If a hungry dog looks for food, he does not look in the doghouse.
The quote "If a hungry dog looks for food, he does not look in the doghouse," from Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses," illustrates the instinctual behavior of seeking out what one truly desires. Just as a dog would instinctively search for nourishment in places where it is most likely to be found, individuals often follow their needs and desires with similar directness.
This metaphor implies that when faced with hunger or a pressing need, one must look beyond familiar, but inadequate, sources to fulfill those needs. It suggests that in our pursuits, we should focus our efforts and attention on the areas that are most promising, rather than relying on places or methods that may offer little to no return.