re not random. They’re all part of something deeper: animal behaviour.
So, What Exactly Is Animal Behaviour?
Animal behaviour refers to how animals interact with their environment, other animals, and themselves. This includes everything from how they find food, choose a mate (ideally not freely!), care for their young, avoid danger, and communicate. It can be instinctive, learned, or most often, a mix of both.
Whether it’s a lion stalking prey on the savannah, a parrot mimicking human speech, or your dog greeting you with a full-body wiggle, behaviour is how animals navigate and survive in the world.
Why Does It Matter?
Understanding animal behaviour helps us:
Strengthen our bond with companion animals
Improve training using methods that are kind, effective, and rooted in science
Support welfare in homes, shelters, zoos, and farms
Spot pain or illness through changes in behaviour
Understand the natural needs of animals, whether wild or domesticated
When we observe behaviour, we’re not just seeing what animals do, but also learning why they do it – and that’s where the magic (and science) happens.
Behaviour Is Communication
Animals are always communicating, just not always in ways humans understand. A growl, a tail flick, a stiff posture, or even a yawn can speak volumes. The more we learn to observe and interpret animal behaviour, the better we can respond with empathy and respect.
Animal behaviour is not just about obedience or tricks. It’s the study of how animals think, feel, and act. Whether you’re a pet parent, a trainer, a rescuer, or simply an animal lover, paying attention to behaviour opens a window into an animal’s world.
And the more we understand it, the better we can care for the creatures who share our lives – and our planet.