Dogs are social beings, and their behaviour reflects this. They want to be loved and accepted by their human family. Some of the most common behaviours dogs show are jumping, whining, barking, biting, and digging. These behaviours may seem like they're just annoying to us humans, but they all have very interesting explanations that give us an insight into what our canine friends are thinking! You'll learn about the history of dog domestication and how it's changed over the years. You'll also learn about theories on why dogs act the way they do. Whether you're looking to train your pup or just want to know more about them - read on!
Understanding dog behaviour
Understanding the 5 most common dog behaviours, according to the Dog Training Club, can help you work with a trained professional dog trainer to ensure your dog gets the behaviour they need to live their best life. Peeing and pooping Peeing and pooping are perhaps the two most basic ways a dog communicates their emotions. When we look at the dogs' behaviour, it's very easy to be overwhelmed by the number of bodily functions they can engage in. But despite their numerous bodily functions, these two are probably the most basic. If a dog's doing something they shouldn't, it's probably because they're getting too excited or scared, and that can cause the need to relieve themselves.
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Jump Sometimes dogs jump, they just don't mean to. For example, they jump because they want to be praised for jumping, or to impress other dogs. Some dogs jump on people to give themselves an extra treat. Some jump because they just don't know how else to get their human's attention. Some dogs jump because they want to be near their owners. Some dogs jump because they like to be with their owners. Sometimes jumping has a good reason. Whine These days you hear a lot about how annoying dogs can be. Well, dogs whine when they're hungry, want attention, or are uncomfortable. We used to whine too when we wanted something, but we learned to stop. Dogs don't do this as much anymore, but it still happens. They only whine when they need something or they're uncomfortable.
Jumping
This is a normal behaviour for most dogs, but it can become annoying. When a dog jumps, he's trying to gain your attention. He wants you to see what he's doing. He's checking out his surroundings and trying to make his best guess about where you are. He can't always help himself! Jumping isn't his best behaviour and can be inappropriate in the wrong situation, such as in the presence of a person who can easily knock the dog out of the air. That being said, we can't let jumping stop us from petting our beloved dogs. Just make sure you give them a little space. If your dog keeps jumping up to greet you, let him know that he's getting too close and should try to stand still so you can pet him. Most dogs know that just because they see us, they can't be physical with us.
Whining
The most common whining can be observed in the breed of dogs known as Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls are generally very intelligent and have a lot of energy. When they get bored, they tend to whine a lot, or they can find something to bark at. This is the case for the majority of Pit Bulls, but there are certain breeds that will do this with a special purpose - the Apso breed for example, will do this to whine or nip at humans, while Labradors will do it when they feel insecure. This constant activity with no outlet can be stressful for the dog, and often times they can do this to release tension. You can try giving them a long-lasting treat that keeps them occupied like treats, a long walk, or simply simply putting them in a crate with food and water.
Barking
Let's start with barking. This behaviour is thought to be linked to dominance. When dogs bark, it's a way for them to communicate to the people in their lives that they are on the top of the food chain. When you hear a dog barking, you're supposed to run the other way in order to avoid being bitten. You can teach your dog to stop barking by keeping him on a leash and teaching him to understand that you are in charge. If you're lucky, he'll be able to stop on his own, but if he's out of control, he will need some help. A dog doesn't need much incentive to bark at you. All they need is your attention and affection. But if he is barking in the street, he's simply not in a good place emotionally and he needs to come back home. You can learn more about stopping barking in the video below!
Biting
A bite is when a dog licks their teeth or lips. They bite out of excitement, anger, anxiety, playfulness, and distress. Biting is the most common behaviours dogs do. Some may start off by "teasing" another dog with an open mouth, but as they get older, they'll learn that by biting, they'll get a reaction. Dogs have teeth that are retractable, and they can also bite with their incisors to maintain hold. Why do they bite? Biting can be the result of boredom, anxiety, fear, and stress. We're very aware of biting behaviour in humans, but we don't know why they do it. How to reduce bites Stop when they start to bite and don't fight back. Speak in a soft, soothing voice while getting your dog's attention, reminding them that their behaviour is undesirable.
Digging
Digging is a key behaviour dogs exhibit when they're in a stressful or excited state. This is when they want to explore things that they perceive as a threat or danger, such as wires, the soil beneath the grass, or food. Digging is a very common behaviour dogs exhibit when they have separation anxiety and haven't been able to cope with you leaving them alone for a period of time. This can be caused by a variety of factors including boredom, separation anxiety, stress and anxiety caused by seeing someone or something they're unfamiliar with. Digging is also an indicator that the dog is not getting enough exercise, which can cause boredom and stress. In the case of stress, the dog becomes anxious, fearful or aggressive, as well as showing other undesirable behaviours.
Theories on why dogs behave the way they do
What if your dog does the very same things that humans do? These days, it's not unusual for us to act on all our impulses. If a feeling is pleasant, we may eat the cookie or throw the ball. But can dogs do the same? Some theories suggest that dogs have a social reason for their urge to seek attention by barking or jumping up at us. However, it's hard to understand why exactly some dogs like to jump up at their owner's face and lick them for hours on end! Humans may even find this behaviour confusing, since it's often misinterpreted as aggression. Can you guess what behaviour is probably due to being too cute? Some experts believe that cute dogs simply do not get enough attention, since their behaviour may be mistaken for playfulness rather than desperation for human love.
Conclusion
With these simple explanations, you will soon be able to recognise, identify, and understand your dog's most common behaviours. Let us know in the comments what your favourite dog behaviour book is! (And if you want more puppy love, check out the latest Love Labs release: 5 Unique Puppy Basics - What You Need To Know.
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