Dogs are our closest allies in the animal world, but never forget that even your goofy Pug, or affectionate Shih Tzu is just one evolutionary step removed from the wolf.
Accepting this idea is at the core of understanding how your dog thinks, and why he behaves in the ways that he does.
How Dogs View Their World
A dog’s thinking is based on drives and instincts. Their basic needs are food, a place to sleep, and a strong pack for protection. This means they need a strong leader – one they are prepared to follow without hesitation. This is the role you need to fill in your dog’s life.
The next key to understanding dog behavior is to remember that dogs do not understand words. This idea confuses many people because their dogs seem to understand every word the say. But, what you are seeing is merely word-association.
The truth is, that dogs have no capacity for understanding words, they mainly interpret body language. They learn to associate actions with actions, so if you praise your dog when he obeys a command, he understands that when he obeys, you react by being pleased with him.
As a consequence, they learn to react to certain words, so if you say “Dinner!” when you feed your dog he may start to salivate, but actually he’s responding to the rattling of his food bowl, and other familiar “dinner activities”.
Learn to Think Like a Dog
If you want to learn how to think like a dog, first understand that tone of voice and body language trump voice cues every time. Realise that your dog thinks in pictures and responds to actions and you’ll have a far better chance of understanding him.
Dogs become very tuned into routines. For example, your dog will quickly learn that you come home at a certain time and will look forward to your arrival. If you don’t arrive as expected the dog will begin to become stressed.
This is because the dog forms expectations based on past actions, and learns to expect a particular outcome. If that outcome is not carried through it creates anxiety.
How to Be the Alpha Dog
Dogs have a limited set of needs, and in a wolf pack, the alpha controls these for the entire pack. He decides when they move, who is allowed to eat, and who gets affection – much the same things you control in your dog’s life. By making these decisions for your dog, you actually lessen his anxiety.
Now leadership is one thing, but what about showing affection to your dog? Good question. Giving affection makes you a strong leader if it is given in the right way and at the right time. Given any other way, it marks you out as a pushover. Your dog will sense that and exploit it.
The right time to give affection is when your dog is calm and well behaved, so that you re-enforce that behavior.
To find out more about dog obedience training, dog care, dog health and other helpful dog advice go to dogsanddogtraining.com