Social Dominance Is Not a Myth: Wolves, Dogs and Other Animals | The Bark

Social Dominance Is Not a Myth: Wolves, Dogs and Other Animals | The Bark: "The concept of dominance has been, and remains, a very important one that has been misunderstood and misused, often by those who haven't spent much time conducting detailed studies of other animals, including those living in the wild.

Dominance is a fact. Nonhuman (and human) animals dominate one another in a number of ways. Individuals may dominate or control (1) access to various resources including food, potential and actual mates, territory, resting and sleeping areas, and the location in a group that's most protected from predators; (2) the movements of others; or (3) the attention of others, an idea put forth by Michael Chance and Ray Larsen. Even if dominance interactions are rare, they do occur, and that is why it's important to log many hours observing known individuals. As one gets to know individuals in a group he or she also learns more and more about the subtle ways in which a wide variety of social messages are communicated, including those used in interactions in which one individual controls another."

Please click through to read this fascinating article.

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How to Greet a Dog (or Not!)

Recently there was an anchorwomen bitten on air by a dog she did not know well. While there is no blame to lay, the woman made some classic mistakes while interacting with the dog. Indeed, the dog should not have bitten, however, the interaction inadvertently invited his negative response, ending in surgery for the woman and quarantine for the dog.

I thought it timely to post the poster below, click here to view it larger.

The lesson here is that sometimes it is better to follow 'rules' than our instincts. I know I am easily persuaded to coo at a cute dog, but truly, if you do not know the dog well, it may be a mistake. Be sure to teach young children the same, children are at eye level with many dogs, making it even easier for them to be in the dog's face.

The Not-so-Great Dane video: Patience ≠ Permission | Saving Starfish

Great post (please take the time to follow the inner link to the video she writes about) about body language and what our dogs are telling us. So many people really have no idea their dogs are saying 'no' and not 'yes'. While the dog may not be a border collie, the unspoken language applies.

The Not-so-Great Dane video: Patience ≠ Permission | Saving Starfish: "Body language is so important to dogs. They can’t say, “I am uncomfortable with this” in English. "

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Dogs and Children - Preventing Playtime Confusion | mysmartpuppy.com

Dogs and Children - Preventing Playtime Confusion | mysmartpuppy.com:

"We adults often play with a dog by kneeling down, making excited noises like "Hey, pup! What do I have?" while dragging a toy in front of him. The dog pounces on the toy. "Whee!" and the game begins. Enter a toddler. She kneels on the floor making exciting noises as she moves the toy back and forth in front of her. The dog thinks "Playtime!" and pounces on her hand. Toddler screams. Dog, thinking the game has begun, gets more excited. Parents intervene: "Bad dog!"

The dog is utterly confused."

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He Loves People “Too Much!” | cooperativepaws.com Blog

He Loves People “Too Much!” | cooperativepaws.com Blog:

"“My dog loves people too much! He leaps all over them and he’s big, he can throw them over!”

“My dog loves dogs so much he goes crazy! He pulls and barks, and when he gets there he loves them so much he jumps. I wish other dogs understood he really wants to play, but sometimes they get mad.”"

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The Truth About Humping |

The Truth About Humping |:

"Lots of dogs hump.  For people who live with those dogs, it can be embarrassing and upsetting.  We humans aren’t comfortable talking about things related to sex, especially when our beloved dogs are being indiscreet in front of guests.  For many of us, dogs are cute innocent “babies.”  I guess now is a good time to remember they’re also animals, and animals routinely practice behavior related to their own survival.  That includes sexual behavior: humping."

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Kids and Dogs: How Kids Should and Should Not Interact with Dogs | Animal Behavior and Medicine Blog | Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS

Kids and Dogs: How Kids Should and Should Not Interact with Dogs | Animal Behavior and Medicine Blog | Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS:

"When a child is bitten by a four-legged family member, it can turn the household upside-down. Owners feel puzzled and confused. “They sleep together all the time,” they might say, or, “He’s always been really good. He even lets Timmy sit on him.” In a majority of cases, the bite seems out of the blue. The humans can’t fathom why their once-trusted companion would bite an innocent child. But anyone who reads “dog” or can see life from the pet’s point of view would most likely say, “I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner.”"

Great posters and illustrations on kids and dog interactions. Click through to read more!

NatGeo: Fascinating article on Domestication

Taming the Wild

Only a handful of wild animal species have been successfully bred to get along with humans. The reason, scientists say, is found in their genes.

please click above to see entire article. A fascinating read!