‍ Behaviors

Dogs are another common site in Norway. However, their behaviors are far different from what I’ve experienced back in the United States. In Norway, dogs are very calm and well-behaved. They are usually on a leash, but even when they aren’t, they stick close to their humans and rarely approach another person.

I’ve seen dogs walk on to the subway with their humans, with no leash, standing patiently by their humans, and then exiting the subway when given the signal to do so. I’ve also seen dogs without leashes on walks with their humans. They never wander far and follow their humans’ commands quickly.

This service dog was helping its human carry things in Trondheim.

However, there are rules about leashes. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (2024), all dogs must be on a leash, no matter how obedient, from April 1st until August 20th, to prevent dogs from chasing and/or injuring livestock, domestic reindeer, or wild animals. Many obedient and patient dogs can be seen waiting outside for their humans’ return. Sometimes customers stop and pet the dogs while they wait. The dogs don’t bark or whine, they just sit quietly where their leash is tethered. This, however, is not legal and can result in a fine.

A dog waits patiently outside a school playground.

Rarely have I heard dogs bark; maybe only a handful of times during my seven months in Norway. However, I did encounter two aggressive dogs when I was traveling north in the Finmark region. On a walk, two different dogs were pulled to the side of the sidewalk by their humans as I walked past them. They growled and then continued on their way.

The Norwegian Act on responsible dog management (2024) states that dog owners must do all possible (and reasonable) to prevent dangerous situations and discomfort for people. Norway also has specific laws about owning, importing, or breeding (six) dogs that are trained to attack people (e.g., Pit Bull Terrier, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog), so that was not a concern.

Dog Walks

Just as Norwegians are outside walking regularly, so are their dogs. People walk, jog, and run with their dogs. In the cold, dark days of winter, dogs can be seen with booties, coats, and even lighted collars.

What’s really fun is to see dogs out with their humans when they’re skiing. Sometimes the dogs’ leashes are attached to a special belt on their humans, so they can run ahead and actually pull the skiers. The dogs are literally smiling and living their best lives out on the skiing trails.

Traveling

Two dogs rest while taking the train from Oslo to Bergen.

Once in a while, dogs accompany their humans on longer trips. They may board planes and trains, sitting quietly throughout the journey. Outdoor cafes and restaurants may even place bowls of water on the ground for their furry customers. Back in the US, I’d get nervous going to restaurants and parks with dogs (and I was a dog owner), but here in Norway I don’t worry. The dogs are so quiet and compliant that it makes me think it might be time for a new hund…with some Norwegian dog obedience training, of course.

Welcome water for dogs placed outside a shop in Stavanger.

Reference

Government.no. (2024). Traveling with dogs to Norway. Retrieved from Travelling with dogs to Norway - regjeringen.no

Hunder (Dogs)

Offentlig Transport (Public Transportation)