As we grow as dog owners, so does our knowledge of the pets we keep. We get comfortable, and honestly believe we know all there is to know about our furry friend and companion. Little do we know, we have often either catered to our pets' misbehaviors, caused the problem behaviors ourselves, or merely avoided a solution altogether and settled with the outcome. Here are a few common misconceptions about dog behavior I have heard in the past:
MYTH #1: Feeding Dogs People Food Encourages Begging
Actually, it isn't the food itself that causes begging behavior. In fact, many of our foods are quite healthy and nutritious for dogs. Some vets will encourage a diet of vegetables or rice to help combat obesity or improve digestion, and others will feed raw meat and vegetables to their pets. It is feeding your pet while you are eating that causes the begging behavior. If your pups are eating snacks off the dinner table or catching popcorn on movie night, why shouldn't they expect that kind of service to be continued at all times? "Demand" barking, howling, and excessive drooling can be very annoying at family dinners or when guests come over. It may even disturb that fun movie night, or wreak havoc on a formal dinner party. So we just lock our dogs up, right? Wrong. We must train them to respect our space, and eat when we say they can-- not when they think they deserve it. They should be comfortable and preoccupied when you eat, enjoying a toy, or lying peacefully in a separate room while you enjoy your dinner or snack.
MYTH #2: Dogs Eat Grass When They Need to Vomit
Yes and No. Dogs eat their vegetables, too! Dogs are scavengers; like us, they eat both meat and vegetable. In their earlier, less domesticated days, as they ate the stomach contents of their herbivore prey, dogs also ingested the grasses that the prey had eaten. This was a dietary necessity. Our domesticated dog has a deep-seeded need for these nutrients, as well. Many dogs will graze on grass when out for a walk, craving a nutrient not provided in their dry cereal. Some do it out of boredom -- just as we do with our snacks. We aren't necessarily hungry, but it's there. Why not eat it? Sometimes, however, dogs will use grass to cause regurgitation when they are gassy, or have an upset stomach. They have learned it will tickle their throats, irritate their stomach linings, and induce vomiting -- so it's not always a bad thing. Just always be aware of the grass your dogs are eating, to ensure pesticides or other harmful products have not been added.
MYTH #3: You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Oh, you can -- but you tell me how easy it is to teach Grandma how to use that new Playstation you got for Christmas. Dogs are like people in that sense. The older they get, the more stubborn and "set in their ways" they can become. It is still possible to teach them new behaviors, or rehabilitate behaviors they may already have, but it will take more patience, time, and stimuli to do so. Puppies and younger dogs are active, reward-motivated, and eager to please. As dogs age, some just want to be left alone, and some have been catered to with a silver spoon. Why should they budge for treats when the butler (you!) will tend to their needs as soon as they call? The key to training an older dog is finding out what stimuli will work on it. What makes the dog tick? What still brings a light to his/her eyes and puts pep in his step? Those are the tools you will need to train.
MYTH #4: A Wagging Tail Means a Happy, Friendly Dog
Sometimes, yes. In fact, most times, yes. Your dog's tail is a window into his mind; it can demonstrate when a dog is excited, agitated, fearful, tense, anxious, and more. For this reason, the tail is one of the most important forms of communication from dogs to humans. Educate yourself on social cues between dopes to determine what your dog is trying to say. For example: A high, erect wagging tail may be a sign of dominance or aggression, while a low, tucked wagging tail may display fear or submission. Either of these can lead to a fight-- or a flight -- by your dog.
For more information or answers about your dog's behavior (or other common misconceptions), "like" us on Facebook, or feel free contact Back in the Pack directly at http://www.backinthepack.com.Fppy Training!HaDari FergusonnerBack in the PaOwner/Head Traick
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