It has been said that the dog is man’s best friend, and for good reason. For millennia, canine companions have assisted human beings in searching for food, hunting animals, protecting the home, playing with children, and much more. In order to get the most out of the dog-person relationship, people must have a basic grasp of how dogs think and communicate. Essentially, one must have a solid grasp of basic canine psychology. This understanding is not difficult to obtain.
Dog Psychology
All dog owners know that there are times when their four-legged friend seems to understand just what they are thinking. Over the years, the field of canine psychology has demonstrated that there is a large degree of truth in this assumption. Dogs are able to learn words – specifically nouns and verbs – so that they know what their owners are referring to when they issue commands. Furthermore, dogs can follow the gaze of their owners, and they demonstrate other behaviors that are also evident in human psychology. Dogs can even become susceptible to disorders such as depression and compulsive behavior.
Dogs are well known for exhibiting a pack mentality, in which there is a clear hierarchy of position. Usually, this is described as a society in which the alpha dog is the pack leader and the other members generally defer to it, though there are times when other dogs may try to gain dominance. Some researchers question this hierarchy, but it is still widely taught.
- Do Dogs Need “Tough Love”? Learn how the idea that one must give a dog “tough love” is a myth via this link.
- Life with the Six Pack: This author describes how she uses canine psychology to keep her many dogs getting along well with one another.
- Science and Dog Training: Read this article to understand the different approaches to dog psychology.
- What Is Your Dog Thinking?In this piece, a new method for understanding dogs and their thinking through brain scans is described.
Canine Communication
While dogs do not use words to tell people or other animals what they are thinking, that does not mean that there is not a type of “dog language.” This language consists of barks, growls, yowls, whimpers, postures, and so forth. In fact, it is possible to differentiate between different kinds of barks and to see in a dog potential signs of aggression.
Dog owners can tell a lot about the attitude of their animal based on the mouth and tail. Relaxed dogs will have a relaxed, open mouth. Aggressive dogs will bare their teeth and growl. If the growl is accompanied by a stiff, upright tail, then the person should be wary that the dog is willing to bite. A sweeping wag of the tail, however, often indicates playfulness.
- Canine Body Language: This is a comprehensive guide to what the body language of a dog can tell other people.
- Canine Communication Guide: The Kentucky Humane Society presents this overview of dog communication.
- Dog Behaviors and Communication: Pet Pals gives this easy-to-follow guide to dog communication.
- Dog Talking with Kids: Here is a kid-friendly site that helps young people learn what dogs are telling them.
- How to Interpret Your Dog’s Body Language: This pictorial guide makes it easy to learn how to “speak dog.”
- Types of Canine Aggression: Various kinds of canine aggression are explained in this piece.
Dog Socialization
Making sure that a dog socializes well with other people and animals is key to the animal’s long-term well-being. A properly socialized dog knows that not every stranger or unknown animal is a threat, and that will reduce its proclivity to get into fights or to go after those who mean no harm. Regularly socializing a dog from the puppy stage onward is key to making sure that the animal is well-adjusted around people and animals. A great way to socialize a dog with other dogs is to take it to a dog park and allow it to get to know other dogs with your supervision. Dog owners should also make sure that their animal is introduced to a wide variety of people as well, and having these people give their dog a treat will help the animal recognize friends and be wary of foes.
- Fighting with Dogs: This article looks at dog-dog socialization and the phenomenon of dogs fighting with other dogs.
- The Socialization Scene: This is a basic guide to puppy socialization and training.
- Socialize Your Dog: The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association explores why it is so important to socialize a dog well.
- Socializing Adult Dogs: Visit this page for some tips on socializing an adult dog.
- Why Socializing Is So Important: Basic socialization procedures for puppies are given via this link.
The Importance of Training and Obedience for Dogs
Every year, scores of people and dogs are injured because dogs have not been properly trained. An obedient dog is a safe dog. Such a dog will heed the master’s call if the master calls it back from a potentially dangerous situation. An obedient dog will also listen to its master’s call to heel and not go after other people or animals. Proper training of canines is not difficult, and it pays off for years to come.
- House-Training Your Dog: Work with your dog’s instincts and tendencies to house-train your dog.
- Is It Important to Train My Dog? This short piece looks at the importance of training a dog and suggests a good training method.
- The Need for Obedience Training: Dogs need obedience training, as this article argues.
- An Obedient Dog Is a Happy Dog: Learn the connection between canine obedience and happiness with the help of this article.
