What Is Dog Trancing? Is This Normal?

Dog trancing can seem a little quirky and make your dog look like they are in a trance, explains Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian in Colorado. 

So what does trancing look like exactly? 

“When dogs are trancing, they tend to walk very slowly, back and forth, under something that lightly touches their head and back,” says Jennifer Coates, DVM, a veterinarian in Colorado. 

Your dog may be trancing if: 

• They are walking very slowly, almost like they’re in slow motion 
• They are slowly walking under an object and/or repeating this behavior several times 
• They’re acting very still or “frozen” 
• They have a “faraway expression” on their faces 
• They may be hard to distract 

Dogs who are prone to trancing may also seek out certain objects to rub their backs against, such as: 

• Curtains 
• Houseplants or plants, especially those with low-hanging branches 
• The underside of beds 
• Tablecloths 
• Anything that’s the “right height for them,” meaning they can easily stand underneath and rub their back on it 

Trancing has been observed in many different breeds—some more than others.  

Bull Terriers, for example, tend to exhibit this behavior, says Chelsea Murray, CPDT-KA, trainer and owner of Pawsitive Futures Training & Behavior in Atlanta. 

It’s somewhat more common in dogs with compulsive behaviors, such as tail chasing, spinning, and fence running—though Dr. Coates notes that there’s no established link between trancing dogs and dogs with compulsions, so it may simply be a coincidence. 

The reason behind trancing is still a mystery.  

Some experts suspect it’s tied to canine compulsive disorder in dogs. It can even mimic some symptoms of a seizure, because atypical seizures may cause altered mental activity and odd behaviors.   

“We don’t know the cause of trancing or if it is associated with seizure activity or obsessive-compulsive behavior, but thankfully it is usually pretty harmless,” Dr. Coates says. 

It’s possible that rubbing against a low-hanging branch or silky tablecloth could just feel great for your dog.  

That said, if you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior—especially if your dog is staring off into space a lot—it’s important to see a vet.  

You want to rule out any potential health issues, such as seizures, Dr. Wooten says. 

Other signs you should make a vet appointment include:  

• Your dog starts trancing out of the blue 
• Your dog is experiencing significant behavioral changes along with trancing 
• They’re repeating trancing behavior excessively 
• You’re unable to grab your dog’s attention 
• Your dog appears “off” or more tired than usual after a trancing episode 
• Your dog is tail chasing or chasing their shadow during these episodes 

“In general, since this behavior is believed to be benign and potentially even enjoyable, we allow the dog to do this without human interference,” Murray says. 

However, if your dog is trancing in a tricky spot (such as near shelves holding items that could fall and harm them), try the following steps: 

1. Use a positive interrupter—like their name, a silly noise, or a hand target—to help capture your dog’s attention and redirect them to a more appropriate location. A training clicker can help with this.  

2. Put up a dog gate to keep them from getting to the dangerous spot in the first place. 

3. Add enrichment activities to your pup’s day. These can help relieve stress and boredom, and they’ll get your dog’s brain buzzing. Try a toy that hides treats, an interactive plush toy, or an interactive puzzle. 

4. Make sure your dog is getting enough play. You can teach your dog some cues, like how to stay; play indoor games; or set up some fun games in the backyard, like agility courses, to keep them entertained.  

It’s not known why Bull Terriers may be more likely to trance, but experts say they’re one of the breeds that might pick up on this quirky habit. It’s probably nothing to worry about, but it’s worth mentioning to your vet.  

Tiptoeing under plants may be a trancing behavior, because your dog may like the feel of the leaves on their back. Talk to your vet if you’re concerned.