Understanding dog behaviour

Understanding dog behaviour

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  Possessive behaviour

  If your dog is aggressive for any reason, but especially one that seems that have no obvious explanation such as defending bones or in self defence as a result of being injured, you are strongly advised to seek professional help as a matter of urgency. Do not attempt to treat your dog’s aggression problem yourself and do not ignore the behaviour in the hope that it will go away.

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  Attention-seeking

  Attention-seeking behaviour in dogs are often shown in puppyhood initially, when care soliciting from a parent and the need to play and interact with littermates is quite normal of course. Dogs value human attention throughout their lives - especially from their owners, on whom they dote, but clearly also need to learn to become more functionally independent and less constantly dependent on us.

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  Excessive barking

  Dogs bark and no owner should expect to have a completely silent dog! Dogs don’t rely on vocal communication quite as heavily as humans do, but it still forms a major part of how they express themselves and their emotions to other dogs, and to their human family. Within weeks of acquiring a dog, owners will be able to identify their own dogs bark in the park out of dozens of other woofs, much as a parent can identify their own child’s cries in a playground of children.

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  Preventing fears and anxieties

  Dogs feel safest when they are around their owners but, like any other animal, they are often cautious of anything that could pose a threat. This fight or flight instinct is a natural one, but sometimes they can over-react, and need help to find the right balance. You can’t always be there to keep them feeling safe and happy, so it’s better for them if you can teach them to have some degree of emotional independence.

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  Introducing your dog to other pets

  Dogs are sociable creatures and usually get on very well with other dogs, and with most other animals too. But it’s important to introduce them in the right way from the start to establish and promote long-lasting harmony.

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