A Guide to Understanding Dog Behavior
Dogs are our best friends. They’re present in 60 to 70% of American households, and the bond between people and their dogs is unbreakable.
Despite our closeness to man’s best friend, dog behavior is often confusing. They’re little, furry, and they’re people, which makes understanding them tricky.
Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Not every action is decipherable, but certain pet behavior is consistent if you know how to read your dog.
Read on for more!
Contents
Assess Your Dog’s Body Language
Reading your dog’s body language is essential to understand his behavior. Every dog has their unique way of expressing themselves, and it is important to be able to recognize and interpret what they are communicating.
Pay attention to their ears, eyes, mouth, and body posture. When your dog’s ears are perky, and his eyes are bright and alert, he is often signaling that he is excited and ready to play.
On the other hand, if your dog’s ears are laid back, and his mouth is slightly open with a hint of a low growl, he is likely trying to display aggression.
Similarly, if your dog cowers, licks his lips, or drops his body, he may be indicating that he is feeling stressed or scared. Be aware of your dog’s reactions so you can properly address the situation and ensure a safe, nurturing environment for your pup.
Be Informed of Common Dog Barks
Different barks can signify different things for a dog, such as excitement, happiness, and stress.
A common bark of excitement may consist of a series of high-pitched barks and some wagging of the tail. A bark of fear may be a little quieter and sound like a muffled whimper.
On the other hand, a bark of loneliness may consist of a deep and continuous bark with little to no pauses in between. It is important to recognize the different types of barks to understand why your dog is behaving in a certain way.
Analyze the Environment Before Reacting
Before jumping to conclusions about why a dog is reacting in a certain way, it is important to get a better sense of the environment the dog is in and the situation it is responding to.
This may include assessing the presence of other dogs, people, and other animals. It also includes identifying distractions that might be present and the environment in general.
All these items should factor into a pet parent’s decision about how to best react to the situation.
Recognize Training Opportunities
Training opportunities exist to help dog owners and pet owners better understand canine behavior. From basic obedience training to agility exercises, participating in these training interactions can offer a novel way to gain a deeper insight into their dog’s behavior.
Group classes or private tutoring are available, providing owners with the opportunity to learn how to recognize subtle body language cues given by their dogs.
Training opportunities that can help owners understand the importance of training and the main features associated with it.
All About Understanding Dog Behavior
Dogs are intelligent animals who, like humans, have emotions and the capability for complex behaviors. Understanding the signs of dog behavior can help us communicate better with our furry friends.
If you want to learn more, reach out to a certified dog behaviorist or trainer to ensure your pup has the best life possible!
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