Dog Behavior

Nearly everything a canine does is an expression of his instinct, or a reflection of something he learned through experience. For example, some are driven to chase rodents. This is part of their prey instinct. Other dogs display a fear of men that stems from past abuse. Still other animals might beg for food because they have learned that doing so is effective. Like these behaviors, digging is also driven by instinct or environment. Owners who want to discourage the habit must determine the reasons their pets are doing it in the first place.

When canines meet for the first time, their encounter may remain friendly, or quickly deteriorate into a fight. Knowing how to identify the telltale signs of each situation will help you protect your pet and others from injury. It’s also important to be aware of the factors that can trigger a confrontation. That way, you can avoid circumstances that are likely to lead to problems.

Adopting a canine comes with responsibilities. Owners must commit themselves to caring for their pets, providing food, water, shelter, and company throughout their lives. They must be willing to make sacrifices, when necessary. Unfortunately, many people make the decision to abandon their dogs, leaving them to fend for themselves, or face the prospect of euthanization at a shelter. The reasons are varied, and the outcomes are almost always avoidable.