The dog scratches the floor before lying down. Obvious and psychological reasons why dogs dig. Other omen options

In most cases, what we call abnormal behavior is actually behavior that is natural for dogs, but it happens at the wrong time and in the wrong place. Before we try to stop a dog’s behavior that we think is inappropriate, we should ask the question: “Are these actions natural for the dog?” If the answer is yes, you should consider how to redirect the behavior rather than trying to stop it completely.

It is impossible to stop actions caused by instinct. It is completely natural for a dog to herd a herd, bark, dig, hunt, and so on, obeying instinct, but in some dogs these instincts manifest themselves too sharply and create many problems for their owners. The situation usually improves if the dog is allowed to give free rein to its instincts while walking outside the house or area where it is constantly located.

However, if the behavior changes suddenly, especially in an older dog, then these new actions can be called abnormal behavior for that dog. In this case, you need to analyze recent changes in external and internal factors that could affect the dog’s normal behavior and cause deviation from the norm. Changes in family structure can affect: the arrival of a newborn, someone's departure, someone's extended visit, and so on. Perhaps the reason is changes in the family atmosphere, disputes, illness or death of one of the family members. Change of place

gibberish

If your dog barks too much, it can ruin your relationship with your neighbors, which is understandable. Dog barking can drive owners to despair.

Obviously, first of all you need to understand what provokes barking. Barking to sound an alarm, especially in guard breeds, usually does not cause problems. Barking becomes a problem when the dog does not stop barking after the owner arrives. It is natural for a dog to bark to rally the rest of the pack to defend the den together. The management of the flock's further actions is assumed by the leaders - individuals of a higher rank. If the dog does not stop talking, then it is necessary to consider the relationship between the owner and the dog, and then apply the following method

If the barking is the result of simple excitement in anticipation of some event, for example, in the car on the way to the park, then in this case, you can use sound to stop the noise. Changing your routine and free-roaming area will also help change your dog's expectations. Even jogging to the park and back without free range can help moderate arousal. If you keep your dog in a travel basket or a special crate in the car, or tie it in the back seat with a leash and collar (but never a choke!), you can also make the dog bark less when excited. In cases where barking is caused by excessive excitement, studying the twelve points of the questionnaire can be very fruitful

Excitability

I see many cases where owners incorrectly label their dogs' behavior as hyperactive. But if it were true hyperactivity, it would be impossible to control until the root cause was discovered and addressed. Excitable dogs are basically completely uncontrollable animals. In almost every case, the dog can be made calmer by applying certain rules that determine how the owner should build his life and relationship with the dog. Naturally, some breeds are more prone to hyperexcitability than others, such as guard dogs and herding dogs. Regardless of the breed, a dog's behavior should always remain under the control of its owner.

I, of course, understand that hyperactivity is a very serious problem in some dogs and is addressed separately. However, according to my observations, if you change the dog's ideas about the hierarchical structure of the pack and wisely use the method of positive and negative reinforcement, most “excitable” dogs very soon become much less excitable. Means should be used

the rest of the pack to defend the lair together. The management of the flock's further actions is assumed by the leaders - individuals of a higher rank. If the dog does not stop talking, then it is necessary to consider the relationship between the owner and the dog, and then apply the method described in see Dog in the pack. In these cases, techniques based on the sound signal, which are discussed in

If the dog barks a lot in the absence of the owner and the barking does not serve as an alarm signal, then it may be a form of fear.

If it's an occasional barking alarm, then trying to get your neighbors to help you using the sound method may not only be successful, but it will also serve as a great diplomatic move to show them that you are concerned and are willing to do something about it. You should also consider moving your dog to a quieter area in your home.

If the barking is the result of simple excitement in anticipation of some event, for example, in the car on the way to the park, then in this case, you can use sound to stop the noise. Changing your routine and free-roaming area will also help change your dog's expectations. Even jogging to the park and back without free range can help moderate arousal. If you keep your dog in a travel basket or special crate in a car, or tie it in the back seat with a leash and collar (but not in

by no means strangleholds!), you can also ensure that the dog barks less from excitement. In cases where barking is caused by overexcitement, studying the twelve-item questionnaire given in Chapter 9 may be very helpful.

Pugnacity

For aggression towards dogs outside the home, see Problems within the pack.

In general, the issue centers around the relationship between two dogs, each of which claims a higher status. The situation can be aggravated by the position of the owners, who are inclined to believe that the dog that has lived longer in the house should be the “main dog”. In reality, this rarely happens. The problem usually occurs when a younger or newer dog challenges another dog for leadership. If left to their own devices, things can be resolved quite quickly, sometimes after just one short skirmish. However, owners do not want to agree that a dog that has lived in the family longer should yield, even if

the animal itself is ready to accept the situation. They scold or punish the attacking dog, then isolate it until things calm down. The trouble is that passions will not subside. By punishing and isolating a dog that may have just established its status, they promoted the rank of another dog that was defeated and therefore of lower status. As a result, everything repeats itself and a vicious circle is created.

Dog fights to determine the leader can create a very tense environment in the house, but the less we intervene, the faster everything will be resolved, provided that both dogs do not have the same genetic rank. see Socialization in human society

If both dogs are of the same rank, the situation is somewhat different. The fights will continue and become more and more aggressive. The simplest and most reliable solution is to find new owners for one of the dogs. This is a decision many people are not prepared to make, and therefore the options available are quite limited. If both dogs are uncastrated males, this solution to the problem has been successful in some cases. They determined which of the two dogs had at least a slight superiority over the other. Then a male dog of slightly lower rank must be castrated, thereby establishing a clear status at the hormonal level. Then the uncastrated male must receive confirmation of his higher status from all family members. He should be the first to be greeted, the first to be fed, he should be allowed to sleep closer to the master bedroom, he should be the first to be let through at the door - all without giving him the impression that he has a higher status than people. Unfortunately, in many cases these dogs come to see me after they have both been neutered and they are clearly still equal in status. All that can be done in this case is to try to establish a hierarchy solely through favoritism.

The same situation is possible if there are two bitches in the house. Conventional wisdom holds that a fight between two bitches is the worst of dog fights; they will fight to the death, unlike male dogs. My experience is that these fights are no worse than fights between male dogs, but perhaps I am wrong. Even if the fights of bitches are more brutal, the reason is probably that in the wild only the highest-ranking bitches enter into a period of heat and the frequency of these periods depends on the amount of food at this time. (Mother Nature is very intelligent.) Therefore, bitches fighting is probably a manifestation of the survival instinct of the species.

I found that a similar program for male dogs of the same rank was successful when used for female dogs by spaying the lower ranking female dog.

Natural needs and walking

This is not really a behavioral problem unless we are talking about the habit of getting dirty in the house (see Habit of getting dirty in the house). What I mean is related to the pollution of public places. Dog owners are sometimes their own worst enemies. They know what society's attitude is towards polluting parks and sidewalks, but too many of them refuse to clean up after their dogs. Because of them, the reputation of all dog owners suffers. I fully understand the dissatisfaction of those people who do not own dogs and do not like them. Likewise, I can understand that some owners are embarrassed to clean up after their dogs, especially in crowded places. This is the reason I included this problem on the list. If you don't want others to see you cleaning up after your dog, train him to do his business in a certain part of the garden before you take him for a walk. Many people take their dogs for a walk so that they can relieve themselves, and this is the main purpose of the walk for them, while the opportunity for the dog to exercise during the walk is a secondary matter. Once the goal is achieved, the dog is put on a leash again and led home. Dogs are not stupid animals and soon learn that if you do not rush to fulfill their natural needs, the walk will last longer. If your dog always does his business on the way home rather than at the beginning of the walk, think about your motives for the walk. Just as easily as dogs can learn to put off their natural needs until the moment when it is clear that the walk has come to an end, they can also learn that they are not allowed to frolic to their heart's content until they are done with their chores.

If your dog eats standard food at the same time, you can easily calculate the time when he needs to go out. Take her out into the garden, preferably to a specially designated place, and wait. If nothing happens after ten minutes, take the dog home. After half an hour, try this again. You may need to repeat the procedure several times during the day. (You will see that you will need to take some time to accustom her to this procedure.) Sooner or later, she will have to do everything, and then you need to praise the dog, or even better, treat her with a very tasty piece and then immediately go with her for a very long walk. If, out of habit, the dog repeats the procedure during a walk, clean up after the dog, but ignore it. It will take a dog a few days to understand that if he does his business in a certain place in the garden, he will get something tasty and a nice long walk, but if it happens somewhere else, he will not be paid any attention. The procedure is called “target training,” and most dogs, regardless of age, very quickly learn the benefits of waiting until they get to a specially designated area.

If your dog relieves himself more than once during a walk, he should be allowed to visit a special place in the garden again at the end of the walk. If she typically passes stool three to four times per walk, you may want to consider changes to her diet and eating routine.

Chewing

Puppies begin to chew on objects when their teeth change, so it is important to teach them to accept an indoor kennel (basket or crate training) from an early age. This means that you can lock your puppy in the kennel if you are unable to observe his actions. Most dogs quickly become accustomed to the kennel because they consider it their den. Then

However, what many people don't know is that some dogs go through two periods of teething. The first occurs when baby teeth are replaced by permanent ones. The second usually occurs between six and twelve months of age, during which time the permanent teeth are strengthened into the jaw bone. In some dogs this can cause quite noticeable discomfort, and then

Other reasons may be:

1. An attempt to attract attention. Raise your status and benefit from sound and taste aversion therapy. see Dog in the Man Pack

2. Nutrition. see Nutrition

3. Fear and anxiety due to separation from the owner. see Problems of fears

Digging

This behavior is characteristic of certain breeds. It is natural for a terrier to dig, and if he does this, it means his instincts are not being stimulated enough.

Some dogs dig holes to rest on cool ground. This is done mainly by dogs of northern breeds - huskies, malamutes and others, but German shepherds and collies are also not averse to digging in the lawn or cabbage patch. Make sure that during hot weather they are not in the garden where there is no shade or cool place to rest.

A pregnant bitch may dig a hole to make a den for her future puppies. By providing her with a special nest box, you can easily deal with the problem. A bitch who has a false pregnancy may also dig den-like holes in the garden - or on the carpet, on the sofa, if given the opportunity. This problem should be addressed to your veterinarian.

The most common reason why dogs dig in the house is usually related to anxiety and fears (see.

Most dogs love to dig. If your dog is digging just for fun, it is wise to provide him with a designated area for this activity. This may cause some inconvenience for you, but the dog will only dig in a specially designated area. Choose an unused spot in the garden and take your dog there. Tie the dog and bury the bone, but so that he can see it. Encourage your dog to dig up the bone. Repeat the procedure two or three times, and then bury bones in the area from time to time - your dog will begin to regularly explore this area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe garden, because there are bones there. She will also use the area as a place to bury any bone she got from you that she didn't eat. This will satisfy her need to dig.

Biting

Why do adult dogs bite?

Reducing the rank of a dog, described in cm.

Territory marking

It is absolutely clear that the main culprit of the trouble is a male dog who lives with the mistress for some time, being the only “man in the house”, and then a real man appears on the scene - a man. This scenario, or a variation of it, occurs from time to time when hosts report a situation involving marking of territory. Any situation that exists for more than two weeks in which a male dog is assigned the role of leader in the absence of another representative of the male tribe challenging this status can give impetus to the male’s energetic territorial behavior: he begins to mark his territory when another male appears. I have found that asking a client to sketch out a floor plan of the area where the dog most often lifts his leg can help provide clues to solving the problem. The first place the dog invariably marks the master bedroom. (see Problems within the pack

Sometimes this behavior is due to hormonal imbalances. If you suspect they are occurring, check with your veterinarian to see if neutering would help. Dogs that constantly sniff outside odors, drool and constantly mark their territory wherever they find themselves usually benefit from castration. In most cases, it turns out that the root of the problem is some change in the usual environment, the dog sees

Jumping

For dogs, this is a way of greeting and communicating, but it contains claims to leadership. A similar behavior is observed when two dogs meet: the authoritarian dog jumps on the more submissive animal. How does a dog feel when we allow him to jump on us? The habit is formed from puppyhood and is expressed in the form of a greeting, the purpose of which is to beg for food: this is what wolf cubs do when greeting adult wolves returning from a hunt. They lick their lips, trying to get the wolves to regurgitate food. Puppies jump on people for the same reason, instinctively, trying to get to the face. In puppies, jumping is as instinctive as the need to bite. During the period when the playful biting of a growing puppy takes on a different meaning, the meaning of its jumping also changes. If we do not understand that a young dog gets used to jumping, and we allow him everything in the hope that with age he will stop doing this, then we, without realizing it, allow our dogs to assert their superiority over us and our guests. Free entry into our home (den) must be controlled by an animal of the highest

Teach a dog to sit and he won't be able to jump because when he sits his butt is on the floor (see Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Nervousness

Treating and improving the behavior of nervous dogs is very rewarding. We humans feel very sorry for a nervous, timid dog, but we rarely feel sorry for an aggressive dog. Nevertheless, both of these conditions are very closely related, and, therefore, the control programs in both cases will be similar (see Consequences of improper training

Nervous dogs exhibit many symptoms that indicate a problem with their diet. This is an area I usually explore very deeply (see Nutrition Issues

Licking

Dogs don't lick you because they like to lick the salt off your skin. Small puppies and submissive dogs usually lick. It is known that some people are flattered by puppyish displays of affection, and they encourage such behavior by the very fact that they do not stop it. Seeing it as a sign of love, we usually respond by saying kind words and petting the dog. In this case, it can easily happen that a gesture expressing submission turns into a gesture of superiority. By reacting so willingly, we ourselves suggest to the rapidly developing young dog that this is an ideal way to attract our attention. In the same way, a spoiled child sometimes uses baby babble instead of normal speech in order to quickly achieve something from his mother.

It is necessary to establish whether licking is a manifestation of submission or, on the contrary, a demand for the dog’s attention to oneself. Ask yourself: “Does my dog ​​lick me after I say a few words to another dog and pet him, or does he lick me under some other circumstances?” In other words, who initiates the interaction? If your dog is showing submissiveness in this way, you should choose a less aggressive form of greeting. Squatting down to praise is a less authoritarian posture than leaning over your dog. Stroking a dog's cheeks and sides is a less authoritarian gesture than stroking the head, neck and shoulders. Reducing the duration of physical contact and using verbal praise instead of stroking also helps. If a dog insists on licking you, then the reason for this behavior is its need to attract attention, and here there is a danger that with a constant struggle for leadership, such behavior can turn into an advantage for the dog (see Dog in the Pack). It can be useful to use sound stimulation without giving a reward (see Positive reinforcement technique

Hunt and chase

There are two reasons why dogs hunt: one is the dog's desire to have fun, the other is due to the manifestation of the dog's predatory nature

The problem usually manifests itself in chasing sheep, even horses, or trying to catch a cat or squirrel. First of all, I ask: - “Is it possible to avoid such situations?” Obviously, in the case of chasing sheep, this is the simplest and most effective way out of the situation. If it is impossible to exclude hunting, then the incentives designed to dissuade the dog from its activity must be very strong. First, the status of the owner should be increased (see Dog in the Man Pack

The effect of these remedies should be immediate, their goal is to make the dog afraid of sheep. This is where audible aversion signals are used in an unusual way, but if the problem is a compulsion to predation, the alternative is that the sheep will die and the dog may be killed or euthanized.

The escape

The most common form of this behavior is escaping beyond the garden fence. Some dogs are very capable escarpists. They dig under any barrier or break through it, and sometimes jump over the barrier that the owner tries in vain to establish. The best way to deal with this problem is regular walks under the supervision of the owner and keeping him locked up in an enclosure or at home the rest of the time.

There are two important factors to consider:

1. Does the dog have any incentive to run away?

2. Does the dog have the opportunity to escape?

Eliminating the causes is difficult. If your neighbor always gives his dog cookies when he runs to him, then he will definitely run to him.

It is customary for us to place the garbage accumulated during the week in plastic bags on the street, because of this, some dogs have a holiday every week. The lack of impressions also leads to the fact that dogs find some kind of entertainment for themselves. More frequent walks outside of the dog's usual small area will reduce the dog's need to escape.

If you want to prevent your dog from running away, the first thing you need to do is fence off the area. But there is no need to build the fence higher - it is better to direct the top edge into the area at an angle of 45 degrees, this is more effective. If the garden area is large, you can arrange a smaller area in it, properly fencing it. If this is not feasible, you can use the so-called “invisible fence,” a device that is widely used in the United States. It consists of a wire that is laid several inches deep and then a radio signal is passed through it. The dog is fitted with a special collar with a device that emits a warning beep if it gets too close to the boundary along which the wire is buried. If the dog ignores the buzzer and moves even closer, it will receive a mild electric shock. A training program is attached to the system; when it is completed, the dog quickly remembers what it promises when approaching the border. This reduces the traumatic effect of electric shock, which occurs when shock therapy is accidentally used, and the dog learns which of its actions entail unpleasant consequences.

I hasten to add that I am not a supporter of the use of electric shock when training dogs. However, as with sound therapy described in this section above, in relation to predatory hunting, it is worth considering the possible consequences if the dog cannot be weaned by any other means. The system is designed for gardens of a quarter acre or larger. In my opinion, it is expensive, but still its price is only a fraction of what it would cost you to build a fence around a plot of the same area. I have previously recommended this system to people who owned hunting dogs and lived in areas where there were a lot of deer or sheep in close proximity to their homes.

The desire to run away can also be a manifestation of separation anxiety. In this case, the dog, left alone, spoils the carpets near the doors, sometimes damages the doors or tears the curtains to shreds (see Problems of fears

Call

This lesson appears to be more difficult for a dog to learn. than anyone else, because disobedience promises her great pleasure. Owners who are not always able to call their dog make the problem worse by putting it on a leash the moment they manage to catch it, and then sternly reprimanding it and leading it home. If the dog does not come to the call, then the fun will continue, and if it does, then everything will be ruined (see Positive reinforcement technique

A method that has proven successful is to create new expectations in the dog about returning home. The essence of the method is that the dog’s daily diet is divided into as many equal portions as the dog has walks during the day. If the dog only has one walk a day, it is advisable to replace it with three to four shorter walks. For about a week, the dog is walked on a long leash for safety. After returning home, the dog receives a portion of food (part of the daily diet). Most dogs quickly remember that they are fed after a walk, and this gives them enough reason to want to return to their owner. When you start letting your dog off leash again, on the first three or four walks it is advisable to let him run in new places. The natural instinct, which tells the dog that in a new territory the members of the pack should stick together, is triggered and gives the owner the opportunity to practice calling a dog that has been let loose.

If dogs respond very poorly to these measures of influence and feeding upon returning home is not a sufficient incentive, then it is good to take food with you on a walk, because the dog treats its food very differently than an occasional treat. Full responsibility for keeping the pack together always rests with the leader, so owners of dogs that show reluctance to come when called should consider their position in the pack hierarchy (see Dog in the Pack

Eating excrement

This habit is called “coprophagia.” Strictly speaking, your veterinarian should give you advice on what to do in this case, but I still included this problem in the general list because so many of my clients, when bringing their dogs in for consultation about other problems, mention that their dogs They also suffer from coprophagia.

First of all, this is completely normal for dogs, especially puppies. When they are very young and still in the nest with their mother, the mother usually eats their excrement to keep the nest and area clean. Some puppies acquire this habit by imitating their mother.

Sometimes the habit persists for a long time, but it usually disappears as the puppies mature. There are other reasons why dogs eat their own poop, so in all cases where adult dogs do this, I advise owners to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that the dog does not suffer from pancreatic disease or another disease that may be causing this behavior.

Severe punishment for puppy mistakes, or for the same offense caused by anxiety and fear, can teach the dog that the presence of a pile on the carpet and a person in the room at the same time is a bad sign, and as a result he eats his own excrement to destroy evidence (see Problems). fears

Indigestion will be quickly detected by the veterinarian, but sometimes the cause is something else: the diet is not properly balanced and the food itself is of poor quality, so that the dog is not able to extract the necessary nutrients from it. It's not easy to install. In such cases, short-term dietary therapy usually helps (see Eating problems). In almost all cases, with rare exceptions, it is possible to quickly wean the dog from this habit, but only on the condition that, as in solving other problems, the reason that gave rise to it is first identified.

Begging

Most owners understand that their dog begs for food because they themselves trained it when, seeing how it drooled and looked at them tenderly, they gave in to its silent request. The reason why I included this problem in the general list is to emphasize once again: a dog does not beg for food from another dog. She will watch another dog eat something, but always from a respectful distance. Our proverb: “Owning property is almost tantamount to the right to it,” especially when it comes to food, applies to dogs. If the owners allow the dog to invade their restricted area while they are eating, there is a danger that the dog's status will increase, and from there many other problems are not far away.

If the dog was previously allowed to beg, then this must be stopped in the future. The simplest solution is to isolate the dog while the owners eat until the dog learns that it does not eat food intended for people. If begging is not just an acquired habit, then you need to think about whether she is really so hungry as to break the dog law that prohibits intruding into the space where another dog is eating. If your dog is not absorbing the nutrients from the food you

Visitors

Almost all of my clients who are concerned about behavior problems that can be attributed to excessive leadership claims, as opposed to problems associated with excessive attachment, also complain about their dogs' behavior towards visitors. The dogs are either aggressive towards visitors or overly friendly, to the point where they have to be locked in another room when someone comes to the house. This makes the problem worse. From the dog's point of view, if every time someone comes, he is systematically isolated in another part of the house, then it would be a good idea to quickly send the visitor out (hence aggression) or prevent him from entering (unrestrained, delight). In any case, there is only one answer: you need to raise the status of the owner, so that it is he who makes the decision about who can and who cannot freely enter the house. It is also necessary to stop unwanted acquired behavioral habits (see Dog in the Man Pack and see Negative Reinforcement Technique

The habit of getting dirty in the house

see Problems of fears. If your dog gets dirty in the house at night and not out of fear or anxiety, refer to the example given in

The age of the dog should also be taken into account. If she is still very young, the problem will most likely resolve itself. Most dogs learn to ask for a walk quickly and naturally. We can speed up this process with

Sometimes, if the dog was initially taught to do everything on paper, the very fact that the paper is still in its place makes the dog think that it is permissible to walk on paper, because before it was praised and even treated for this. Often, to stop this habit, it is enough to remove the paper and place the bowls from which the dog is fed or its bedding where it used to lie.

As your puppy matures, the digestive process changes, so it may be helpful to regulate digestion through diet. For example, if we assume that in an adult dog the digestive process lasts from twelve to fifteen hours, it becomes clear that it is reasonable to feed the dog at eight o'clock in the morning and at six o'clock in the evening, provided that he can go out again before going to bed. Younger dogs have a relatively shorter digestive cycle, say eight to twelve hours. From this we can see that although eight o'clock in the morning is a convenient time for feeding, if we feed the dog at six o'clock in the evening, he will be desperate for an early morning walk. During the transition period from a puppy to an adult dog, I usually recommend that owners of dogs suffering from nighttime bowel problems move the last feeding to the latest possible time, letting the dog out into the garden after eating, and then gradually shift the feeding time by one hour at a time. month. Switching to a high-density feed can also help because it reduces the volume of food. Training to a portable basket or crate is also effective, see Chewing

Habit of pulling on the leash

This habit is common to all dogs with an overly authoritarian character. Most of my clients have attended some sort of formal training course with their dogs, yet the dogs still pull on the leash. Ultimately, the means to rid them of this habit is to deprive them of confidence in their right to go ahead of their master everywhere (see The Dog in the Pack). The immediate task is to find an effective means to stop the manifestation of leadership habits. I am against the use of nooses, because if you are not an experienced dog trainer, then the noose will not help.

I have seen too many cases where my clients came to me with their dogs, which, despite the choke collar, pulled like a locomotive. When examining the neck, damage to the skin and fur was discovered. Those dogs that do not respond immediately to the correct use of a strict collar continue to pull their owners along with them just as much as with a wide leather collar. The only difference is that the noose and the collar are tightened around the neck and gradually cause damage to the skin and muscle tissue.

My main objection to collars is this: although they are sold in most pet supply stores, they do not come with instructions for use or how to select a collar. It's sad that because of television programs dedicated to dog training, most owners sincerely believe that this is how they can (and should) get their dog not to pull on the leash. In reality it is not only

I must admit that I am opposed to any form of restraint that uses pressure either on the neck using a choke or on the bridge of the nose using commercially available special collars connected to a muzzle. They are designed in such a way that they put pressure on the lower jaw and nose.

For this reason, I developed a collar combined with a leash, it is called

2. The leash is attached to the side of the neck at a point near the ear. This is the point of least resistance, and therefore there is no way the dog will be able to adjust the position of his head to create a straight line with the leash along which he can pull.

The reason that led me to develop this collar is that, based on the principles (see Dog in the Manpack

If you wear

Main distributors:

“Sexual Harassment”

In both males and females this behavior is very similar to jumping. Putting your paws on another animal means claiming dominance, but this is more often observed in male dogs. Quite often you can see a young male dog, five to six months old, who tries to straddle someone’s leg or pillow and similar objects, then imitates coitus (makes movements as during sexual intercourse). This usually indicates changes in the dog's hormonal status, which coincides

Dogs and adults

Guarding property and toys, owning objects (obtaining trophies) is a dog’s way of asserting its superiority over other dogs. I have already noted in this section that (from the dog's point of view) possession of an object is practically equivalent to the right to this object. Specifically, we were talking about food, but the same applies to toys and other things, such as socks, gloves, slippers, and so on.

Very often, dogs grab an object in the presence of the owner and “challenge” him to try to return his item. This is a clear attempt to gain the upper hand over the owner, although sometimes this behavior is explained by the desire to attract attention. If, when the owner tries to take away an object, the dog growls, its claims to leadership are obvious.

The importance of having toys as a means of establishing leadership is well illustrated by my colleague John Rogerson, who, like me, is a member of the Association of Pet Behavior Consultants. His book, Your Dog - Its Development, Behavior and Training, explains how the natural need to possess can be used to give the owner the advantage of being the leader.

Possessive instinct

Dogs that guard toys, bedding, and stolen items such as socks and slippers are usually very authoritarian and prone to leadership. Without realizing it, you encourage this behavior by playing with the puppy for fun (tug of war or chasing) when the puppy picks up one of your socks. When he takes a toy or any other object to his bed and threatens you to stay away from this thing, he is trying to get the better of you in this way. The best ways to bring this behavior under control are through the use of sound therapy and indirect confrontation (see chapter, Negative Reinforcement Techniques). Establishing your role as leader is the best way to ensure that such behavior does not occur at all (see Dog in the Man Pack

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GENIUS TIPS ON THE TOPIC OF EXHIBITIONS Grooming dogs: Secrets of haircuts and tying bows Dalmatians Ten requests from a puppy addressed to the future owner For beginners A good husky cow was worth it Dog-sitter or nanny for a dog Dominant behavior in dogs, sterilization (castration) as a way to correct Donk’s behavior in a new way Affordable canned food for dogs TRAINING IS A JOB (puppy) Training (German shepherd) Training (dog in the city) Training and education of decorative breed dogs Training and education of a puppy: growing up period Dog training at home: secrets of success - Kot-Pes Dog training: sit command Dog training: rules of training, giving treats, timing Dog training: rules of training, giving treats, timing Training a puppy: commands “lie down”, “near” Training a puppy: commands “lie down”, “next” Training a puppy: accustoming to the leash, collar, command to sit Training a puppy: training to a leash, collar, command to sit Hedgehog cat, here's food Once again about training, amateurs and “pets” Live desktop Pet's life under control MISCONCEPTS ABOUT DOGS WE ALL BELIEVE IN Why does a dog need a tail? Healthy ears mean a happy dog. You have a healthy dog. Hello, griffin! Getting to know the Chihuahua breed Toys for dogs Dog breeding instructor Kropyvnytskyi (Kirovograd) Infectious hepatitis (hepatitis infectiosa) Frightened puppy The story of one dog Look for fish (dog food) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel How dogs see How to choose a muzzle for a dog. Types of muzzles How to choose a puppy How to choose a Maltese puppy How to give a pill to a dog How to keep a dog on a chain How and what to feed the Japanese Chin: healthy eating rules How to avoid a dog attack? How to find a tick on a dog How to teach a dog to swim How to determine the age of a dog How to wean a pet from bad habits? How to stop a dog from running after cars: simple but effective methods How to stop a dog from barking for no reason How to stop a dog from being afraid of loud sounds How to stop a dog from chewing household things How to stop a dog from playing with a leash or chewing on it while walking? How to make friends with a dog? How to understand that food is not suitable for a dog: signs, symptoms HOW TO UNDERSTAND THAT A DOG IS IN HEAT: STAGES OF THE CYCLE, SIGNS, TIPS FOR OWNERS How to build a dog house with your own hands? How to choose the right collar for your dog? How to feed a puppy correctly? How to properly wash a dog How to give birth to a dog How to give birth to a dog? How to train a dog to eat in one place How to train a dog to a crate How to train a puppy to a home dog crate? How to become a leader for a dog? How to persuade your parents to buy a dog: secrets of success - Kot-Pes How to persuade your parents to buy a dog? How to persuade your parents to buy a dog? Which dog is right for you? Choosing an animal to suit your lifestyle. What vitamins do dogs need? What bowls should your dog have? WHAT DOG BREEDS DO NOT SMELL OF DOG: MYTH OR REALITY. REVIEW OF Odorless BREEDS Which dog breeds are prone to gaining excess weight? WHAT IS IT LIKE TO HAVE A HUSKY: REVELATIONS OF A HAPPY OWNER Which pet should you choose? WHAT PORRIDGE TO COOK FOR A DOG? What kind of dog should I have in my apartment? Canistherapy: shaggy doctors High-quality training with excellent ammunition High-quality dog ​​training High-quality food from Nutra Branding puppies Clicker training: basic principles of clicker training Nicknames for boys' dogs: how to choose? - Kot-Pes DOG NAMES. Male or female? When your dog is over ten years old Collie - SHEPHERD, ARISTOCRAT, PACIFIS Dog kennel Food for adult dogs Dog food in Kharkov Food for Novosibirsk dogs Feeding dogs Feeding a dog: Does a dog need bones? Cat, dog and more The most beautiful photo shoot of dogs Red ears on a dog WHO SHOULD TRAIN A DOG Bathing a dog in the shower Docking of ears and tails (video) Docking of tails and ears in Labrador dogs Do-it-yourself dog bed. Photos with interesting ideas. Shedding in dogs: causes and hair care Excess weight in dogs - causes, symptoms and treatment of obesity Puddles and piles in the wrong place The best products for dogs Curious facts about dogs Small breeds of dogs. Rating of the TOP 10 smallest dog breeds LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT DOGS Mom asked her daughter to smile. But what will a dog do... Amazing! Dog clipper: A useful tool for grooming International FCI regulations on breeding work Myths about small dog breeds Myths about small dog breeds Can a dog get a cold from a person IS IT POSSIBLE TO ADD SALT TO DOGS' FOOD: WHOM TO TRUST AND HOW NOT TO HARM A PET Is it possible to feed dog with cat food: we answer in detail Can dogs be given milk to drink? Can a dog have cheese? Milk teeth in dogs The man thought it was a bunch of garbage, but when he came closer... he was horrified ~ Wash the dog’s paws - nuances and new items Soft and warm for the pet NEW HOME. (puppy) Reliable leashes for dogs The most calm breeds of dogs Find a dog from a photo Write to me, write THE BEGINNING OF EDUCATION. (puppy) Initial training of a puppy: commands “stand”, “wait”, “place” Initial training of a puppy: commands “stay”, “wait”, “place” Our safety: Behavior with an unfamiliar dog Non-barking dog breeds German Shepherd - a little about history of the breed German Shepherd: education and maintenance German Boxer - description of the breed and the basics of maintenance A simple test for dogs that evaluates their intellectual abilities NEW HOME Is it necessary to hit a dog? Should a dog give birth About the loyalty of animals (jokes) About expensive pets WHAT IS YOUR DOG THINKING Dress your pets according to the season Clothes for dogs - fashion trends for the winter season 2014-2015 He was worried that the dog would harm his little daughter. He brought a strange suitcase to the hospital. Nuts for dogs: harm or benefit The main mistakes of trainers. Basic methods of training. Peculiarities of buying a puppy Peculiarities of purchasing a puppy (German shepherd) Hunting dogs in urban conditions Memo for a dog owner going on vacation Parvovirus enteritis (Parvovirus enteritis canum) First vaccinations for puppies: how to protect your baby from dangerous infections - Kot-Pes Feeding dogs in hot weather Roulette flexi leash It is clear and accessible about dogs Dog breeds for apartments - 15 best options CONSEQUENCES OF IMPROPER TRAINING Do dogs sweat Why does my dog ​​shed? WHY SMALL DOGS SHIRKE Why you can’t hit a dog with your hand: answers from experienced experts WHY YOU CAN’T KISS DOGS: THE MAIN REASONS AND LOGICAL EXPLANATIONS Why should you get a dog? WHY DOES A DOG SMELL OF DOG: THE MAIN REASONS AND WAYS TO ELIMINATE THEM WHY A DOG IS AFRAID OF THUNDERSTORMS: THE MAIN REASONS, TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Why does a dog howl? Why does a dog eat poop and how to stop it Why does a dog eat feces, what does it lack WHY DOES A DOG EAT SAND: WHEN PLAY GROWS INTO A DISEASE WHY A DOG DIGS IN THE BED: REASONS AND HOW TO OVERCOME THE NATURAL NEEDS OF AN ANIMAL Why does a dog mark its territory? Why does a dog need clothes? Why does a dog smell bad when it's wet? Why does a dog hide in a dark place: let's look into it in detail WHY A DOG DIGS HOLES IN THE YARD: IDENTIFYING AND CORRECTING THE REASONS FOR INCORRECT BEHAVIOR WHY A DOG YAWNS OFTEN: WE DISTINCTION FROM NATURAL AND FORCED REASONS Why a dog itches if there are no fleas: a list of possible reasons Why do dogs eat grass? Why do dogs like to sleep with their owner: explanations from experienced breeders Why does a dog’s breath smell like rotten meat: reasons and methods of elimination WHY A DOG’S NOSE LIGHTENS: NATURAL AND HOUSEHOLD CAUSES AND PATHOLOGIST RULES FOR CONDUCTING TESTS FOR ZKS RULES FOR CONDUCTING TESTS FOR OKD Correct attitude when choosing a dog PURCHASE PUPPY. Attractive Continental Bulldog Puppy Toilet Training Come see us for a haircut! Reasons for increased aggression in dogs and dog fights Reasons to have a dog as a pet It’s nice when someone is waiting for you Professional grooming for your pet RING PSYCHOLOGY DAILY ROUTINE OF A HAPPY PUPPY OWNER Raising a Staffordshire Terrier Child and dog Does a child want a dog? Choosing a breed. Rating of the most expensive dog breeds Seat belt for dogs. There is a need? The parents left the baby with the dog. When they returned, they found THIS! ~ BIRTH AND THEIR FEATURES IN DOGS OF DIFFERENT BREEDS Birth of puppies Russian dog for Santa Claus (Laika) Russian toy - a toy or a dog? Russian Toy Terrier (photo): breed characteristics, care, choice of puppy Hand hunter The oldest dog breed in the world - Saluki The largest dog breeds in the world THE BIGGEST DOGS IN THE WORLD The fastest dogs The most dangerous dog breeds in the world The rarest dog breeds The most smartest animals in the world Balanced nutrition for dogs Seven rules for a dog breeder How long does a dog's heat last: Useful tips for caring for an animal How many years do dogs live How many toes does a dog have? How long does a dog sleep? HOW HUMAN YEARS IS YOUR PET? Changing teeth (video) The funniest story of rescuing one very stubborn and vicious dog A funny case with a scary dog ​​with a vulnerable soul A dog (cat) choked on a bone Alabai dog (photo): a good disposition under a formidable appearance A DOG RUNS FOLLOWING THE TAIL: A FUNNY PRANK OF A PET OR A REASON TO BE ALERT THE DOG IS AFRAID OF OTHER DOGS: CAUSES AND METHODS OF ELIMINATING PHOBIA A dog in the heat. Important little things. Dog in the car. Mistakes in the owner's behavior. The dog is chasing the cat. So that's why she does this! A dog twitches in its sleep: when should you worry? A dog for an apartment - suitable dog breeds for living in the city A dog and a child in the house A DOG COUGHES AS WELL AS CHOXKING: WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO HELP A PET A dog marks in the house A dog on the potty A dog has cut its paw... Akbash dog: Care and training. The dog constantly licks his lips: we explain the strange habit of the pet The dog growls at the owner: reasons, facts, statistics The dog has become aggressive: the reasons and types of aggression The dog shakes its head and scratches its ear: reasons, how to help the pet The dog grunts when breathing - a harbinger of serious pathologies The dog loses weight with good health appetite: finding out the reasons A dog who loves to sing the blues has blown up the Internet DOGS CAN BE JEALOUS Dogs deceive people. And they are not the least bit ashamed. Husky dogs Dogs sweat. But how? The dog was bitten by a tick The dog was bitten by a tick: what should you do to provide competent assistance to the animal? - Kot-Pes Dog crate: friend or foe of a pet? The perfect handler Advice (grooming, handling) Advice from a veterinarian for a dog breeder A modern view of proper natural feeding of dogs Keeping a toy terrier Sun spots (pug) Are dogs able to distinguish colors? Ways to feed pets If you can handle a dog, have a baby! BREED STANDARD (Chinese Crested) Staphylococcus in dogs: symptoms, treatment, prevention - Kot-Pes Sterilization of a dog. Pros and cons Haircut of a Yorkie (photo): beauty secrets of little fashionistas - Kot-Pes Dog haircut, grooming in Kropyvnytskyi, Kirovograd Building a booth Building a dog house with your own hands TAIGAN: DESCRIPTION OF THE BREED, CONTENT, CARE, TRAINING, HEALTH (+ PHOTOS) Such strange behavior of a dog during heat TEDDY ROOSEVELT TERRIER: BREED STANDARD, MAINTENANCE, CARE, HEALTH (+ PHOTO) TELOMIAN: APPEARANCE, CHARACTER, CONTENT, HEALTH (+ PHOTO) TENTERFIELD TERRIER: APPEARANCE, CHARACTER, CONTENT AND CARE (+ PHOTO ) Test to determine the temperament of a puppy Tibetan Mastiff TIBETAN SPANIEL: BREED STANDARD, CHARACTER, CONTENT, HEALTH (+ PHOTO) A toy terrier is also a dog Top 10 best dog breeds for families with children TOP 5 incredible abilities of dogs Top 5 most beautiful breeds of dogs Training for showing in the ring Briefs for a dog during heat. 4 solutions. A dog's stomach is rumbling: causes, possible concerns. A DOG HAS COLD FEET: SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED? DANGEROUS AND NOT DANGEROUS REASONS The owner of the pit bull's eyes widened when he saw that his dog was dragging him out of the water... An amazing story about the harsh life near the taiga UNIQUE PROPERTIES OF ORDINARY DILL Manageable pet Caring for an elderly dog ​​Caring for an aging dog Scientists have found the owners of the first dogs dingo Fila Brasileiro - fighting character and true devotion Furminator for dogs: How to choose the right tool? Character of the Fox Terrier and tips for choosing them Huskies treat children. Handling Masterful Yorkshire Terrier FOUR MONTH OLD PUPPY. What is the difference between a husky and a husky? To make old age a joy What to do if a dog is bitten by a bee? What to do if your dachshund gets sick? What your pets need for a happy life What you need to know about rabies What you need to know before getting a dog? What is clicker training? What is OKD (basic commands) Harness for dogs: A convenient way to keep your pet on a leash Show dog PUPPY AGED FROM TWO TO FOUR Exterior of a German Shepherd THIS AFTERNESS AND GENTLE BEDLINGTON TERRIER I, DRUNK, went with the dog on January 3rd at 5 am walk. Jagdterrier, a universal hunting dog Japanese dogs surprise the world with their haircuts