The Dog I’ve Always Wanted

It is very interesting to observe and identify the styles of play favoured by individual dogs. There are really only four basic styles of dog play. There are the rough and tumble dogs who who enjoy body slamming and rearing up on their hind legs and wrestling.

Chase is another popular dog game and it is one in which the chaser and the chased frequently switch roles.

Mouth wrestlers enjoy lying on the ground and engaging each others mouths. These dogs tend to vocalise while playing.

Creep is a mock- scary game which involves two dogs approaching each other stiff-legged and on tip- toe, very slowly advancing towards each other and then suddenly they erupt in play.

I find it remarkable how versatile most dogs are in their play styles. It also appears to be the case that dogs play differently with different individuals and at different times. Well-socialized dogs seem to be  capable of playing in a mutually satisfying way with most others.
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The importance of preventing problem behaviours by taking a proactive approach to puppy training cannot be overestimated. It is so much easier to prevent things from developing than to eradicate a negative behaviour once it has become entrenched.

With young puppies one of the first issues to be sorted out is that of mouthing. A dog uses his mouth to explore the world the way we use our hands. A nippy puppy must be conditioned in order to learn to be gentle with his mouth.

The longer a behaviour is allowed to persist the more difficult it is to modify or eliminate. Door charging is an example of a behaviour that is not only bad manners but also potentially very dangerous even lethal to a dog. Consistency is key; the dog must be required to sit and if not stay at least wait every time a door opens. Initially the dog may be restrained and praised when he is not attempting to lunge at the door.

Each time that the behaviour that needs modifying presents itself is lesson time. Training for these issues should be incorporated into the daily routine of interactions with the dog. In this way there are plenty of opportunities to address a given issue, often in a variety of contexts. Repetition over time is key. Increasingly difficult situations should be attempted as the dog begins to “get it”.

It is very interesting to observe the entry of a new dog into the existing pack at the day care. The staff can do a lot to help the process along. It is usually a good idea to introduce the neophyte to the group gradually, one or two dogs at a time. This is especially important if the newcomer is exhibiting any signs of anxiety. A confident adult dog who is well-socialized with others may well be immediately able to handle the necessary greetings and ritual sniffings required of a dog in this situation. In a few minutes he can be caught up in the ongoing play. But if the dog is younger and/or a lot smaller than most of the pack members his introduction into the pack ought to be more gradual. The pacing of the introduction should of course be determined by the dog’s reaction. He may want to stick close to a human at first until he feels less uncertain. It is possible that he will tremble and cringe at the other dogs’ initial licks and sniffs especially if they are exuberant. In the normal course of events the new dog will find his place in the pack and things will carry on from there.

Who’s stick is it anyway? Do dogs ask themselves this question? Probably not but the issue of object guarding can be a serious problem when you’re dealing with a group of dogs. Some dogs will guard toys, including sticks, in a group. It usually starts with a game of “keep away” that goes on too long. The dogs get too aroused and a fight can begin. The culprit does not know who is in charge; since he has possession of the valued object he thinks its him. This can be corrected by making it clear to the dog who is in charge and to whom the resources belong. Some trainers recommend that all the dog toys be kept by the human in a place where the dog cannot have access to them on his own. A toy may be brought out at play time; this makes a good reward for appropriate behaviour. Later, the toys are put away. It is generally not considered a good idea to have dog toys lying around; some dogs will feel the need to guard them. If the dog does not recognize that the human is in charge he will of course feel the need to play that part himself. That is because a dog has a pack drive; the strength of this drive varies from breed to breed as well from one individual to another. What does this mean? In short, a dog needs a structure in which to operate socially and that structure is the pack. When dogs live with humans the human must be the pack leader or serious trouble can ensue. Being a pack leader means, in part, that you control access to all the resources. So I guess its your stick!

I have been spending a fair amount of time at a dog daycare, helping my friend (the owner), playing with the dogs, photographing them, and learning an incredible amount about dog to dog social interaction. This is a fascinating experience for me and I hope to be able to share it with interested people who read this blog.

Socializing dogs is a critical element in the training of a dog who will be able to coexist peaceably with other dogs. Early, positive and varied interactions can give a puppy a huge advantage in social confidence and avoid a variety of difficult problems down the line. In a daycare situation there is usually a fluid mix of dogs with a central core group of regulars. The dynamic aspects of the situation are created by the dogs’ collective need to form a pack by means of which they can formalize and regulate their interactions. So any point at which another dog arrives is a time for readjustment on the part of all the dogs. Anticipating these changes in group dynamics is critical to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Knowing when to intervene and when to let the dogs sort matters out for themselves is a skill that comes with a great deal of observation and experience. Some dogs can be relied upon to have good social judgment while others seem to be less successful. Whether or a not a dog is “good with other dogs” or not seems to be dependent on a number of factors. In the first instance a dog must speak and understand his own language.The dog language is comprised of an assortment of physical signs, gestures, and vocalizations. Poorly socialized puppies often lack basic communication skills; this can get them into a good deal of trouble with other dogs. A dog with bad manners in a dog to dog context will miscommunicate his intentions. It is important for people to learn the dog language and use it themselves if they are to interact intelligently with dogs.

The daycare is for me an amazing laboratory in which I am having the opportunity to study dog communication and hone my own skills in dog speak. I am also photographing a multitude of interactions by this means I hope to develop a fluency in dog.

Dances With Dogs !