Title: Why Dogs Do What They Do: A Quick Study Of Normal Dog Behaviors
Author: Sylvia Dickens
Why Dogs Do What They Do: A Quick Study Of Normal Dog Behaviors
Dog behaviors can confuse human owners, which makes it that
much more difficult to bond with them. Once you gain a
better understanding of why dogs do what they do, however,
you'll be one giant step ahead in the bonding and training
process.
One of the first things to realize is that dogs come from
the wolf family. Wolves are social animals that run in
packs. All members have their status within those packs,
from the dominant male to the submissive female.
Establishing roles in the pack is one of the most
predominant dog behaviors that domestic dogs have
inherited, along with other traits. Dogs like to know where
they fit in the pack. That's why owners have to take the
upper hand and become the leaders. Until this happens,
bonding and training will be elusive.
Unfortunately, some owners are reluctant to take command
because they're afraid they'll alienate their friendship
and their dog won't love them. It's important to overcome
this fear if you want to end up with an obedient and
responsive dog. Understand that your dog will love you
simply because you are his leader.
If left to find his own way, a dog will do his best to
establish himself as the boss. Dominant dogs will show
their dominance by growling and sometimes biting their
owners to put them in their place.
It's imperative for you to reverse this situation at the
very beginning by showing your dog that he must take a
lesser role in the social order.
Such dog behaviors as this are ingrained from birth as part
of the animal's survival instincts. Leadership dominance
isn't something that develops afterwards, although it can
become a problem if not addressed.
A dominant dog will reject your training efforts because he
believes he's in charge. He'll want to be out front when
you take him for a walk. He'll want to call all the shots,
which means he's more likely to ignore you and your
commands.
He'll be the protector of the pack. Some dogs become too
protective and can become a danger to others. You don't
want that, so establish who's the boss from the moment you
bring your puppy home. Dogs are quick to accept leadership
from those who show authority and dominant traits.
They respond to actions that mimic or reflect their
inherent dog behaviors. Your size alone will automatically
show the dog that you are the dominant member.
By using a tone of voice that projects your authority and
letting the dog know that you're taking charge, your pet
will soon recognize and accept his role in the pack.
Dogs don't like confusion or vagueness. It makes them
unsure and their actions misdirected. Once your dog knows
where he stands, he'll be better prepared to obey and love
you.
Remember, growling is one of the dog behaviors wolf pack
leaders use to let others know where they stand. It isn't
necessary for you to hit your dog or be a tyrant to send
this message. Use an authoritative voice and be persistent
in your demands and he'll soon get the point.
Another one of the dog behaviors worth imitating is touch,
or affection. In the pack, wolves nuzzle each other to show
how they feel and to get the other's attention. Mothers
lick their pups regularly, not only to keep them clean, but
to show them that they belong.
A pup that gets such attention is much happier and
well-rounded than one that is ignored and rejected. He is
better able to adjust to his changing world and the people
and animals around him.
Such dog behaviors become your responsibility as the new
pack leader. Keep in mind that from the moment puppies are
born, they establish their adaptability into the pack by
the things that are in their immediate environment.
By showing your puppy, or even an adopted dog, that they
belong and are welcome, you can help ease their transition
into your pack. A well-adjusted dog is much easier to train
because he aims to please and take up his rightful role in
the group. Naturally, the earlier exposure to the human
touch and other dogs occurs, the more socialized he will
become.
Be aware of why dogs do what they do and take appropriate
action to let your pet know you are the leader. Approach
your new companion with normal dog behaviors in mind, and
you might be surprised how easy training and bonding can be.
About the Author:
Get your free copy of Sylvia's latest booklet, "Unveiling
the Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy" by going to
http://ebook-
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