Pets

Understanding Your DogProducts Relating to 'Understanding Your Dog'

Understanding your dog

Dogs have similar emotions to humans, for example depression jealousy happiness affection playfulness etc. The key to understanding your dog is though their behaviour; body language, expressions and actions.

Dogs have a social structure akin to own. In the wild as in wolves they live in a pack with a strict hierarchy. arranging themselves in status order beneath the leader. As each member knows their place this reduces needless fighting and squabbling among the pack.

You re my leader

Understanding your dog and their role in the human pack will save a lot of grief later. Start as soon as possible at the puppy stage. All the family should be involved in their training, letting the dog know right from the beginning they are on the lowest rung. Most dogs are happy in this role as long as they know you will be taking care and responsibility for the pack.

Introducing new animals

If a new dog, cat or human are brought into the household understanding your dog and it s need to reassess it s role will need patience. The trick is to introduce them to each other a little at a time.

Staying safe

understanding your dog s body language is the key their feelings and intentions.Dogs have several strategies for calming potential aggressors, showing they mean no harm.

• yawning
• averting their eyes
• lip-licking
• turning their heads
• sniffing the floor
• sitting down
• turning their backs

Dogs and their toys

Although pet dogs do not have such strong predatory instincts of their ancestors they still retain some of the characteristics. Most dogs enjoy chasing biting and vigorously shaking toys simulating the killing of their prey. Understanding your dog and it s need to play will lead to a fuller relationship and less likely to go chasing prey when outdoors.

• Dogs will pounce to stun small prey especially if they are hidden in undergrowth
• Shaking a toy also simulates the stunning of its prey making it less likely to fight back
• Chewing is the kill stage

how threatened a dog feels will depend on previous experience in similar situations and the nature of their encounters with humans and other animals, particularly those that occurred during puppy hood

Safe to touch areas

understanding your dog has safe areas to touch particularly for strangers can avoid confrontation.

Don,t lean or tower over dogs. Often best to be on their level and to the side.

Places to touch on dogs when unfamiliar with dog:

• the back
• the chest
• around the collar

places not to touch when unfamiliar with a dog:

• the ears
• the anywhere around the eyes or muzzle
• around the stomach
• around the back legs

Taking the time to understand your dog really will pave the way to a true lifelong friendship for you and your family.

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Article Published: Friday 18th May 2007