Title: Instincts and Traits in Dogs
Author: Janine Carter
Domestication of canines was accomplished by humans thousands
of years ago. Many think that the world's first dogs were tamed
wolves, as dogs share many biological traits with wolves. First
of all they look very much alike and their actions are similar.
They both have highly developed sense of smell and hearing.
Dogs are extremely loyal and dependent on their masters. They
have a place in human society to which few other species can
hold a candle. The only reward for dogs in many cases is a kind
word and a pat on the head. Still, the study of wolves and dogs
teaches us that many of their traits haven't changed from before
they were domesticated.
* Body Language is a postural display by canines that show you
their intentions. When meeting a strange person, canines display
their fear by raising their hackles, meaning, the hair stands up
on their backs and necks. This display comes from lack of
socialization with others. Of course this behavior would look
more frightening with short-haired dogs, making them look larger
and making the other dog or person fear him more. Many times a
dog will also pull back his lips to show his teeth to make the
display even more "large".
* A dogs ears and tail positions can tell you what a dog is
thinking. For example, if your dog's ears go back flat and his
tail goes between his legs, it means he is being submissive to
humans or other dogs. The old saying "ran off with his tail
between his legs" came from this postural display of dogs.
Another submissive behavior is rolling over on the back.
* If a dog kneels or puts his front legs on the ground lowering
his front quarters, it generally means he wants to play. This is
always accompanied by a friendly wagging tail.
* Standing tall on stiff legs and circling another dog is a
posture of superiority and domination. It often includes
strutting around with frequent growling and snarling.
* An instinctive ritual in canines is circling before lying
down. Some specialists say that this came from a habit long ago
of circling to pack down the grass to give a soft bed to sleep
in. Others think the dog is smelling the area for enemies before
lying down, as they put their noses to the ground while they are
performing this task.
* Attacking small animals is an innate hunting instinct in dogs
from the time when they had to hunt for their food.
* Digging is a trait that is thought to come from the dog's
instinct to dig a den when there is nothing else appropriate to
make a den with. Terriers were known to pursue their quarry
through underground tunnels if necessary.
Other things to consider is the dogs sense of smell developed
so they can sniff the air to find game and also to sniff out
enemies that may be approaching. They have a wonderful sense of
hearing for the same reasons and their sight is highly
developed.
Although canines' instincts and actions are influenced by their
heredity, they are highly intelligent mammals, and are the
products of a combination of training, experience and genetics.
This article was written by Posh Pampered Pets, please call
936-520-2903 for any questions. Our home office is located in
Waller, Texas, with warehouses located throughout the United
States such as Dallas TX, Houston TX, New York NY, Denver CO,
Chicago ILL, Seattle WA, Kansas City MO, Miami FL,
Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Los Angeles CA, Fayetteville
AR,Philadelphia PA, Phoenix Arizona, San Antonio TX (Texas.
About The Author: This article was written by Janine Carter,
owner of Posh Pampered Pets. If you have any questions regarding
http://www.poshpamp
Dog Supplies or http://www.poshpamp
Pets, please feel free to call 979-221-7251 or email
mailto:info@poshpamperedpe
