Respecting Your Dog

Respect is mutual in any relationship. This applies not only to the relationships we have with other human beings but those we have with our dogs. Dogs are constantly communicating with us whether it be through vocalization, body language or even emotions. We may not speak the same language, but animals certainly know how to make themselves be heard. Unfortunately, for them, countless people chose to ignore these signals by either misinterpreting them or simply not caring to understand their dogs.

Dogs are very much like people. Though an entirely different species, they feel many of the same emotions we do. Studies have shown that dogs are unable to feel guilt. Many offer appeasing behaviors but these are not due to "knowing" they have done something wrong, but merely the fact that we are upset with them. Dogs are incredibly in tune with us and feel the change in our blood pressure, the stiffness in our body posture and the difference in our voice. If a dog feels stressed, they will communicate this with calming signals such as we discussed in a previous post. If a dog is happy, they easily express this by exuberant tail wags and a bright, happy face. If a dog is nervous they will often pin their ears back and cower. An angry dog does not have to do much to show their discontent. A low, deep growl or bared teeth will often communicate all too well that the canine you are near is not pleased. However, I've noticed, for some reason, that people still ignores these signals.

Many people think that their dogs can just "get over it" or "deal with it". If you're in a situation where you are stressed, nervous or angry at someone, I highly doubt you simply wish to deal with the situation or have someone dismiss your emotion and get over the fact that something is troubling you. So why do we do it to dogs? My question still remains, as I'll certainly admit that I've put my dogs in that situation. The more I have learned though, the more I try to understand how my dogs are feeling and what they mean to tell me and if they need some space, I can happily give it to them. This is how we avoid conflict. This is how we avoid accidents, fights, negative experiences as well as keep our dogs happy and relaxed.

I'm not sure about everyone else, but I certainly want my dog to feel comfortable and understand that I have her back anytime she needs me to let her have a moment to herself. If there is something upsetting her, I want her to know that I am her protector. I will kindly remove her from the situation or remove what is causing distress and remedy to situation. We as owners are responsible for our dogs. Dogs are very clever and certainly intuitive. They understand us and what we do for them. If we as owners respect our dogs and their emotions, a lot can be learned and gained from this. Respecting your dog will gain their trust as well as cooperation. Two clashing minds that are angry at each other rarely get anything accomplished. If your dog is upset and you get mad at your dog for not acting the way YOU believe he is supposed to, then where will that get you?

"One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say." -Bryant H. McGill

This respect comes in many different forms. It breeds mutual understanding and a relationship that lasts a lifetime. Not only should you as an owner respect your dog, but expect others to respect your dog as well. If your dog is not one for human interaction and someone continues to approach them despite your dog's warning signals to stay away, it is your duty to ask or tell that person that you wish them to give your dog some space. This goes hand in hand with dog on dog interaction. Dogs are taught through socialization and interaction with each other. Dogs learn to communicate and use their natural body language such as calming signals. If a dog is taught and learns to read these signals then often conflict is able to be avoided. Unfortunately, if you have a rambunctious puppy who is "friendly" and "just wants to say hi" but continuously pounces in an older dog's face, then eventually the older dog is forced to escalate their signal from possibly a growl to a snap. If the puppy yet again decides to not respect this signal a dog will be forced to make themselves as clear as possible in a way that could cause problems such as a bite. Yet, the puppy gave the other dog no choice. In this type of situation it is up to you as the owner to either remove your dog from the situation by respecting their choice to not interact with the puppy, to ask the puppy's owner to call their puppy to them so your dog may receive space, or that the puppy has learned to respect the fact that this certain dog may just chose to not enjoy this type of play or socialization.

All in all, respect is something that we as people often ask for and feel we deserve. We are living beings just as our dogs are. They deserve the same respect we do because they have feelings too.