Dogs have an uncanny ability to bring joy and chaos into our lives in equal measure. Whether it’s their boundless energy, their mischievous antics, or their unwavering loyalty, dogs embody a spirit of playful unpredictability that endears them to us. In this blog, “Dogs Will Be Dogs,” we celebrate everything that makes our furry friends both exasperating and utterly lovable. From chewing on your favorite pair of shoes to greeting you with ecstatic tail wags after a long day, dogs remind us to embrace life’s simple pleasures and to find humor in the little things. Join us as we delve into the delightful quirks and heartwarming moments that define the dog-owner experience, one wagging tail at a time.
About six million puppies are born each year, and the vast majority find their way into a home. Each puppy is a new beginning for a family or an individual owner, a joy to behold and love and teach.
A puppy is a genetic package loaded with behavior traits that took thousands of years to refine. Like a human baby, he learns his limits and his powers as he grows; unlike a human baby, he explores his environment and learns his lessons at a more primitive level – with tooth and paw – that he cannot outgrow. A puppy can become a well-mannered dog, but he can never learn to say please and thank you, to clean up his room, or to build a tower of blocks. A puppy is limited by his canine heritage, but his limitations can be channeled through training and accommodated by owners who understand why he does what he does.
Dogs will be Dogs
Social interaction
Dogs are social animals. They need the company of other beings in order to develop to their full potential. Man brought dogs into his family circle, and dogs have come to need the company of man to survive.
Dog behavior is governed by hunting style, digestive system, and reproductive needs and is geared towards participation in a social group. Some dog fanciers describe this behavior in terms used by biologists to explain wolf interactions – they toss around terms such as “pack dynamics” and “dominance hierarchy” to explain how dogs see the world.
Some pet owners describe dog behavior in terms of human conduct and emotions. They say that Fluffy acts out of love or concern, that Rascal soiled the rug out of spite, that Ranger barks at the mailman because he hates the mailman, or that Mickey cringes because he is afraid of being smacked.It doesn’t matter if owners consider their dogs as wolf cousins or furry children if the relationship is smooth and the adaptations made as a matter of course, but if Fido’s natural tendencies are unacceptable in any way, remedies depend on understanding how and why the behavior exists so that it can be modified.
Adaptations
Dogs are better at adapting than owners are. Within limits, they can modify their behavior for good or ill to cope with human idiosyncrasies while still meeting their own need for social acceptance. Doggy adaptations that result in inappropriate expression of natural behavior can block or tear the human-animal bond if owners view those adaptations in human terms. For example, dogs naturally explore with their mouths and chew to satisfy a biological need, but chewing on family body parts and possessions is unacceptable. Acknowledging that a pup is following the genetic behavior blueprint common to all dogs is more conducive to developing a solution than falling into the all-too-human trap of labeling her as spiteful, angry, mean, or stupid.
Dogs are predators. They have the eyes, teeth, digestive systems, feet, ears, and structure of predators. Even though pet dogs no longer hunt their dinner, they are still capable of predatory behavior towards wild critters, other pets, and even babies and small children. Owners who understand that predation is natural for dogs can prevent problems by supervising dogs with other pets and children, at least until they understand the attitudes and behavior of each particular dog in each circumstance.
Dogs are basically clean animals, although they do enjoy a romp or roll in some pretty disgusting dead stuff or a swim in a fetid pond on occasion. Most dogs are relatively easy to housetrain because they learn quickly not to soil their living space. Dogs that have trouble with housetraining may have already adapted to living in dirt because they have nowhere else to urinate or defecate except their crates or cages.
Family connections
Dogs have a social hierarchy that is easily transferred from the litter or pack to the human family when owners understand the dynamics of canine communication and community interaction.
Dogs communicate with body language and vocalization. A barking dog with hackles up, body erect, ears forward, and tail wagging stiffly at half-mast is telling interlopers to keep their distance. A whining dog with ears pinned back, tail down and slightly wagging, and body cowering sends a different message. Although both are saying “don’t tread on my space,” the former dog is doing so with authority and the latter with a plea to be left alone.
Puppies
Like human children, puppies are still experimenting with various personas and learning their boundaries; those who integrate puppy needs with guidance (chew this toy, not that chair; pee outside, not on the rug) will have a head start towards forging a strong bond.
The best beginning for a puppy of any breed or mix is enrollment in a good puppy kindergarten or conformation class as soon as he is fully protected by vaccinations. Shy puppies can learn to accept new situations, bold puppies can enjoy the interactions, and owners can brag about puppy accomplishments, commiserate about training problems, and ask questions about basic care and behavior.
As we’ve explored, dogs truly live up to the phrase “Dogs Will Be Dogs.” Their quirky habits, boundless energy, and unconditional love bring endless joy and occasional challenges to our lives. They remind us to appreciate the small moments, laugh at the unexpected, and cherish the companionship they offer so freely. We hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through the wonderful world of canine capers and heartwarming tales. Do you have a memorable dog story or a unique doggy quirk to share? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear how your furry friend keeps life interesting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Dogs Will Be Dogs” about?
“Dogs Will Be Dogs” is a blog dedicated to celebrating the playful, unpredictable, and heartwarming aspects of life with dogs. We share stories, tips, and laughs about our furry friends, highlighting their unique quirks and the joy they bring to our lives.
Absolutely! We encourage our readers to share their own dog stories and experiences in the comments section of our posts. We love hearing about the unique quirks and adventures of your furry friends.
Are there posts about specific dog breeds and their behaviors?
Yes, we often write about different dog breeds and their typical behaviors, characteristics, and care needs. This helps our readers understand what to expect if they have or are considering a specific breed.
