EMBRACING OUR PETS FOR WHO THEY ARE.
“We ask dogs (and other animals) to live in our environment and follow our rules, often overlooking what is natural for a dog.” This observation touches on a significant aspect of our relationship with dogs: our tendency to impose human-centric expectations on them without fully understanding their natural behaviours.
Like all animals, dogs have inherent instincts and behaviours that have evolved over millennia. These natural behaviours include digging, chewing, barking, rolling in dirt, sniffing everything, hunting, and chasing moving targets. Each action serves a purpose in a dog’s life, from communication and exploration to exercise and mental stimulation. For example, digging is a natural behaviour for dogs, rooted in their ancestors’ need to create secure resting places or hunt for prey. Chewing helps them clean their teeth and relieve stress while barking is a way to communicate and alert their pack to potential dangers.
When we bring dogs into our homes, we often expect them to seamlessly adapt to our human-centric environment and adhere to our rules without considering their natural inclinations. This disconnect can lead to frustration and behavioural issues. A dog who is reprimanded for digging in the yard or chewing on a shoe might feel confused and anxious, which can lead to other behavioural problems, such as increased destructiveness or nervousness.
SpiritDog Training shares how dogs are not born knowing how to navigate our world. We have a lot of rules that make no sense to them such as:
- Should be social, but not obsessed with people and dogs.
- Should be house-trained quickly, but not wake us up in the middle of the night to go outside.
- Should be motivated to train with food, but not so much that they snap at our fingers.
- Should play fetch with us, but not chase the cat.
- Should be fun when we have time, but calm when we don’t.
Aren’t we expecting a bit too much, or too soon?
If you’re not prepared to handle the messiness, noise, and occasional chaos of having a dog (or any animal), it might be worth reconsidering pet ownership. Dogs don’t instinctively know how to navigate the human world we forced them to live in. These are concepts that need to be taught, and this teaching process involves patience and understanding.
Training a dog is not a one-off task but a continuous journey. A dog will not arrive at your home perfectly tuned to your expectations. They will bark, dig, and explore, often in ways that might seem disruptive or inconvenient. These behaviours are not about disobedience but about natural instincts and responses to their environment.
Also, read more about animals and the silly season that has begun.
PUPPIES
Puppies, in particular, are a prime example of how challenging this adjustment period can be. They come from a life with their littermates and mother, where their primary focus is play, learning, and socialization. When they enter a human home (often way too early), they are confronted with a new set of rules and expectations that can be bewildering. The first six to twelve months with a puppy involve considerable training and supervision. During this period, puppies need guidance on how to adapt to house training, acceptable chewing behaviour, and proper social interactions.
How many of you take leave to help your new pet adjust to this overwhelming change?
It’s not uncommon for new puppy owners to feel overwhelmed by the demands of potty training, the messes, and the constant supervision required. Some might even perceive their puppy’s behaviour as antagonistic, but it’s important to remember that puppies are not acting out of spite. They are simply trying to make sense of a complex new environment. For more tips on puppies, search on The Paw Company page puppies/puppy/puppy101 etc.
SILLY SITTING
Before I close, I want to touch on another topic that I refer to as the “silly sit”. Our obsession with getting dogs to sit may stem from the belief that it reflects obedience and good manners, making us appear responsible as guardians. However, frequent sitting isn’t always beneficial for our dogs, particularly for puppies whose developing skeletal systems can be adversely affected, or for senior dogs that may struggle with the physical demands of sitting. Additionally, asking fearful or reactive dogs to sit in stressful situations can exacerbate their anxiety rather than calm them. Dogs don’t sit when they eat. While teaching “sit” is valuable, it’s important to consider more natural alternatives that may better suit their physical and emotional needs. As Turid Rugaas wisely said, “If you yourself want to sit, sit! If you want your dog to sit, think twice!”
Understanding that dogs and other pets don’t come pre-programmed with knowledge of our human rules can help alleviate some of the frustration. Dogs are eager to please and adapt, but this adaptation takes time. They are learning to navigate a world which is vastly different from what they knew before. Each day is a new opportunity for them to understand and bond with us.
In the end, the greatest joy of having a dog comes from accepting them for who they are and helping them integrate into our lives with patience and empathy. By recognizing and respecting their natural behaviours, we can create a more harmonious living environment that benefits both the animal and their human family. Remember, dogs wake up each day with a smile and a readiness to be our companions, despite the many adjustments they must make. It’s our responsibility to be their guide and friend through this process, fostering a relationship built on understanding and mutual respect.
If you are not going to allow your dog (or pet) to do dog stuff (species stuff) then don’t get a stuffed toy! The best thing about dogs is that they are dogs, so let them be just that and just be their guardian and guide in this complicated human world! Rethink your expectations for your pet!
Join us again next week as we explore some of these natural behaviours.
WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!
