Given that dog”s are sentient beings, like us humans they go through a process/key stage’s of development from juvenile to adulthood, push back to hierarchy is quite probable.
One thing though……….dog”s are influenced and controlled by innate survival instinct “DRIVES”
Drives direct desire, and the moment to moment in which dog”s view the world, operate, and function.
No other animal has the ability to be conditioned in such a diverse way and we humans have over time taped into this diversity to employ these magnificent beings in so many roles.
Understanding what makes your dog tick.
It is said dogs are a puppy version of their ancestor the Grey Wolf.
Yes play - plays a big part in Wolfpack dynamic and a dog”s psyche.
Moreover in relation to your dog and conditioning, think about your energy and how its projected onto your dog.
Think about your dogs energy and how you respond to that.
Try to disengage from projecting your human thought process onto your dog, there by trying to read and anticipate behaviour in a human sense.
Know that in the moment there is an exchange of energy between you and your dog.
Your dog is driven by a desire, and every desire is one that your dog requires in order to match their expectations in terms of survival.
Play is a form of survival behaviour and illicit’s dopamine (positive happy hormone)
If you allow your pup on the sofa when they are young, feed them from your hand whilst sitting next to you on said sofa.
Don’t be surprised that when they reach adolescences there will be push back when you try to discourage this behaviour.
The coach has become your dogs safe place, the supply of food insures their survival.
Like wise roughhousing with dogs, especially dogs with high fight or bit drive potential , bull breed - Belgian Malinois when juvenilia could lead to issues with they reach adolescences, when drives and testosterone kick in, even before.
Take time to observe your pup, find out what energy arouses them and what toys and games they enjoy.
Redirect behaviours to these things.
AND ALLOW FOR PUSH BACK
Moose the Doberman will test his strength usually on the last walk before the end of the days training.
He’ll run at me and instead of passing through my legs as usual,he’ll jump at me and shoulder barge.
Also, he’ll mouth my lower arms.
I say nothing and just manage my energy to control his.
Yes there is a vocal element to dogs, but it’s primarily about body language and transmission of energy.
I stand strong and this behaviour turns back into weaving in and out of my legs and standing between them for sanctuary.
That’s the conversation.
Dogs are animals we build bonds with.
It started earlier than you think in way of communication and pushback.
As well as other behaviours we encounter later on in development.
Affective canine communication is a controlled energy exchange between human and dog.
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