Dog Behaviors
vs.
Human Behaviors

Why do we compare dog behaviors to human behavior and dog emotions to human emotions? Dogs are not human, and thank heaven for that. So why do we keep speaking to them in English (or whatever our native language is) when the only language we have in common is body language? Of course they understand several words, but the bulk of our communication with dogs is through our projected energy and body language.

Long ago I saw the phrase 'dogs are people too' on a coffee mug and thought it was cute. I thought it was being respectful of dogs, but now I see it as an injustice. After all, not once have my dogs talked about me behind my back because I'm afraid they'd say, "Whoa, look at Mom, she's packin on some extra pounds isn't she?"

How can we ever understand dog behaviors or change unwanted behavior if we see them like children?

You don't treat your dogs like children? Ah, I see. In that case, you will find some humor in this example of myself.

Here’s one of my least favorite dog behaviors. Dogs in the kitchen. My dogs are not allowed in the kitchen. If they had their way, they would constantly be checking the floor for any dropped tidbits they could lick up. If I'm preparing food, they stay out and watch me, but once mealtime is over, there is some sneakiness going on.

After dinner, when I can finally relax (meaning I can focus on one thing instead of ten), and get to work writing for this website, I’ll hear little pittie paws on the linoleum. I’ll say “eh” or, “out”. When my writing is going well, I get an immediate response. The one or two sneaky dogs snorting up the floor come settle at my feet and I get back to work.

If my writing is not going well and I’ve read the same sentence 15 times, my projected energy is not so good. I don't even bother with the "eh". Instead I launch into a verbal onslaught of words. I may start with something sweet like, "Get out of the kitchen!" I hear no pittie paws leaving the kitchen, so my voice escalates with, “I TOLD you to get out of the damn kitchen! Now get out!” Or, my favorite, “How many times do I have to tell you to get out of that kitchen?” Not once has anyone tapped four or five times with their paw in response to my question. Nor has anyone answered in English, like, "Mother, I was just trying to determine if there was anything I needed to clean up for you."

Obviously, this is not how to talk dog and I have just done my dogs and myself a disservice. I let myself get angry. They didn’t care what I was saying. Their dog body language shows what they did care - I was unstable - and dog behavior dictates they either freeze where they are in the kitchen, or slink out of there until I come to my senses and they can tongue mop the floor some more. Leaving the kitchen now has nothing to do with my rules or my words.

If they were being particularly stubborn and not left the kitchen immediately, here’s what works. First I take a deep breath and make my body physically relax. Then I walk into the kitchen calmly but with authority. I don’t say a word with my mouth. With my body, I say a lot. I plant my feet firmly on the floor, stand tall and claim the kitchen as my space. I simply block them and make them back out of the kitchen. It seems to work best if you want good dog behavior - to behave like a dog.

Now here's what's great about dog behaviors being different than ours, because if dogs were really like people, we wouldn’t love them so much. What fun would it be if my dogs hated my favorite outfit and mumbled among themselves? "Is that thing pink? Whoa that just does not match her red hair." Or, "Thank goodness she put on her face. Now there's a woman who should not be without makeup."

Do they go out drinking with their buddies, forget to call, and then come home late? My husband doesn’t do any of this stuff either – thank you honey...Probably because I put my face on every day.

If you don’t take them for a walk, they don’t get pissy. If you get mad and yell, they are the first ones to forgive you. When you get home, they are the first to greet you. They are almost always happy. And when you feed them, they think you are a fabulous cook. It just doesn’t get much better than that. Dog behavior can be wonderful, and when I grow up, I want to be like my dogs... or Cesar.

Dog Fear - Do You Sooth Your Dog When He's Afraid?

My Husband's Son - Is A Bad Dog

Dogs Mirror Our Emotions

Psychic Dogs - Does Your Dog Disappear at Bath Time?

Good Dog - Did I Just Get a Good Dog or Did I Earn Him?

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