Dog habits and their meaning

For many decades, dogs have served people as loyal and reliable helpers. You will not be able to fully communicate with a pet if you do not understand its behavior. Every dog ​​lover is interested in learning about their thoughts and intentions. In fact, it is not so difficult, it is enough to study the basic habits.

Logic and analytics in the behavior of dogs are absent. From birth they are guided by instincts. Over time, the puppies begin to duplicate the behavior of the mother, but the main teacher is still personal experience. A disheveled stuffed toy will no longer generate interest if the whole story ends in bad taste, pain, or fear.

With age, the dog learns to adapt and interact with the outside world. An adult dog does not follow an example from other individuals, which is important to consider.

Dog behavior is composed of a specific set of reactions. Some of them can be corrected, others can be controlled. Correction usually consists of rewards, restrictions, rarely in the use of sedatives. Cynologists and experienced dog owners distinguish several types of reactions.

• Food grade. This is the initial and predominant reaction. Even for a puppy at 2 months old, there is a basic need for food. Hunger provokes the animal to take active steps to get food. This is the oldest reaction and is based entirely on instinct. Reflexes that are formed with food as the main stimulus are the strongest.Training based on such reactions is the most effective.

• Defensive. It can be acquired or congenital. This reaction should keep the dog safe from pain, danger and any threat. It manifests itself in three variants: an active defensive position, cowardly and malicious behavior, and passive.

• Indicative... It manifests itself when entering an unknown environment. It consists in studying everything that is around. This reaction passes quickly and does not require special measures on the part of people.

• Search engine. This type is due to innate and physiological reflexes. This response is considered essential to the dog's survival. In most cases, it does not manifest itself in everyday life in comfortable conditions, but it is present in the consciousness of the animal. This reaction usually develops in service breeds during training.

• Attachment Behavioral Response. Aggressive and inappropriate behavior, fear of people is a vivid example of an unformed reaction of this type. It completely determines the relationship with the owner. This group includes all the behavior with which the dog shows love and devotion, the desire to protect. If necessary, this reaction is corrected during training with a dog handler.

Owners may not always be able to meet the needs of the dog simply because they cannot understand its signals. The pet's behavior is always justified by something, it is always an attempt to convey some information. It is worth considering the features of the manifestation of emotions and intentions in dogs.

• Joy. Dogs of all ages show it the same way. The dog tries to jump onto his hands, lick his hands or face. Cheerful barking and running around a person is a typical manifestation of joy. The dog can invite the owner to a common game, bring his toys.

• Goodwill. Such habits are due not only to external factors, but also to the breed and character of a particular dog. A slight wagging of the tail with a relaxed body and slightly raised ears is a good sign. The latter signals a share of curiosity in relation to a person or an animal.

• Domination. These habits are the easiest to understand, dogs always express them clearly. Increased sexual activity is a prime example. The dog jumps on the owner or family during the rut or estrus. A pet can exercise its authority over other animals by taking away food or toys. Behavior usually requires correction in the form of submission and obedience training.

• Aggression. Loud barking and throwing towards a person (animal) with attempts to bite are clear signs of such a reaction. At the same time, they share zoo-aggression and aggression towards people. The first may be related to the characteristics of the breed. A training course is required, and in some cases it is worth thinking about sedative medications.

• Ready to attack. This behavior has similarities with a friendly response, so it is important to remember the differences. The dog wags its tail with a small amplitude and directs it straight up.

• Subordination. The main feature in showing the belly. When in contact with a larger or older animal, the dog lets itself be sniffed, lies down on its stomach, and then shows it. Often puppies and young animals behave this way, until, for certain reasons, they cannot dominate the pack.

• Fatigue. The habits in this case are very similar to human ones, and when observed, they are easy to recognize. Slow and heavy movements combined with constant attempts to sit or lie down.

• Fear and stress. Behavior can be different depending on the characteristics of the particular dog and the situation itself. Trembling and attempts to run to the owner, hide behind his feet are vivid signs of fear. There are cases of aggression and involuntary urination.If this happens on a walk, then you need to take the dog home and help calm down.

Expressions of emotion can often be determined intuitively. Dogs' reactions are very similar to those of humans. However, dog behavior is distinguished by special rituals that are not always understood. It is worth taking a closer look at behavior and its meaning.

• Desire to rub against rotten food and passion for everything that decays. From the outside it looks rather unpleasant, but it has a special meaning. The hunting instincts push the pet to disguise.

• Involuntary urination when meeting with the owner. It manifests itself in a mild form of a kind of psychological disorder. The pet recognizes the leader in a person so much that he feels insecure, loses his personality.

• Howling... The dog makes such sounds to notify other relatives of its location. Sometimes the dog may howl due to loneliness. It is also an effective way to calm and relieve tension.

• Cat hate is not really cat hate at all.... In fact, this is just a manifestation of the hunting instinct.

• Friendship with cats. Occurs in situations where a dog and a cat live under the same cover. Moreover, it is the representative of the feline who will be the commander or even the tyrant in this pair.

• Twitching paws in sleep, which resembles running. Sometimes combined with barking or whining. This is a strong sign that your dog is dreaming realistic and colorful.

Inappropriate behavior on the part of the dog, for example, aggression or antisocial manifestations, is corrected independently or with the help of a dog handler during training. Most dangerous or unacceptable behaviors pass quickly. The owner's behavior should always be predictable for the pet. Follow these rules when reacting to the habits of your pet, such as:

• the owner should always be friendly, there is not a single situation where the dog deserves rudeness towards himself;
• if a person wants to change the direction of movement during a walk, then you need to warn the dog with a gesture or a look; it is worth calling by nickname, and not pulling the leash;
• do not behave hysterically and chaotically, yelling and pulling the leash in an unpleasant situation, when meeting with someone else's pet, as this will provoke fear and aggression towards other animals, relax your hand with a leash and call the dog by name;
• the owner must be able to behave calmly, without overestimating the danger of the situation, panic and aggression are contagious, the dog may begin to behave inappropriately;
• when communicating with a dog, it is important to be guided by your own and her feelings, attempts to act rudely and physically will make the dog fear the owner, and not obey.

If positive communication does not give the desired result, the dog behaves aggressively and threatens health, then you need to seek help from specialists. The veterinarian, cynologist and zoologist together will be able to calculate the primary source of habits and draw up a course of corrective measures. There are the following stages of behavior correction:

1. building tandem relationships - the owner must earn the place of the leader;
2. stopping negative behavior with a sound signal - loud bangs or whistles are used; any harsh, withdrawing sound is good;
3. encouraging positive behavior with affection, treats, praise, and stroking;
4. a training course with a dog handler to consolidate the desired result - classes with a specialist will help improve behavior and habits, and build confidence.

For information on how to understand a dog by its habits, see the next video.