Understanding Your Dog

"Respect" Is SO Last Year

respect

Shhh, don’t tell anyone!!

I don’t know for sure, but I kind of think my dogs don’t “respect” me. But that’s OK.  Dogs probably don’t do “respect” anyway. It’s a human concept, and it depends on human cognition and social mores. When people say their dog respects them, it is usually a euphemism. It means that through their actions they have caused the dog to be intimidated or afraid.  Wary, at the very least. I think that’s how “respect” generally translates into animal behavior. One can usually see it in the “respectful” dogs’ demeanors.

Categories: 

  • Understanding Your Dog

Dog Language

beagle

Developed to keep peace and harmony within the pack, calming signals may very well make up the largest part of a dogs communication system. These signals are used in most dog/dog interactions to avoid or cut-off conflict. They are often used with people too. When two dogs first see each other they usually begin to use these signals, they continue to use them during the initial meeting and play sessions. It unfolds something like a subtle dance that often goes completely unnoticed by people.

Categories: 

  • Understanding Your Dog

Trade, Don't Take

tug

When I went outside this morning, Kenzo and Riley were by the back fence, very intent on something on the ground. I had let them outside to use the bathroom a few minutes earlier and was coming outside to play ball before our walk.

Categories: 

  • Understanding Your Dog
Subscribe to RSS - Understanding Your Dog