Dog Training: Is it Worth it For You and Your Pet?

Canines Have a Pack Mentality: What Does This Mean?

When dogs bark are they simply sounding off, desiring attention, or what?

It is critical that you comprehend that dogs are a pack animal. And at one time, dogs hunted together as one, so that they would not perish.

They hunted together and fared very well; and there was always a clear leader. Let’s take this into the present moment now, shall we. Shed light on it the way Cesar, also known as the Dog Whisperer would. It is difficult for we humans to determine whether they are joining us (that is, a dog joining the “human pack”) or we are merging with them (a human becoming a part of the pack).

How To Speak Dog:

Undoubtedly Your Dog Will Enjoy Learning Things About You as You Learn Things About Him

What is clear from this is that dogs like other canines, are a pack animal and have a built-in need to belong.

When you are at the same level with the animal (i.e., you are looking at things from his perspective), you will be as one and be able to discern something about that particular dogs personality. This can be helpful information, for instance, in choosing a family dog. To expound even further, it is helpful to be at “eye level” so that you are close enough to witness the dogs expressions, even its positioning. If the dog is in retreat, this is a negative reaction showing the dog is very ill at ease and chances are you should just walk away. Ultimately, you should make the choice that is right for you.

Aggressive Dog Behavior – Dog Gestures

If a dog is bold and agressive, what will this look like? Or if your dog is approached agressively by someone elses dog when you are out for your daily walking regimen, what happens? Is barking a type of language among dogs with special meaning, or is it just random?

Dogs tend to communicate with each other more with gestures and body posture than with audible sounds. They have a wide range of facial expressions, body stances and gestures, and they of course communicate by various scents. Do you realize that it is commonly known that when dogs bark at night, they are simply working off some excess energy?

Body Language – Dog

If a dog goes up to his human and whines, it could just be because he wishes to attract attention. He might just want to see you, because you were gone. But you will wind up guessing about this unless you read a dog book on the topic of the body language of dogs, or analyze a dog body language chart. Bet you never heard of such a chart! Truly there is help. And if you put in due diligence on this fascinating subject, the result cannot hurt you, only help you.

Restaurants for Dogs or Dog Olympics, Anyone?

A canine who shares an exceptionally close bond with his human may have acquired the unique ability to make out a number of words, or commands. Should this be the case, there is a relationship already established – yet why stop there?

You can explore the idea of agility training for your dog; or getting your dog well trained so he can go places with you. For example, many restaurants in California will permit an obedient well trained dog in finer dining establishments – something to shoot for, eh?. And some of the higher priced hotels do let owners bring their dogs; while a deposit might be absolutely necessary, it is there for the taking. You may have a more fulfilling vacation if you can take your pet with you.

Dog Dominance

Put your thinking cap on and consider this: does a dog who wishes to show another dog dominance do anything special? Conversely, what if your dog decides to submit to another animal? What approach does he take? First of all, if your pup is wishing to show submission, he likely will attempt to make himself smaller – by lowering himself and crouching down or putting his tail between his legs, or both. Also, this dog often will have his ears laid down flat. Additionally, if your pup dog is wanting to prove he is the dominant one, he will instinctively create a larger image of himself. He has a logical solution – by raising up his back to increase his height, and staring at the other dog; he is acknowledged by the lesser dog. He holds his head high in defiance, as well.

And a dog wanting to show boldness, or assert his superiority, could take a perpendicular position (an upright stance). Learn something new every day, no? Many pet owners are misguided in believing that with a female dog, no alpha behaviors like ‘marking’ or ‘humping’ are displayed. Hah – they would be wrong in assuming this.

My own female poodle has repeatedly performed the humping behavior (with my favorite pillow). And the humping behavior is not only known to be a normal behavior, when a female dog is in heat; it additionally shows dog dominance. It is an alpha behavior.

Now we are getting somewhere. You are finding out that it is not accurate that there are behaviors displayed solely by the male dog. Were you aware frequently female dogs are more stubborn and can be more temperamental than the males? Males are very loyal companions, very devoted to their human person. My male terrior used to sleep on my back; and he did not budge the whole night. He was content as could be.

Dog Gestures

When your dog wants to play it is a sign of affection. If your dog was indifferent this would mean he was in a bad mood or not feeling well. Also, your pooch might decide it is time to go outside to play, and may paw at your leg to get your attention; knowing some basic dog gestures is helpful to a new dog owner.

Pups and Play Biting

Dogs at play sometimes do nipping or “play-biting”. Pups, in particular, tend to do a lot of nipping during play; they have pointy little teeth which will hurt. It is rather essential to get your pup to curb this behavior while still young , unless you do not mind incurring injury.

Dog Test

Did you know that dogs are able to recognize the significance of pointing? Indeed they are. I checked online, and authorities go into great detail to explain that according to a study by Gabriella Lakatos and her colleagues at University of Budapest in Hungary, dogs are smart enough to understand the significance of pointing! An official test was performed with 2 year old and 3 year old kids and the dogs. Two flower pots with either a toy or a treat was utilized for the test. The idea was to analyze the different responses that all 3 groups had (2 year old & 3 year old kids), as well as the canines. There was a single test – where a person pointing stood with her arm across her chest, elbow protruding to the left and finger pointing to the right. The upshot was that the 3 year old toddlers responded better to a pointing index finger, while the two-year-old children and the dog would follow the elbow. Curious, what you may learn about animals if you pay attention.

Playful Dogs

Nose nudging is is a way of indicating that a dog wishes to play. And when a dog has a wagging tail, of course this is a sign he is frisky and is ready to get some exercise; unless of course, he is an abused animal and has a severe injury which precludes him from playing. Then he is simply showing you love and affection.

Now, the usual “play posture” is one with forehead crouched down and hind quarters high; also, the animal has bright, cheerful eyes and a tail that is wagging. He may even give a little yap.

On the other hand, a hostile canine has the rigid stance, a steady gaze, and a trembling tail (held high). In a dog, a high, steady tail exudes confidence while the tail that is positioned low indicates that the dog is deferring to the dominant canine or is ill.

Another form of gesturing that a dog will do is when he puts out his paw to shake hands. He is likely reminding you of his presence and wishes you to play with him; on the other hand if he extends his paw and averts his eyes, this can indicate that he is feeling guilty. Realize that.

When a pet owner truly cares, he would take the time to find out every last chapter about physical fitness for his pooch, as well as optimum nutrition, pet health insurance, veterinary care, necessary shots, grooming, etcetera. In addition he should try to absorb something on training his dog, and having a good relationship with his dog. Then both dog and owner will have a happier life. When a person takes on the responsibility of pet ownership, it is just that – a responsibility. Thus, the person, in my opinion, may as well get educated and go the extra mile.

Thus, consider more than just going out and getting a book. Examine the Dog Whisperer’s program, for example. Do all you can; Your canine friend will be the happier for it. He will adore you for it. Hopefully, you have now discovered that it is a worthwhile endeavor to put in the effort to form a meaningful bond with your dog. You will be met with undying love. Your animal will absolutely know the extra effort you are putting into his care, and he will love you. To sum it all up, a master who pays his dog the courtesy of “listening” to him can find the friendship he desires. Then trust will just naturally result, which can be to your benefit.

For example, if he gets into a danger situation (traffic, for one possibility) – and you call out for your dog, he will come when called if he has been properly trained. A responsible and loving pet owner, who wants to get to know his dogs individuality and persona may well reap dividends, in the end. For his canine friend will learn that his owner only has his best interests at heart, and will learn to instinctively trust his owner. A good connection can come about as a consequence when the hours are devoted. Devote some cash to dog training and education, I suggest.

Want to Know More?

Understand Your Dog via Dog Speak