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Behavior and socialization of the dog.

-Dog behavior and sociality-

Dog behavior

Dogs, which are predators that live in groups, chase after seeing their prey. Then make a territory that is a feeding ground and protect it. Individuals also have territories, and be wary of unreliable opponents approaching your territory. Harmony with a reliable partner becomes a relationship of trust and becomes a member of the flock. Herds thrive by acting together and helping each other. The basic style of behavior of this herd is almost exactly the same as that of wolves. This dog's behavior includes "instinctive behavior" and "learning behavior". We all know that dogs can remember a lot of things.

This is the result of an ability called behavioral contingency in ethology. Simply put, "this happened" (result) is associated and remembered as "good" or "bad" for me. If each of these "good" and "bad" leaves a strong impression, the previous action will greatly affect the action when encountering the same situation.

・ Next time, you can spend your time calmly and with peace of mind for the behavior that became "good".

・ Behaviors that become "bad (or disliked)" become evasive, fleeing, intimidating, and aggressive behaviors that increase stress for dogs.

By giving a lot of "good" experiences from this, you can get used to things and have some time to spare. You will also want that "good" behavior from yourself. By making good use of this behavioral contingency, "dog discipline" can proceed smoothly.

In addition, as of 2013, mitochondrial DNA genome analysis revealed that the ancestors of dogs were wolves. This tells us a lot. However, DNA-matched wolves are wolves that are at least tens of thousands of years old. Naturally, it is thought that the instinct also behaves differently from the current wolf. It is not unnatural for existing wolves to evolve naturally in the tens of thousands of years after they diverged from dogs.

This should not be confused and should be taken with caution.

Dog sociality

I mentioned earlier that dogs live in groups. We humans are also animals that live in a community organized as a group. A herd of humans is a family, a company, and a nation. This herd of humans is also confusing if there is no discipline to maintain health. If you are in a state of turmoil, you will not be able to function as a community. Therefore, a herd of dogs also needs discipline.

Since we were children, we humans have been taught many things by our parents and are preparing to join the community of society. If there is a person who is completely lacking in sociality, he / she will not be familiar with society because he / she does not know how to interact with people and cannot use language.

By the age of eight weeks, dogs learn minimal social techniques from their parents and siblings. By doing so, you will be accustomed to how to interact with other dogs and not to take dangerous actions.

Dogs and humans are the same social animals. For this reason, dogs and humans have many similarities. Various socialization education is conducted from the age of 8 weeks onward, but it is also possible for humans to teach from this point onward. It is said that it is quicker to keep them between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks so that they can get used to living with people. Therefore, pulling away from the parent before the age of 8 weeks means a lack of sociality in the dog. Therefore, it is very likely that it will develop into problem behaviors such as attacking, biting, barking, destroying, and self-deprecating as it grows. If you don't have enough sociality, you may feel afraid or anxious to meet other dogs and humans, which can lead to emotional instability, which can be stressful for dogs.

Keeping a dog that is sold before the age of 8 weeks is a very dangerous act.

If you have any problems, talk to a behavior counselor or a dog trainer or other specialist.

Here, I introduced a little about the mechanism of dog behavior. Learning how dogs remember things and the sociality of communicating well with everyone is important in thinking about dog happiness.

Isn't it the owner's love to wish the dog happiness?