| Domestication of canines was accomplished by | | | | * Standing tall on stiff legs and circling another dog |
| humans thousands of years ago. Many think that | | | | is a posture of superiority and domination. It often |
| the world's first dogs were tamed wolves, as | | | | includes strutting around with frequent growling |
| dogs share many biological traits with wolves. First | | | | and snarling. |
| of all they look very much alike and their actions | | | | * An instinctive ritual in canines is circling before |
| are similar. They both have highly developed | | | | lying down. Some specialists say that this came |
| sense of smell and hearing. | | | | from a habit long ago of circling to pack down the |
| Dogs are extremely loyal and dependent on their | | | | grass to give a soft bed to sleep in. Others think |
| masters. They have a place in human society to | | | | the dog is smelling the area for enemies before |
| which few other species can hold a candle. The | | | | lying down, as they put their noses to the ground |
| only reward for dogs in many cases is a kind | | | | while they are performing this task. |
| word and a pat on the head. Still, the study of | | | | * Attacking small animals is an innate hunting |
| wolves and dogs teaches us that many of their | | | | instinct in dogs from the time when they had to |
| traits haven't changed from before they were | | | | hunt for their food. |
| domesticated. | | | | * Digging is a trait that is thought to come from |
| * Body Language is a postural display by canines | | | | the dog's instinct to dig a den when there is |
| that show you their intentions. When meeting a | | | | nothing else appropriate to make a den with. |
| strange person, canines display their fear by | | | | Terriers were known to pursue their quarry |
| raising their hackles, meaning, the hair stands up | | | | through underground tunnels if necessary. |
| on their backs and necks. This display comes | | | | Other things to consider is the dogs sense of |
| from lack of socialization with others. Of course | | | | smell developed so they can sniff the air to find |
| this behavior would look more frightening with | | | | game and also to sniff out enemies that may be |
| short-haired dogs, making them look larger and | | | | approaching. They have a wonderful sense of |
| making the other dog or person fear him more. | | | | hearing for the same reasons and their sight is |
| Many times a dog will also pull back his lips to | | | | highly developed. |
| show his teeth to make the display even more | | | | Although canines' instincts and actions are |
| "large". | | | | influenced by their heredity, they are highly |
| * A dogs ears and tail positions can tell you what | | | | intelligent mammals, and are the products of a |
| a dog is thinking. For example, if your dog's ears | | | | combination of training, experience and genetics. |
| go back flat and his tail goes between his legs, it | | | | This article was written by Posh Pampered Pets, |
| means he is being submissive to humans or other | | | | please call 936-520-2903 for any questions. Our |
| dogs. The old saying "ran off with his tail between | | | | home office is located in Waller, Texas, with |
| his legs" came from this postural display of dogs. | | | | warehouses located throughout the United States |
| Another submissive behavior is rolling over on the | | | | such as Dallas TX, Houston TX, New York NY, |
| back. | | | | Denver CO, Chicago ILL, Seattle WA, Kansas City |
| * If a dog kneels or puts his front legs on the | | | | MO, Miami FL, Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, |
| ground lowering his front quarters, it generally | | | | Los Angeles CA, Fayetteville AR,Philadelphia PA, |
| means he wants to play. This is always | | | | Phoenix Arizona, San Antonio TX (Texas. |
| accompanied by a friendly wagging tail. | | | | |