Have you ever wondered what it would be like if your pets could speak? Some may find it enjoyable to convey each other’s feelings and desires, whilst others may feel compelled to play and go outside on a regular basis. Though they cannot communicate with us, our pets utilize body language and actions to express their personalities and thoughts about the world around them. Taking the time to notice, comprehend, and respond appropriately can help you improve your relationship with them and make life easier at home and on the move.
“Having a healthy relationship with your dog entails providing for them in the ways they require and do not desire. To be really content in life, dogs require both physical and mental exercise, as well as good communication. Kelly Orris, owner of Balanced Dog Training, emphasized that they must comprehend the rules, boundaries, and expectations placed upon them. Orris, who holds a degree in biology and animal behavior, has studied and trained with a variety of species, including cheetahs, kangaroos, and police and military canines. Her true love, however, is fostering human-animal partnerships, and she now specializes in teaching pet dogs to improve their ties with their owners.
“Dogs are domestic animals that have been produced throughout history to labor as well as serve as pets or companions. “They are bred for specific qualities and attributes to achieve the intended outcome, and it is easy to forget that they are still animals,” she said. “We’re incorporating them into our life and having specific expectations of them. When discussing social dynamics, it is vital to consider their thoughts and how they function.
While Orris sees common moderate behavioral concerns such as puppy nipping, jumping, not listening, and leash tugging, she also addresses more serious issues such as ‘leash reactivity,’ which refers to dogs exhibiting violent tendencies while on leash, and resource guarding. The most serious difficulty she faces is separation anxiety, which she says has become increasingly frequent in recent years.
“Nicole Barnes, who has trusted Orris to teach three of her dogs, said, “My dogs come back walking better on a leash, listening when we call them, staying in a down, hanging out in place, and are just generally better-behaved dogs.”
A dog has three distinct “drives” that it uses to deal with various situations and external stimuli: defensive drive, which includes fight, flight, or freeze responses; prey drive, which includes chasing, herding, and hunting; and pack drive, which involves being in a group – often that ‘group’ is the owner or family.
According to Orris, it is up to the human to recognize these urges, determine the dog’s requirements, study their behavior, and read body language. Learning orders and talking with dogs can help them succeed, and praising behaviors rather than punishing them and telling them ‘no’ will set them up for success.
“For example, a dog who is always pulling on the leash, nose to the ground, may become excited when they see a squirrel or dog. This suggests they are prey driven and struggling to control it,” Orris suggested. “So you focus on leash training and pressure. They learn to respond to the leash pressure, which corrects and guides them. A correction is not intended to hurt someone, but to make them pay attention. Dogs do not react well to pain or extreme stress. It is not realistic or humane. They respond positively to rewards. Then you can use other methods to satisfy that prey drive, such as playing with toys or playing games.”
When trying to understand your dog, keep in mind that each dog has a unique personality. Some dogs, like humans, have limited comfort levels with other dogs, pets, and people, and extensive socializing is not always the best option. Forcing them into uncomfortable situations can often result in undesired behaviors and a breakdown in their trust in their owner. Dogs’ personalities and habits develop and alter as they progress through puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age, much as humans do.
Finally, Orris asserts that the bond between dogs and their owners extends beyond mere obedience. “Some of the most wonderful relationships I’ve witnessed involve owners who accept every aspect of their dog’s personality. They treat them like a dog, are fair, and will stand up for their dog when necessary. They study their dog’s body language and may predict their reaction or understand what they need.
