My bunnies has never lived outside and I recently got a hutch for outside. They have never lived outside and this is the first thunderstorm. Would it be there natural instinct to go inside the box during the storm or should i bring them in?Would my bunny's natural instinct be to go inside during a storm?
They Wont Go Anywhere there stupid and will just get electricuted :D
But Seriously i would bring them in :)Would my bunny's natural instinct be to go inside during a storm?
Just see what they do. If they go in, great. If they seem scared but do not go in. maybe you can put them in half way through.
bring them in, itll scare them. in the wild, they go into their burrows. i guess a box would do, but the would prefer the indoors
I had a pet rabbit one time and all that he did when it rained was go under a tree or try to dig a hole. I don't rabbits understand the meanings of a designated ';home.';
Just incase, I think you should being your bunny in. I don't know how strong the storm will be but to be in the safe side keep the bunny inside.
I would keep them outside, but when big storms happen, bring them inside as the strong winds could hurt them and ruin their hutch.
yes!! god made them like that and even all animals act odd when a disaster like a tornado, earthquake, etc.occurs
well, wait and c wat they do, that is the best answer vs. asking random people online
Monday, November 30, 2009
Is it natural instinct for a dog to be cautious of strangers? or is training necessary?
my dog is large but a big sweet creampuff, hes friendly with everyone. most dogs I know will become alert sometimes growl or something of that nature. Could it be his age?Is it natural instinct for a dog to be cautious of strangers? or is training necessary?
A dog's level of cautiousness with strangers depends mostly on its breed and individual genetics (look at its parents).
Some dogs are naturally outgoing with everyone, and others are naturally shy with everyone except for one or two people. My experience is that very agressive adult dogs show early indications of this as puppies, and very outgoing sweet puppies usually grow up to be friendly adults. However, prolonged abuse or trauma to a puppy can override natural tendencies and transform even a sweet puppy into a vicious adult. By the same token, good socialization and exposure to a variety of people can mold puppies with more aggressive or shy dispositions into safer or more out-going dogs.
Overall, I'd say a dog's disposition is 75% genetics, and 25% socialization. This explains the sad stories of pit bulls who are friendly to everyone their whole lives, and then one day maul a random person when latent genetic tendencies kick in.
Regarding your additional question, ALL dogs are protective of their ';pack'; - (you and other people they see every day). So if a dog perceives a threat to its pack, it will rise to action. The real question is, ';What if the dog is too friendly to differentiate what is and what isn't danger? Extremely friendly dogs that are socialized with a wide variety of people are less likely to recognize a burglar or assaulter as a threat. However, dogs are perceptive and intelligent animals, and in most cases will go into their protective mode if they sense the threatening disposition of an attacker or indications of fear in their pack.
One thing you can do to test your dog is to invite over a friend the dog has never seen before. Have your friend quickly approach you with his or her arms (preferably his) raised up high and while screaming in a scary voice while you pretend to cower, and see how the dog reacts. If the dog wags its tail and hangs its tongue out, you can draw your own conclusions.
Best of luck.Is it natural instinct for a dog to be cautious of strangers? or is training necessary?
Your dog is very outgoing and friendly by nature or training. That is great, however, dogs that are too friendly will look at almost anyone as a friend, regardless of that person's intentions. Please, do not listen to people that tell you your dog will NATURALLY protect this or that, it is not true. And dogs will not fight to protect their pack, unless they are told to do so by the alpha male and even then, it is the alpha's job to do the fighting. Look at a pride of lions that has new males come in and kill all the cubs there. The females do not like it but they do not get involved because they know they cannot win. The same goes for our dogs. Unless a dog has the right drives and has been PROPERLY trained to protect, ie, engage a human, your dog IS NOT reliable protection against anyone. Please remember that when the security of your faily comes up and act accordingly. The above comes after 27 years of training and deploying dogs in the work area.
If the dog you're asking about is the bullmastiff/boxer cross, you should be thankful you have a sweet, friendly dog!!! And yes, his protective instincts will kick in as he matures, don't try to do anything to make this dog more aggressive. You want him well socialized and friendly, he'll act more like an adult when he is one.
Yes of course, aren't you? Dogs have extremely sensative feelings. They pick up fear in a visitor quickly. Training is great but a dog's personality is in the genes. I'm a cat owner %26amp; dogs pick that up instantly. If you show him the visitor is welcome by you, that may put him more at ease.
My dogs the same way. They do have a spidey sense to know who is bad news though.
it all depends on the breed and age.
he dog (Canis lupus) is a type of canine, a mammal in the order Carnivora. The term includes both wild (feral) and domestic variants, but commonly excludes other canids such as wolves.
Over time, the dog has developed into hundreds of breeds with a great degree of variation. For example, heights at the withers range from just a few inches (such as the Chihuahua) to roughly three feet (such as the Irish Wolfhound); colors vary from white through grays (usually called blue) to black, and browns from light (tan) to dark (';red'; or ';chocolate';) in a tremendous variation of patterns; and coats can be anything from very short to several centimeters long, from coarse hair to something akin to wool, straight or curly, or smooth.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Overview
o 1.1 Origins
o 1.2 Human relationships
* 2 Terminology
* 3 Intelligence
o 3.1 Evaluation of a dog's intelligence
* 4 Physical characteristics
o 4.1 Sight
o 4.2 Hearing
o 4.3 Smell
* 5 Detection dogs and other variations
* 6 Diet
o 6.1 Dangerous substances
* 7 Reproduction
o 7.1 General
o 7.2 Males
o 7.3 Females
o 7.4 Copulation
o 7.5 Gestation and litters
* 8 Spaying and neutering
* 9 Overpopulation
* 10 Dog health
o 10.1 Diseases
o 10.2 Parasites
o 10.3 Common physical disorders
o 10.4 Lifespan
* 11 Behavior
o 11.1 Laughter in dogs
* 12 Dog communication
o 12.1 Interpreting animal body language
o 12.2 Dominance and submission
o 12.3 Body movements
o 12.4 Tail
o 12.5 Ears
o 12.6 Mouth
o 12.7 Eyes and eyebrows
o 12.8 Feet and Legs
o 12.9 Head
o 12.10 Barking
o 12.11 Growls
o 12.12 Whines and whimpers
o 12.13 Howls
o 12.14 Human speech
* 13 Ancestry and history of domestication
o 13.1 Wolf ancestors
o 13.2 Speed of domestication
* 14 Dog meat for human consumption
* 15 Dog abuse
o 15.1 Signs of dog abuse
* 16 Famous dogs
* 17 Dog breeds
o 17.1 Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds
o 17.2 Breed popularity
* 18 See also
* 19 References
* 20 Further reading
* 21 External links
Overview
Origins
Main article: Origin of the domestic dog
Dogs were domesticated from wolves as recently as 15,000 years ago,[1] or perhaps as early as 100,000 years ago based upon recent genetic, fossil and DNA evidence.[2] Other research suggests that dogs have only been domesticated for a much shorter amount of time and were domesticated from populations of wild dogs, which had previously diverged from wolves.[3][4]
New evidence suggests that dogs were first domesticated in East Asia, possibly China,[5] and the first peoples to enter North America took dogs with them from Asia. Genetic research has identified 14 ancient dog breeds, with the oldest being the Chow Chow, Shar Pei, Akita Inu, Shiba Inu and Basenji. Because many of the 14 breeds are associated with China and Japan, the theory that the dog originated in Asia seems to be likely.[5]
As humans migrated around the planet a variety of dog forms migrated with them. The agricultural revolution and subsequent urban revolution led to an increase in the dog population and a demand for specialization. These circumstances would provide the opportunity for selective breeding to create specialized working dogs and pets.
Human relationships
Dogs, like humans, are highly social animals and this similarity in their overall behavioral pattern accounts for their trainability, playfulness, and ability to fit into human households and social situations. This similarity has earned dogs a unique position in the realm of interspecies relationships.
The loyalty and devotion that dogs demonstrate as part of their natural instincts as pack animals closely mimics the human idea of love and friendship, leading many dog owners to view their pets as full-fledged family members. Conversely, dogs seem to view their human companions as members of their pack, and make few, if any, distinctions between their owners and fellow dogs. Dogs fill a variety of roles in human society and are often trained as working dogs. For dogs that do not have traditional jobs, a wide range of dog sports provide the opportunity to exhibit their natural skills. In many countries, the most common and perhaps most important role of dogs is as companions.
Dogs have lived with and worked with humans in so many roles that their loyalty has earned them the unique sobriquet ';man's best friend';.[6] However, some cultures consider dogs to be unclean. In some parts of the world, dogs are raised as livestock to produce dog meat for human consumption. In many places, consumption of dog meat is discouraged by social convention or cultural taboo.
Terminology
The English word dog, in common usage, refers to the domestic pet dog, Canis lupus familiaris. The species was originally classified as Canis familiaris by Linnaeus in 1758. In 1993, dogs were reclassified as a subspecies of the gray wolf, Canis lupus, by the Smithsonian Institution and the American Society of Mammalogists. ';Dog'; is sometimes used to refer collectively to any mammal belonging to the family Canidae (as in ';the dog family';), such as wolves, foxes, and coyotes. Some members of the family have ';dog'; in their common names, such as the African Wild Dog. The constellations Canes Venatici, Canis Major and Canis Minor are named from the Latin word for ';dog,'; for their perceived resemblance to dogs.
The English word dog might derive from the Old English docga, a ';powerful breed of canine';. The French dogue and Spanish dogo as in dogo Argentino are borrowings from English. The English word hound is a cognate of the German Hund and Dutch hond which, though referring to a specific breed in English, means ';dog'; in general in German and Dutch. Hound itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European *kwon-, which is the direct root of the Greek κυων (kuōn) and the indirect root of the Latin canis through the variant form *kani-.[7]
In breeding circles, a male canine is referred to as a dog, while a female canine is called a *****. Offspring are generally called pups or puppies until they are about a year old. A group of offspring is a litter. The process of birth is whelping. Many terms are used for dogs that are not purebred.
Intelligence
Main article: Dog intelligence
Many dogs can easily be trained to retrieve.
Many dogs can easily be trained to retrieve.
Among dog lovers, dogs are generally valued for their intelligence, and both anecdotal evidence and scientific research suggest that dogs have a reasonably high intelligence. This intelligence is expressed differently with different breeds and individuals, however. For example, Border Collies are noted for their ability to learn commands, while other breeds may not be so motivated towards obedience, but instead show their cleverness in devising ways to steal food or escape from a yard. Being highly adaptable animals themselves, dogs have learned to do a great number of very eclectic jobs as man has required over the generations. Dogs are employed in various roles across the globe, proving invaluable assets in areas such as search-and-rescue; law enforcement (including attack dogs, sniffer dogs and tracking dogs); guards for livestock, people or property; herding; Arctic exploration sled-pullers; guiding the blind and acting as a pair of ears for the deaf; assisting with hunting, and a great many other roles which they may be trained to assume. Dogs are descended from wolves, and are also pack animals, making them easier than other animals to train because dogs' instincts are to obey. Most dogs rarely have to deal with complex tasks and are unlikely to learn relatively complicated activities (such as opening doors) unaided. Some dogs (such as guide dogs for the visually impaired) are specially trained to recognize and avoid dangerous situations.
Evaluation of a dog's intelligence
The meaning of ';intelligence'; in general, not only in reference to dogs, is hard to define. Some tests measure problem-solving abilities and others test the ability to learn in comparison to others of the same age. Defining it for dogs is just as difficult. It is likely that dogs do not have the ability to premeditate an action to solve a problem. Some dogs may, however, have more drive to keep trying various things until they accidentally reach a solution and still others might have more ability to make the association between the ';accident'; and the result.[citation needed]
For example, the ability to learn quickly could be a sign of intelligence. Conversely it could be interpreted as a sign of blind subservience and a desire to please. In contrast, some dogs who do not learn very quickly may have other talents. An example is breeds that are not particularly interested in pleasing their owners, such as Siberian Huskies. Huskies are often fascinated with the myriad of possibilities for escaping from yards, catching small animals, and often figuring out on their own numerous inventive ways of doing both.
Assistance dogs are also required to be obedient at all times. This means they must learn a tremendous number of commands, understand how to act in a large variety of situations, and recognize threats to their human companion, some of which they might never before have encountered.
Many owners of livestock guardian breeds believe that breeds like the Great Pyrenees or the Kuvasz are not easily trained because their stubborn nature prevents them from seeing the point of such commands as “sit” or “down”. Hounds may also suffer from this type of ranking. In fact several rank in the bottom tier of ';The Intelligence of Dogs'; list (such as Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Basset Hounds).[citation needed] These dogs are bred to have more of a ';pack'; mentality with other dogs and less reliance on a master's direct commands. While they may not have the same kind of intelligence as a Border Collie, they were not bred to learn and obey commands quickly, but to think for themselves while trailing game.
Physical characteristics
Main article: Dog anatomy
Some dogs, like this Weimaraner, have their predatory instincts suppressed in order to better assist human hunters.
Some dogs, like this Weimaraner, have their predatory instincts suppressed in order to better assist human hunters.
See also: Dog health
Modern dog breeds show more variation in size, appearance, and behavior than any other domestic animal. Within the range of extremes, dogs generally share attributes with their wild ancestors, the wolves. Dogs are predators and scavengers, possessing sharp teeth and strong jaws for attacking, holding, and tearing their food. Although selective breeding has changed the appearance of many breeds, all dogs retain basic traits from their distant ancestors. Like many other predatory mammals, the dog has powerful muscles, fused wristbones, a cardiovascular system that supports both sprinting and endurance, and teeth for catching and tearing. Compared to the bone structure of the human foot, dogs technically walk on their toes.
Sight
Amazonian dogs, such as this one from Alto Amazonas, Peru are critical for indigenous peoples' hunting strategies, particularly in the rain forest.
Amazonian dogs, such as this one from Alto Amazonas, Peru are critical for indigenous peoples' hunting strategies, particularly in the rain forest.
Dogs were thought to be dichromats and thus, by human standards, color blind.[8][9] It is now known that dogs can't see the color red very well.
Different breeds of dogs have different eye shapes and dimensions, and they also have different retina configurations.[10] Dogs with long noses have a ';visual streak'; which runs across the width of the retina and gives them a very wide field of excellent vision, while those with short noses have an ';area centralis'; -- a central patch with up to three times the density of nerve endings as the visual streak -- giving them detailed sight much more like a human's.
Some breeds, particularly the best sighthounds, have a field of vision up to 270° (compared to 180° for humans), although broad-headed breeds with short noses have a much narrower field of vision, as low as 180°.[8][9]
Hearing
This Collie/Saluki angles her ears to find the source of a sound.
This Collie/Saluki angles her ears to find the source of a sound.
Dogs detect sounds as low as the 16 to 20Hz frequency range (compared to 20 to 70 Hz for humans) and above 45 kHz[11] (compared to 13 to 20 kHz for humans)[9], and in addition have a degree of ear mobility that helps them to rapidly pinpoint the exact location of a sound. Eighteen or more muscles can tilt, rotate and raise or lower a dog's ear. Additionally, a dog can identify a sound's location much faster than a human can, as well as hear sounds up to four times the distance that humans are able to. Those with more natural ear shapes, like those of wild canids like the fox, generally hear better than those with the floppier ears of many domesticated species.
Smell
Dogs have nearly 220 million smell-sensitive cells over an area about the size of a pocket handkerchief (compared to 5 million over an area the size of a postage stamp for humans). Some breeds have been selectively bred for excellence in detecting scents, even compared to their canine brethren. What information a dog actually detects when he is scenting is not perfectly understood; although once a matter of debate, it now seems to be well established that dogs can distinguish two different types of scents when trailing, an air scent from some person or thing that has recently passed by, as well as a ground scent that remains detectable for a much longer period. The characteristics and behavior of these two types of scent trail would seem, after some thought, to be quite different, the air scent being intermittent but perhaps less obscured by competing scents, whereas the ground scent would be relatively permanent with respect to careful and repetitive search by the dog, but would seem to be much more contaminated with other scents. In any event, it is established by those who train tracking dogs that it is impossible to teach the dog how to track any better than it does naturally; the object instead is to motivate it properly, and teach it to maintain focus on a single track and ignore any others that might otherwise seem of greater interest to an untrained dog. An intensive search for a scent, for instance searching a ship for contraband, can actually be very fatiguing for a dog, and the dog must be motivated to continue this hard work for a long period of time.
Detection dogs and other variations
There are several types of working dogs:
* The detection dog, which is a dog trained to and works at using its senses (almost always the sense of smell) to detect substances such as explosives or illegal drugs.
* Hunting dogs that search for game.
* Search dogs that search for missing humans.
Some less used types include the war dog and pariah dog.
Diet
At present, there is some debate as to whether domestic dogs should be classified as omnivores or carnivores, by diet. The classification in the Order Carnivora does not necessarily mean that a dog's diet must be restricted to meat; unlike an obligate carnivore, such as the cat family with its shorter small intestine, a dog is dependent on neither meat-specific protein nor a very high level of protein in order to fulfill its basic dietary requirements. Dogs are able to healthily digest a variety of foods including vegetables and grains, and in fact can consume a large proportion of these in their diet. Wild canines not only eat available plants to obtain essential amino acids, but also obtain nutrients from vegetable matter from the stomach and intestinal contents of their herbivorous prey, which they usually consume. Domestic dogs can survive healthily on a reasonable and carefully designed vegetarian diet, particularly if eggs and milk products are included. Some sources suggest that a dog fed on a strict vegetarian diet may develop dilated cardiomyopathy since it lacks L-carnitine, [12] however, maintaining a balanced diet is also a factor since L-carnitine is found naturally in many nuts, seeds, beans, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. In the wild, dogs can survive on a vegetarian diet when animal prey is not available. However it has been noted, both by observation of extremely stressful conditions such as the Iditarod race and by scientific studies of similar conditions, that high-protein (approximately 40%) diets including meat help prevent damage to muscle tissue. (This research is also true for some other mammals.) This level of protein corresponds to the percentage of protein found in the wild dog's diet when prey is abundant; higher levels of protein seem to confer no added benefit.
Dogs frequently eat grass, which is a harmless activity. Explanations abound, but rationales such as that it neutralizes acid, or that eating grass might make the dog vomit, so dogs eat grass to remove unwanted substances from their stomachs, are at best educated guesses. Dogs do vomit more readily than humans, as part of their typical feeding behavior of gulping down food then regurgitating indigestible bones, fur, etc. This behavior is typical of pack feeding in the wild, where the most important thing is to get as much of the kill as possible before others consume it all. Individual domestic dogs, however, may be very ';picky'; eaters, in the absence of this evolutionary pressure.
Dangerous substances
Some foods commonly enjoyed by humans are dangerous to dogs, including chocolate (Theobromine poisoning), onions, grapes and raisins [13], some types of gum, certain sweeteners[14] and Macadamia nuts. It is currently believed that the only dangerous substance in chocolate is cocoa, meaning that forms of chocolate without this compound, such as white chocolate may become re-evaluated for their safety in future.
The acute danger from grapes and raisins has been uncovered only since about 2000, and made public slowly since then. At present the cause is not known, but one veterinarian [15] believes it may be an acute auto-immune response to plant-borne viruses [16] in the same manner as FIP in cats. Whatever the reason, since only small quantities are necessary to induce acute renal failure, dogs should not be fed grapes or raisins, and sultanas and currants should likely be withheld as well.
Cooked bones should never be given to dogs, as the heat changes the chemical and physical properties so that they cannot be chewed properly, splintering into jagged shards, and resist digestion.
Human medications should not be given to a dog as a substitute for their regular medication as some can be especially toxic, especially paracetamol/acetaminophen (Tylenol). Alcoholic beverages pose much of the same hazards to dogs as they do to humans.
Dogs may also find some poisons attractive, including antifreeze, snail bait, insect bait, and rodent poisons. Antifreeze may be one of the most insidious of poisons to dogs because of its sweet taste and because a dog may walk upon or lie down upon a spill of it or its residue and then lick it off. Dogs must be kept strictly away from antifreeze and not allowed access to any place that has had a spill of it that has not been completely removed.
Plants such as caladium, dieffenbachia and philodendron will cause throat irritations that will burn the throat going down as well as coming up. Hops are particularly dangerous and even small quantities can lead to malignant hyperthermia. [17]
Amaryllis, daffodil, english ivy, iris, and tulip (especially the bulbs) cause gastric irritation and sometimes central nervous system excitement followed by coma, and, in severe cases, even death.
Ingesting foxglove, lily of the valley, larkspur and oleander can be life threatening because the cardiovascular system is affected. Equally life threatening is the yew which affects the nervous system. If any of these plants are ingested, get the dog to a veterinarian immediately.
Many household cleaners such as ammonia, bleach, disinfectants, drain cleaner, soaps, detergents, and other cleaners, mothballs and matches are dangerous to dogs, as are cosmetics such as deodorants, hair coloring, nail polish and remover, home permanent lotion, and suntan lotion.
Zinc toxicity, mostly in the form of the ingestion of US pennies minted after 1982, is commonly fatal in dogs where it causes a severe hemolytic anemia. [18]
Dogs will occasionally eat their own feces or the feces of other species if available, such as that of cats and horses. This is known as coprophagia, and may be indicative of boredom or hunger, although there is no definitive reason known. Owners of both cats and dogs may find that dogs treat the catbox as a snack bar. Such behavior should be discouraged, as it could lead to Toxoplasmosis.
Reproduction
Main article: Canine reproduction
General
In domestic dogs, sexual maturity (puberty) begins to happen around age 6 to 12 months for both males and females, although this can be delayed until up to two years old for some large breeds. Adolescence for most domestic dogs is around 12 to 15 months, beyond which they are for the most part more adult than puppy. As with other domesticated species, domestication has selectively bred for higher libido and earlier and more frequent breeding cycles in dogs, than in their wild ancestors.
Males
This section is a stub. You can help by expanding it.
Females
Females have a twice-yearly fertile period, known as 'seasons', during which her body prepares for pregnancy, and at the peak she will come ';into heat';, her fertile period, during which time she will be mentally and physically receptive to copulation. A female is able to become pregnant on her first heat; this is not normally considered advisable as she is mentally and physically still young in other ways.
As with most domesticated species, one of the first and strongest effects seen from selective breeding is selection for cooperation with the breeding process as directed by humans. In domestic dogs, one of the behaviors that is noted is the abolition of the pair bond seen in wild canines. The ability of female domestic dog to come into estrus at any time of the year and usually twice a year is also valued. The amount of time between cycles varies greatly among different dogs, but a particular dog's cycle tends to be consistent through her life. This is also called in season or in heat. Conversely, undomesticated canine species experience estrus once a year, typically in late winter.
Most female dogs come into season for the first time between 6 and 12 months, although some larger breeds delay until as late as 2 years. Like most mammals, the age that a ***** first comes into season is mostly a function of her current body weight as a proportion of her body weight when fully mature. The different rates of maturation are responsible for the menarche, not the chronological age. They then experience fertile seasons biannually until old age. Female dogs do not experience menopause, although their cycles will become irregular and fertility becomes unpredictable as the become older. Dogs over around 7 or 8 years are usually considered no longer appropriate for breeding, but can still remain fertile.
Copulation
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When copulating, a male canine initially mounts the female from behind, as with most tetrapods, a position known informally as doggy style. The female will hold her tail to the side and allow this if receptive. If unreceptive she may sit or lie down, snap, move away, or otherwise be uncooperative or not allow mating. The male will often move about as he tries to get a good purchase upon her, and whilst attempting penetration of his penis to the female's vulva. At this point, the penis is not erect, it is slender and held rigid by a small bone inside, known as the baculum.
When the male achieves penetration, he will often hold tighter and thrust faster, and it is at this point when he is mating that the male's penis expands. Canine reproduction is different from human sexual intercourse, because human males become erect first, and then enter the female; canine males enter first, then swell and become erect.
The male dog has a bulbus glandis, a spherical area of erectile tissue at the base of the penis, which traps the penis inside the female's vagina during copulation as it becomes engorged with blood. [1]
Once the penis is locked into the vagina by the bulbus glandis, the male will usually lift a leg and swing it over the female's back while turning around. The two stand with their hind ends touching and the penis locked inside the vagina while ejaculation occurs, decreasing leakage of semen from the vagina. After some time, typically 5 - 20 minutes (but sometimes longer), the bulbus glandis disengorges, allowing the mates to separate. Virgin dogs can become quite distressed at finding themselves unable to separate during their first copulation, and may try to pull away or run. Dog breeders' websites often suggest it is appropriate for those involved to help calm and settle the mating dogs once this stage is reached, if they show anxiety, through until eventual separation.
Note that similar canine mounting behavior (sometimes with pelvic thrusting) is also used by dominant canines of both sexes. Dominance mounting, with or without thrusting, should not be confused with copulatory mounting, in which the thrusting is short term until a ';tie'; is achieved.
Gestation and litters
A Catahoula Leopard mother nursing her litter of puppies.
A Catahoula Leopard mother nursing her litter of puppies.
Dogs bear their litters roughly 9 weeks after fertilization, although the length of gestation can vary from 56 to 72 days. A general rule of thumb is that a mammal will produce half as many offspring as the number of teats on the mother. This rule is altered in domesticated animals since larger litters are often favored for economic reasons and in dogs, particularly, the great range of sizes and shapes plays a role in how many healthy puppies a female can carry. An average litter consists of about six puppies, though this number may vary widely based on the breed of dog. Toy dogs generally produce from one to four puppies in each litter, while much larger breeds may average as many as 12 pups in each litter. The number of puppies also varies with the mother's age and health, the father's sperm count, the timing of the breeding, and many other factors.
Some breeds have been developed to emphasize certain physical traits beyond the point at which they can safely bear litters on their own. For example, the Bulldog often requires artificial insemination and almost always requires cesarean section for giving birth. Since a mother can provide nutrients and care to only a limited number of offspring, humans must assist in the care and feeding when the litter exceeds approximately eight puppies.
Spaying and neutering
Main article: Spaying and neutering
The neutrality of this section is disputed.
Please see the discussion on the talk page.
Spaying (females only) and neutering (both genders but more usually males) refers to the sterilization of animals, usually by removal of the male's testicles or the female's ovaries and uterus, in order to eliminate the ability to procreate, and reduce sex drive. Neutering has also been known to reduce aggression in male dogs, but can occasionally increase aggression in female dogs.
Animal control agencies in the United States and the ASPCA advise that dogs not intended for further breeding should be spayed or neutered so that they do not have undesired puppies. In the less developed countries of Europe, spaying or neutering of dogs is less common, and owners are usually instead advised to keep their dogs on leash and under supervision to avoid unwanted matings; drugs are used to prevent pregnancy and abort unwanted litters. [citation needed]
Because of the overpopulation of dogs in some countries, puppies born to strays or as the result of accidental breedings often end up being killed in animal shelters. Spaying and neutering can also decrease the risk of hormone-driven diseases such as mammary cancer, as well as undesired hormone-driven behaviors. The hormonal changes involved with sterilization are likely to somewhat change the animal's personality, however, and some object to spaying and neutering as the sterilization could be carried out without the excision of organs.
Contrary to myth, it is not required for a female dog to either experience a heat cycle or have puppies before spaying, and likewise, a male dog does not need the experience of mating before neutering; these myths are responsible for numerous unnecessary health problems and unwanted puppies. Female dogs spayed before their first heat have a vastly lower incidence of mammary tumors than dogs which are spayed after their first heat or pregnancy (1% verses 22%). A female dog can become pregnant on her first heat cycle (which can take place as early as six months), and should be kept away from intact male dogs, including littermates, over the age of 4 months.
Gender-preservative surgeries such as vasectomy and tubal ligation are possible, but do not appear to be popular due to the continuation of gender-specific behaviors and disease risks.
Overpopulation
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States and many more are confined to cages in shelters because there are many more animals than there are homes. Spaying or neutering dogs helps keep overpopulation down.[19] Local humane societies, SPCA's and other animal protection organizations urge people to spay or neuter their pets and to adopt animals from shelters instead of purchasing them. Several notable public figures have spoken out against animal over population, including Bob Barker. On his game show, The Price is Right, Barker stressed the issue at the end of every episode, saying: ';Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.';
Dog health
Main article: Dog health
Further information: Category:Dog health
Dogs are susceptible to various diseases, ailments, and poisons, some of which affect humans in the same way, others of which are unique to dogs. Dogs, like all mammals, are also susceptible to heat exhaustion when dealing with high levels of humidity and/or extreme temperatures.[20]
Diseases
Infectious diseases commonly associated with dogs include rabies (hydrophobia), canine parvovirus, and canine distemper. Congenital diseases of dogs can include a wide range from hip dysplasia and medial patellar luxation to epilepsy and pulmonic stenosis. Canines can get just about anything a human can get (excluding many infections which are species specific) like hypothyroidism, cancer, dental disease, heart disease, etc.
Two serious medical conditions affecting dogs are pyometra, affecting unspayed females of all types and ages, and bloat, which affects the larger breeds or deep chested dogs. Both of these are acute conditions, and can kill rapidly; owners of dogs which may be at risk should learn about such conditions as part of good animal care.
Parasites
Common external parasites are various species of fleas, ticks, and mites. Internal parasites include hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms. See also CVBD (Canine Vector-Borne Diseases).
Common physical disorders
Some breeds of dogs are also prone to certain genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, cleft palate, blindness, or deafness. Dogs are also susceptible to the same ailments that humans are, including diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, and arthritis. Gastric torsion and bloat is a dangerous problem in some large-chested breeds.
Lifespan
Main article: Dog years
The typical lifespan of dogs varies considerably by breed. For example, many giant dog breeds (such as Great Danes) average only 7 or 8 years, while some small terrier breeds, or toy breeds might live as long as 20 or above. The average lifespan for mixed-breed and midsize dogs is about 13 to 14 years. The longest-lived dog with reliable documentation died at 29 years and 27 days, the breed of the dog was an Australian cattle dog and it lived in Virginia, USA, the date of death was in 1939. The oldest currently living dog is from Canberra, Australia and is now 27 years old. Although the lifespans of all living species are mostly uncontrollable, one can significantly extend a dog's life by feeding it the right kinds of foods, giving it regular exercise, treating its diseases, caring for its special needs and giving it love and comfort.
Behavior
For details, see Category:Dog training and behavior.
Dogs are very social animals, but their personality and behavior vary with breed as well as how they are treated by their owners and others who come in contact with them. Physical abuse and starvation can produce very neurotic, dangerous dogs, and even simply failing to socialize them properly may entail maladaptive behaviors. [citation needed] It is not uncommon for dogs to attack humans and other animals; however, this is usually because of lack of care or improper upbringing by its owner.
Laughter in dogs
Laughter might not be confined or unique to humans, despite Aristotle's observation that ';only the human animal laughs';. The differences between chimpanzee and human laughter may be the result of adaptations that have evolved to enable human speech. However, some behavioral psychologists argue that self-awareness of one's situation, or the ability to identify with somebody else's predicament, are prerequisites for laughter, so animals are not really laughing in the same way that we do.
The dog-laugh sounds similar to a normal pant. However by analyzing the pant using a spectrograph, this pant varies with bursts of frequencies, resulting in a laugh. When this recorded dog-laugh vocalization is played to dogs in a shelter setting, it can initiate play, promote pro-social behavior, and decrease stress levels. In a study by Simonet, Versteeg, and Storie, one hundred and twenty subject dogs residing in a mid-size county animal shelter were observed. Dogs ranging from 4 months to 10 years of age were compared with and without exposure to a dog-laugh recording. The stress behaviors measured included panting, growling, salivating, pacing, barking, cowering, lunging, play-bows, sitting, orienting and lying down. The study resulted in positive findings when exposed to the dog laughing resulted in the following: significantly reduced stress behaviors, increased tail wagging and the display of a play-face when playing was initiated, and the increase of pro-social behavior such as approaching and lip licking were more frequent. This research suggests exposure to dog-laugh vocalizations can calm and possibly increase shelter adoptions. Simonet, Versteeg, %26amp; Storie 2005 A dog laughter sample. Simonet 2005
Dog communication
Main article: Dog communication
Dog communication comes in a variety of forms. Dogs use certain movements of their bodies and body parts and different vocalizations to send signals to other dogs, animals and humans. There are a number of basic ways a dog can communicate. These are movements of the ears, eyes and ';eyebrows';, mouth, head, tail, and entire body, as well as barks, growls, whines and whimpers, and howls.
Interpreting animal body language
It is important to note that while many gestures and actions have common, stereotypical meanings, researchers regularly seem to find that animal communication is often more complex and subtle than previously believed, and that the same gesture may have multiple distinct meanings depending on context and other behaviors. So generalizations such as ';X means Y'; are often, but not always accurate. For example, even a simple tail wag may (depending on context) convey many meanings including:
* Excitement
* Anticipation
* Playfulness
* Contentment/enjoyment
* Happy self-confidence
But also:
* Anxiety
* Questioning another animal or a human as to intentions
* Tentative role assessment on meeting another animal
* Reassurance (';I'm hoping to be friendly, are you?';)
* Uncertainty/apprehension
* Submissive placation (if worried by a more dominant animal)
Combined with other body language, in a specific context, many gestures such as yawns, direction of vision, and so on all convey meaning. Panting may mean ';Too hot';; it might also mean either emotional anxiety or happiness too. Thus statements that a particular action ';means'; something should always be interpreted to mean ';often means'; something. As with human beings, who may smile or hug or stand a particular way for multiple reasons, many animals reuse gestures too.
Descriptions in this article are therefore best viewed as common generalizations, to which a more experienced observer will be able to add further detail or understanding.
Ethology is a science which studies animal behavior.
Dominance and submission
One of the most common communications between dogs, and from dogs to their human companions, is the display of either dominance or submission. Most dogs and wild canines live in groups, or packs, with an established hierarchy. Dogs will, usually, submit to any dog that is more dominant than they are. There are innumerable ways a dog can show their dominance or submission, depending on situation, the amount of difference in social rank, and each dog's own personality. Dominant dogs are more confident, while submissive dogs are more insecure. Both of these traits show in almost every communication signal a dog gives.
Body movements
See also Wolf body language
Tail
How high or low the tail is held, in relation to how the dog's breed naturally carries their tail, and how it is moved can signify the dog's mood and/or rank. The higher the tail is carried, the more dominant/confident the dog is; the lower, the more submissive/insecure. A tail held straight up, or even slightly curved over the back, shows that the dog is very dominant. If the fur on the tail is also bristled, the dog is saying they are willing and able to defend their position.
Small, slow wags of the tail says the dog is questioning things around them. Either they aren't sure if the target dog or person is friendly, or they aren't sure what is going on or what is expected of them.
Large, fast wags of the tail is a sign of a happy or excited dog. If the wags are large enough to pull the dog's hips with them, the message includes a bit of submission to someone they view as pack leader.
Dogs with docked tails, like Dobermanns, tend to have some problems communicating with other dogs, since their tail movements are extremely difficult to detect.
Ears
Ear position relates the dog's level of attention, and reaction, to a situation or animal. Erect ears facing forward means the dog is very attentive, while ears laid back suggests a negative, usually fearful, reaction. Dogs with drop ears, like Beagles, can't use these signals very well, as the signals first developed in wolves, whose ears are pricked. Wolf-like dogs will, when content and happy, often hold their ears in a horizontal position but still forward. This has been referred to as the ';Wolf Smile';
Mouth
Mouth expressions can provide information about the dog's mood. When a dog wants to be left alone, he might yawn (although yawning also might indicate sleepiness, confusion, or stress) or start licking his mouth without the presence of any food. When a dog is happy or wants to play, he might pant with lips relaxed, covering the teeth and with what sometimes appears to be a happy expression (it might appear as a smile to some observers) or with the mouth open. Mouth expressions that indicate aggression include the snarl, with lips retracting to expose the teeth, although some dogs also use this during play.
It's important to look at the dog's whole body and not just the mouth or tail before deciding what the dog is trying to communicate. What appears initially as aggression might be an invitation to play, or vice-versa.
Eyes and eyebrows
While dogs don't have actual eyebrows, they do have a distictive ridge above their eyes, and some breeds, like the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd, have markings there. A dog's eyebrow movements usually express a similar emotion to that of a human's eyebrow movements. Raised eyebrows suggest interest, lowered brows suggest confusion or mild anger, and one eyebrow up suggests bewilderment. Slitted eyes translate the same as human's also: suspicion or anger.
Feet and Legs
Although a dog's feet cannot manipulate like human hands, a person can use them as an avenue of communication. A dog might stamp its feet, alternating its left and right front legs, while its back legs are still. This occurs when the dog is excited, wants something, or wants its owner's attention. Pointers tend to tuck one front leg up, when they sense game nearby. This behavior might not be communication so much as the dog freezing mid-step as a result of the dog's instinct telling the dog to immediately still. It is also common for dogs to paw or scratch for objects they desire. Many dogs are trained to mimic a human handshake, offering a paw to a human stooping down and offering their own hand in exchange.
Head
An unstressed dog in typical posture allows its tongue to loll out of its mouth. Note the squinted eyes, as the owner was praising him for sitting still for the picture.
An unstressed dog in typical posture allows its tongue to loll out of its mouth. Note the squinted eyes, as the owner was praising him for sitting still for the picture.
A dog's ability to make facial gestures is not as refined as a human's. However, they can wrinkle or straighten their forehead to show confusion or determination, and when puzzled or curious, will often raise their eyelids and tilt their head to one side.
A dog's eyes widen when playful and unthreatened. Some dogs squint their eyes when they are praised. When afraid, a dog's pupils typically dilate. Most dogs avoid intimate eye contact, seemingly to avoid confrontation. But when angered or preparing for self-defense, a dog's eyes will narrow and follow it's foe's moves carefully. When exhibiting aggressive behavior, it is best to not look an unfamiliar dog in the eye, because it may interpret it as a challenge.
An unstressed dog in typical posture allows its tongue to loll out of its mouth. When begging, or when they are particularly happy, they may pull their lips back seemingly to smile. This pseudo-smile is normally only exhibited when interacting with people, perhaps a learned behavior from humans. A dog showing tightly clenched teeth and wrinkled nose is likely to attack if further provoked.
Dogs have excellent hearing, and can position their ears advantageously for following sounds. Dogs typically raise their ears when listening intently and when demonstrating compliance with commands. When a dog's ears are pulled back, they may be showing submission, or fear.
Barking
Main article: Bark (dog)
Dogs bark for many reasons, such as when perceived intruders (humans, dogs, or other animals) approach its territory, for identification, when hearing an unfamiliar or unidentified noise, when seeing something that the dog doesn't expect to be there, or when playing. Barking also expresses different emotions for a dog, such as loneliness, fear, suspicion, stress, and pleasure. Play or excited barks are often short and sharp, such as when a dog is attempting to get a person or another dog to play.
Dogs generally try to avoid conflict; their vocalizations are part of what communicates to other dogs whether they mean harm or are in a playful mood.
The bark of a distressed or stressed dog is high pitched, atonal, and repetitive (and tends to get higher in pitch as the dog becomes more upset). For example, a dog left home alone and who has separation anxiety might bark in such a way.
Some research has suggested that dogs have separate barks for different animals, including dog, fox, deer, human and cat.
Growls
Main article: Growling
Growls can be used to threaten, to invite play, and to show dominance. Growling should be watched with special attention because it can indicate dominance or aggression. A soft, low-pitched growl often indicates aggression; the dog may feel threatened and may be provoked to attack. An intense growl, without showing any teeth, may often indicate a playful attitude. Always consider the context of a growl, and exercise caution.
Whines and whimpers
Dogs whine and whimper to show that they are in pain or are afraid, but also when excited, such as when greeting another dog, or in anticipation of a treat or an outing. Some dogs may use whining as a means of getting attention.
Howls
Howling provides long-range communication with other dogs or owners. Howling can be used to locate another pack member, to keep strangers away, or to call the pack for hunting. Sometimes dogs howl in response to high-pitched or loud noises such as alarms, sirens, music, or singing. In Russia, a howling dog represents a bad sign, for it is believed that howling dogs sense somebody's death somewhere in the vicinity. Sometimes dogs howl when trains are honking or a Civil defense siren is going off. The latter in particular is a source of humor for many dog-owners.
Human speech
Often undiscussed, some dogs may try to mimic human speech, or are trained to. This ability does not appear to be limited to any particular breed, though to quote trainer A.J. Haggerty ';Generally, dogs that have a brachycephalic head — a wide head with a short muzzle — like the Bulldog, are good candidates for talking. They have cavernous mouths that make it easier for them to produce rounder sounds. I have found that Rottweilers are among the best talkers, because of the shape of their heads, and the fact that they have a high energy level. Terriers can also be good talkers, because they’re high energy dogs.'; Most recent examples have included a talking pug on the Late Show with David Letterman. This kind of vocalization does not have a set meaning, and is unique to its situation.
Ancestry and history of domestication
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Origin of the domestic dog. (Discuss)
Main article: Origin of the domestic dog
This ancient mosaic, likely Roman, shows a large dog with a collar hunting a lion.
This ancient mosaic, likely Roman, shows a large dog with a collar hunting a lion.
Molecular systematics indicate that the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) descends from one or more populations of wild wolves (Canis lupus). As reflected in the nomenclature, dogs are descended from the wolf and are able to interbreed with wolves.
The relationship between human and canine has deep roots. Wolf remains have been found in association with hominid remains dating from 400,000 years ago. Converging archaeological and genetic evidence indicate a time of domestication in the late Upper Paleolithic close to the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary, between 17,000 and 14,000 years ago. Fossil bone morphologies and genetic analysis of current and ancient dog and wolf populations have not yet been able to conclusively determine whether all dogs descend from a single domestication event, or whether dogs were domesticated independently in more than one location. Domesticated dogs may have interbred with local populations of wild wolves on several occasions (so-called introgression).
The earliest dog fossils, two crania from Russia and a mandible from Germany, date from 13,000 to 17,000 years ago. Their likely ancestor is the large northern Holarctic wolf, Canis lupus lupus. Remains of smaller dogs from Mesolithic (Natufian) cave deposits in the Middle East, dated to around 12,000 years ago, have been interpreted as descendants of a lighter Southwest Asian wolf, Canis lupus arabs. Rock art and skeletal remains indicate that by 14,000 years ago, dogs were present from North Africa across Eurasia to North America. Dog burials at the Mesolithic cemetery of Svaerdborg in Denmark suggest that in ancient Europe dogs were valued companions.
Genetic analyses have so far yielded divergent results. Vilà, Savolainen, and colleagues (1997) concluded that dogs split off from wolves between 75,000 and 135,000 years ago, while a subsequent analysis by Savolainen et al. (2002) indicated a ';common origin from a single gene pool for all dog populations'; between 40,000 and 15,000 years ago in East Asia. Verginelli et al. (2005), however, suggest both sets of dates must be reevaluated in light of recent findings showing that poorly calibrated molecular clocks have systematically overestimated the age of geologically recent events. On balance, and in agreement with the archaeological evidence, 15,000 years ago is the most likely time for the wolf-dog divergence.
Verginelli examined ancient DNA evidence from five prehistoric Italian canids carbon-dated to between 15,000 and 3,000 years old, 341 wolves from several populations worldwide, and 547 purebred dogs. Their results indicate multiple independent origins of dogs and/or of frequent interbreeding between early proto-dogs and wolves throughout a vast geographic range. The detailed history remains unexplored and until further evidence is available, the following section on wolf ancestors must be considered purely speculative.
Wolf ancestors
Although all wolves belong to the species Canis lupus, there are (or were) many subspecies that had developed a distinctive appearance, social structure, and other traits. For example, the Japanese Wolf and the Eastern Timber Wolf possess different distinctive coloration, hunting and social structures. The origin of the dog is so ancient and so worldwide that many varieties of wolf played a part in it. It is wrong to say that dogs descended from modern wolves. They descended from ancestral wolves, and this difference must always be kept in mind. Ancestral wolves of many varieties existed all over the world. Humans are of a tropical origin, and it was there that the domestication of dogs from wolves first took place. It follows then, that the first wolves to be domesticated were the warm-climate, short-haired varieties that gave rise to many of our dog breeds, with the long-haired, northern wolves giving rise to our northern breeds when humans reached these latitudes.
The Indian Wolf is thought to have contributed to the development of more breeds of dogs than other subspecies. Many of today's wild dogs, such as the dingo and the pariah dogs, are descended from this wolf. The Indian Wolf is also thought to have bred with descendants of the European wolf to create the Mastiffs and eventually leading to the development of such diverse breeds as the Pug, the Saint Bernard, and the Bloodhound. The Tibetan Mastiff is an example of an ancient breed.
The European wolf, in turn, may have contributed many of its attributes to the Spitz dog types, most terriers, and many of today's sheepdogs. The Chinese wolf is probably ancestor to the Pekingese and toy spaniels, although it is also probable that descendants of the Chinese and European wolves encountered each other over the millennia, contributing to many of the oriental toy breeds.
The Eastern Timber Wolf is a direct ancestor to most, if not all, of the North American northern sled dog types. This interbreeding still occurs with dogs living in the Arctic region, where the attributes of the wolf that enable survival in a hostile environment are valued by humans. Additionally, unintentional crossbreeding occurs simply because dogs and wolves live in the same environment. The general reproductive isolation which is required to define dogs and wolves as separate species is purely a result of lack of opportunity, stemming from a general mutual unfamiliarity, suspicion, mistrust, and fear.
The phenotypic characteristics that distinguish a wolf from a dog are tenuous. Wolves typically have a ';brush tail'; and erect ears. While some dog breeds possess one of these characteristics, they rarely possess both.
Speed of domestication
Current research indicates that domestication, or the attributes of a domesticated animal, can occur much more quickly [21][citation needed], than previously believed. Domestication of a wild dog may occur within one or two human generations with deliberate selective breeding. It is also now generally believed that initial domestication was through mutual desire. Wild canines who scavenged around human habitations received more food than their more skittish or fearful counterparts. Canines who attacked people or their children were likely killed or driven away, while those more friendly animals survived. Canines would have been beneficial by chasing away other vermin or scavengers. With their sharp senses, they would also be valuable as an alarm against marauding predators. The relationship is theorized to have developed in this way.
A 2007 Animal Planet documentary discussed a 1900-1920 domestication experiment in Russia that led to rapid unusual changes in the coats of foxes.
Dog meat for human consumption
Main article: Dog meat
In some countries, certain dog breeds, apart from being kept as pets, are raised on farms and slaughtered for consumption. In countries where dogs are particularly popular as household pets, consumption of dogs is generally taboo and considered an abhorrent cultural practice, but there are exceptions, such as Vietnam, where dogs are popular as pets and as meat.[22]
Although the Chinese were the first to domesticate the dog and keep them as pets, dog meat has been a source of food in China from at least the time of Confucius, and possibly even before. Ancient writings from the Zhou Dynasty referred to the 'three beasts' (which were bred for food), including pig, goat, and dog. Mencius, the philosopher, recommended dog as the tastiest of all meats. In most other countries such as countries in the Western world, eating dog meat is strongly frowned upon, and illegal, as it is with cats.
Dog abuse
Main article: Cruelty to animals
Cruelty to dogs refers to treatment that causes unacceptable suffering or harm. What qualifies as unacceptable suffering varies among countries and cultures. Cruelty can be passive, typified by simple neglect, or active, with malicious intent.[23]
Signs of dog abuse
Signs of dog abuse include:
* Unusually frightened, fearful or subdued
* Fractures
* Bruising
* Eye injuries
* Scalds and burns
* Signs of malnutrition
* Significant matting or other
I don't understand, do you want him to bark at strangers? You question makes it seem like he likes strangers. Thats a good thing.
dogs pick up ques from the owner . people who are afraid of dogs give off a smell that alerts the dog that this person is not calm so they interpet this as danger. thats why they growl.
dogs will often remember people . my dog loves old people and this is not joke he loves old men on bikes he thinks they are all his granpaw and he wants to run to them .
my dog growls when he sees a cop or person in uniform .
over all the master is setting the mood . your dog has picked up that your a laid back calm person and so this is how the dog behaves. . the dog i have was given to me by a uptight women who thought he would bite people. i had that dog for one week and he was calm and kids and adults all could pat him . i have had him 5 years and he is a calm dog since i am a calm person.
It is wonderful that you dog greets new people with enthusiasm. He must have been well socialized as a pup. I wouldn't try training him to act any other way.
its instinct yes its natural. train it to be good with stangers (if you dont want them biting them)
A dog's level of cautiousness with strangers depends mostly on its breed and individual genetics (look at its parents).
Some dogs are naturally outgoing with everyone, and others are naturally shy with everyone except for one or two people. My experience is that very agressive adult dogs show early indications of this as puppies, and very outgoing sweet puppies usually grow up to be friendly adults. However, prolonged abuse or trauma to a puppy can override natural tendencies and transform even a sweet puppy into a vicious adult. By the same token, good socialization and exposure to a variety of people can mold puppies with more aggressive or shy dispositions into safer or more out-going dogs.
Overall, I'd say a dog's disposition is 75% genetics, and 25% socialization. This explains the sad stories of pit bulls who are friendly to everyone their whole lives, and then one day maul a random person when latent genetic tendencies kick in.
Regarding your additional question, ALL dogs are protective of their ';pack'; - (you and other people they see every day). So if a dog perceives a threat to its pack, it will rise to action. The real question is, ';What if the dog is too friendly to differentiate what is and what isn't danger? Extremely friendly dogs that are socialized with a wide variety of people are less likely to recognize a burglar or assaulter as a threat. However, dogs are perceptive and intelligent animals, and in most cases will go into their protective mode if they sense the threatening disposition of an attacker or indications of fear in their pack.
One thing you can do to test your dog is to invite over a friend the dog has never seen before. Have your friend quickly approach you with his or her arms (preferably his) raised up high and while screaming in a scary voice while you pretend to cower, and see how the dog reacts. If the dog wags its tail and hangs its tongue out, you can draw your own conclusions.
Best of luck.Is it natural instinct for a dog to be cautious of strangers? or is training necessary?
Your dog is very outgoing and friendly by nature or training. That is great, however, dogs that are too friendly will look at almost anyone as a friend, regardless of that person's intentions. Please, do not listen to people that tell you your dog will NATURALLY protect this or that, it is not true. And dogs will not fight to protect their pack, unless they are told to do so by the alpha male and even then, it is the alpha's job to do the fighting. Look at a pride of lions that has new males come in and kill all the cubs there. The females do not like it but they do not get involved because they know they cannot win. The same goes for our dogs. Unless a dog has the right drives and has been PROPERLY trained to protect, ie, engage a human, your dog IS NOT reliable protection against anyone. Please remember that when the security of your faily comes up and act accordingly. The above comes after 27 years of training and deploying dogs in the work area.
If the dog you're asking about is the bullmastiff/boxer cross, you should be thankful you have a sweet, friendly dog!!! And yes, his protective instincts will kick in as he matures, don't try to do anything to make this dog more aggressive. You want him well socialized and friendly, he'll act more like an adult when he is one.
Yes of course, aren't you? Dogs have extremely sensative feelings. They pick up fear in a visitor quickly. Training is great but a dog's personality is in the genes. I'm a cat owner %26amp; dogs pick that up instantly. If you show him the visitor is welcome by you, that may put him more at ease.
My dogs the same way. They do have a spidey sense to know who is bad news though.
it all depends on the breed and age.
he dog (Canis lupus) is a type of canine, a mammal in the order Carnivora. The term includes both wild (feral) and domestic variants, but commonly excludes other canids such as wolves.
Over time, the dog has developed into hundreds of breeds with a great degree of variation. For example, heights at the withers range from just a few inches (such as the Chihuahua) to roughly three feet (such as the Irish Wolfhound); colors vary from white through grays (usually called blue) to black, and browns from light (tan) to dark (';red'; or ';chocolate';) in a tremendous variation of patterns; and coats can be anything from very short to several centimeters long, from coarse hair to something akin to wool, straight or curly, or smooth.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Overview
o 1.1 Origins
o 1.2 Human relationships
* 2 Terminology
* 3 Intelligence
o 3.1 Evaluation of a dog's intelligence
* 4 Physical characteristics
o 4.1 Sight
o 4.2 Hearing
o 4.3 Smell
* 5 Detection dogs and other variations
* 6 Diet
o 6.1 Dangerous substances
* 7 Reproduction
o 7.1 General
o 7.2 Males
o 7.3 Females
o 7.4 Copulation
o 7.5 Gestation and litters
* 8 Spaying and neutering
* 9 Overpopulation
* 10 Dog health
o 10.1 Diseases
o 10.2 Parasites
o 10.3 Common physical disorders
o 10.4 Lifespan
* 11 Behavior
o 11.1 Laughter in dogs
* 12 Dog communication
o 12.1 Interpreting animal body language
o 12.2 Dominance and submission
o 12.3 Body movements
o 12.4 Tail
o 12.5 Ears
o 12.6 Mouth
o 12.7 Eyes and eyebrows
o 12.8 Feet and Legs
o 12.9 Head
o 12.10 Barking
o 12.11 Growls
o 12.12 Whines and whimpers
o 12.13 Howls
o 12.14 Human speech
* 13 Ancestry and history of domestication
o 13.1 Wolf ancestors
o 13.2 Speed of domestication
* 14 Dog meat for human consumption
* 15 Dog abuse
o 15.1 Signs of dog abuse
* 16 Famous dogs
* 17 Dog breeds
o 17.1 Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds
o 17.2 Breed popularity
* 18 See also
* 19 References
* 20 Further reading
* 21 External links
Overview
Origins
Main article: Origin of the domestic dog
Dogs were domesticated from wolves as recently as 15,000 years ago,[1] or perhaps as early as 100,000 years ago based upon recent genetic, fossil and DNA evidence.[2] Other research suggests that dogs have only been domesticated for a much shorter amount of time and were domesticated from populations of wild dogs, which had previously diverged from wolves.[3][4]
New evidence suggests that dogs were first domesticated in East Asia, possibly China,[5] and the first peoples to enter North America took dogs with them from Asia. Genetic research has identified 14 ancient dog breeds, with the oldest being the Chow Chow, Shar Pei, Akita Inu, Shiba Inu and Basenji. Because many of the 14 breeds are associated with China and Japan, the theory that the dog originated in Asia seems to be likely.[5]
As humans migrated around the planet a variety of dog forms migrated with them. The agricultural revolution and subsequent urban revolution led to an increase in the dog population and a demand for specialization. These circumstances would provide the opportunity for selective breeding to create specialized working dogs and pets.
Human relationships
Dogs, like humans, are highly social animals and this similarity in their overall behavioral pattern accounts for their trainability, playfulness, and ability to fit into human households and social situations. This similarity has earned dogs a unique position in the realm of interspecies relationships.
The loyalty and devotion that dogs demonstrate as part of their natural instincts as pack animals closely mimics the human idea of love and friendship, leading many dog owners to view their pets as full-fledged family members. Conversely, dogs seem to view their human companions as members of their pack, and make few, if any, distinctions between their owners and fellow dogs. Dogs fill a variety of roles in human society and are often trained as working dogs. For dogs that do not have traditional jobs, a wide range of dog sports provide the opportunity to exhibit their natural skills. In many countries, the most common and perhaps most important role of dogs is as companions.
Dogs have lived with and worked with humans in so many roles that their loyalty has earned them the unique sobriquet ';man's best friend';.[6] However, some cultures consider dogs to be unclean. In some parts of the world, dogs are raised as livestock to produce dog meat for human consumption. In many places, consumption of dog meat is discouraged by social convention or cultural taboo.
Terminology
The English word dog, in common usage, refers to the domestic pet dog, Canis lupus familiaris. The species was originally classified as Canis familiaris by Linnaeus in 1758. In 1993, dogs were reclassified as a subspecies of the gray wolf, Canis lupus, by the Smithsonian Institution and the American Society of Mammalogists. ';Dog'; is sometimes used to refer collectively to any mammal belonging to the family Canidae (as in ';the dog family';), such as wolves, foxes, and coyotes. Some members of the family have ';dog'; in their common names, such as the African Wild Dog. The constellations Canes Venatici, Canis Major and Canis Minor are named from the Latin word for ';dog,'; for their perceived resemblance to dogs.
The English word dog might derive from the Old English docga, a ';powerful breed of canine';. The French dogue and Spanish dogo as in dogo Argentino are borrowings from English. The English word hound is a cognate of the German Hund and Dutch hond which, though referring to a specific breed in English, means ';dog'; in general in German and Dutch. Hound itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European *kwon-, which is the direct root of the Greek κυων (kuōn) and the indirect root of the Latin canis through the variant form *kani-.[7]
In breeding circles, a male canine is referred to as a dog, while a female canine is called a *****. Offspring are generally called pups or puppies until they are about a year old. A group of offspring is a litter. The process of birth is whelping. Many terms are used for dogs that are not purebred.
Intelligence
Main article: Dog intelligence
Many dogs can easily be trained to retrieve.
Many dogs can easily be trained to retrieve.
Among dog lovers, dogs are generally valued for their intelligence, and both anecdotal evidence and scientific research suggest that dogs have a reasonably high intelligence. This intelligence is expressed differently with different breeds and individuals, however. For example, Border Collies are noted for their ability to learn commands, while other breeds may not be so motivated towards obedience, but instead show their cleverness in devising ways to steal food or escape from a yard. Being highly adaptable animals themselves, dogs have learned to do a great number of very eclectic jobs as man has required over the generations. Dogs are employed in various roles across the globe, proving invaluable assets in areas such as search-and-rescue; law enforcement (including attack dogs, sniffer dogs and tracking dogs); guards for livestock, people or property; herding; Arctic exploration sled-pullers; guiding the blind and acting as a pair of ears for the deaf; assisting with hunting, and a great many other roles which they may be trained to assume. Dogs are descended from wolves, and are also pack animals, making them easier than other animals to train because dogs' instincts are to obey. Most dogs rarely have to deal with complex tasks and are unlikely to learn relatively complicated activities (such as opening doors) unaided. Some dogs (such as guide dogs for the visually impaired) are specially trained to recognize and avoid dangerous situations.
Evaluation of a dog's intelligence
The meaning of ';intelligence'; in general, not only in reference to dogs, is hard to define. Some tests measure problem-solving abilities and others test the ability to learn in comparison to others of the same age. Defining it for dogs is just as difficult. It is likely that dogs do not have the ability to premeditate an action to solve a problem. Some dogs may, however, have more drive to keep trying various things until they accidentally reach a solution and still others might have more ability to make the association between the ';accident'; and the result.[citation needed]
For example, the ability to learn quickly could be a sign of intelligence. Conversely it could be interpreted as a sign of blind subservience and a desire to please. In contrast, some dogs who do not learn very quickly may have other talents. An example is breeds that are not particularly interested in pleasing their owners, such as Siberian Huskies. Huskies are often fascinated with the myriad of possibilities for escaping from yards, catching small animals, and often figuring out on their own numerous inventive ways of doing both.
Assistance dogs are also required to be obedient at all times. This means they must learn a tremendous number of commands, understand how to act in a large variety of situations, and recognize threats to their human companion, some of which they might never before have encountered.
Many owners of livestock guardian breeds believe that breeds like the Great Pyrenees or the Kuvasz are not easily trained because their stubborn nature prevents them from seeing the point of such commands as “sit” or “down”. Hounds may also suffer from this type of ranking. In fact several rank in the bottom tier of ';The Intelligence of Dogs'; list (such as Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Basset Hounds).[citation needed] These dogs are bred to have more of a ';pack'; mentality with other dogs and less reliance on a master's direct commands. While they may not have the same kind of intelligence as a Border Collie, they were not bred to learn and obey commands quickly, but to think for themselves while trailing game.
Physical characteristics
Main article: Dog anatomy
Some dogs, like this Weimaraner, have their predatory instincts suppressed in order to better assist human hunters.
Some dogs, like this Weimaraner, have their predatory instincts suppressed in order to better assist human hunters.
See also: Dog health
Modern dog breeds show more variation in size, appearance, and behavior than any other domestic animal. Within the range of extremes, dogs generally share attributes with their wild ancestors, the wolves. Dogs are predators and scavengers, possessing sharp teeth and strong jaws for attacking, holding, and tearing their food. Although selective breeding has changed the appearance of many breeds, all dogs retain basic traits from their distant ancestors. Like many other predatory mammals, the dog has powerful muscles, fused wristbones, a cardiovascular system that supports both sprinting and endurance, and teeth for catching and tearing. Compared to the bone structure of the human foot, dogs technically walk on their toes.
Sight
Amazonian dogs, such as this one from Alto Amazonas, Peru are critical for indigenous peoples' hunting strategies, particularly in the rain forest.
Amazonian dogs, such as this one from Alto Amazonas, Peru are critical for indigenous peoples' hunting strategies, particularly in the rain forest.
Dogs were thought to be dichromats and thus, by human standards, color blind.[8][9] It is now known that dogs can't see the color red very well.
Different breeds of dogs have different eye shapes and dimensions, and they also have different retina configurations.[10] Dogs with long noses have a ';visual streak'; which runs across the width of the retina and gives them a very wide field of excellent vision, while those with short noses have an ';area centralis'; -- a central patch with up to three times the density of nerve endings as the visual streak -- giving them detailed sight much more like a human's.
Some breeds, particularly the best sighthounds, have a field of vision up to 270° (compared to 180° for humans), although broad-headed breeds with short noses have a much narrower field of vision, as low as 180°.[8][9]
Hearing
This Collie/Saluki angles her ears to find the source of a sound.
This Collie/Saluki angles her ears to find the source of a sound.
Dogs detect sounds as low as the 16 to 20Hz frequency range (compared to 20 to 70 Hz for humans) and above 45 kHz[11] (compared to 13 to 20 kHz for humans)[9], and in addition have a degree of ear mobility that helps them to rapidly pinpoint the exact location of a sound. Eighteen or more muscles can tilt, rotate and raise or lower a dog's ear. Additionally, a dog can identify a sound's location much faster than a human can, as well as hear sounds up to four times the distance that humans are able to. Those with more natural ear shapes, like those of wild canids like the fox, generally hear better than those with the floppier ears of many domesticated species.
Smell
Dogs have nearly 220 million smell-sensitive cells over an area about the size of a pocket handkerchief (compared to 5 million over an area the size of a postage stamp for humans). Some breeds have been selectively bred for excellence in detecting scents, even compared to their canine brethren. What information a dog actually detects when he is scenting is not perfectly understood; although once a matter of debate, it now seems to be well established that dogs can distinguish two different types of scents when trailing, an air scent from some person or thing that has recently passed by, as well as a ground scent that remains detectable for a much longer period. The characteristics and behavior of these two types of scent trail would seem, after some thought, to be quite different, the air scent being intermittent but perhaps less obscured by competing scents, whereas the ground scent would be relatively permanent with respect to careful and repetitive search by the dog, but would seem to be much more contaminated with other scents. In any event, it is established by those who train tracking dogs that it is impossible to teach the dog how to track any better than it does naturally; the object instead is to motivate it properly, and teach it to maintain focus on a single track and ignore any others that might otherwise seem of greater interest to an untrained dog. An intensive search for a scent, for instance searching a ship for contraband, can actually be very fatiguing for a dog, and the dog must be motivated to continue this hard work for a long period of time.
Detection dogs and other variations
There are several types of working dogs:
* The detection dog, which is a dog trained to and works at using its senses (almost always the sense of smell) to detect substances such as explosives or illegal drugs.
* Hunting dogs that search for game.
* Search dogs that search for missing humans.
Some less used types include the war dog and pariah dog.
Diet
At present, there is some debate as to whether domestic dogs should be classified as omnivores or carnivores, by diet. The classification in the Order Carnivora does not necessarily mean that a dog's diet must be restricted to meat; unlike an obligate carnivore, such as the cat family with its shorter small intestine, a dog is dependent on neither meat-specific protein nor a very high level of protein in order to fulfill its basic dietary requirements. Dogs are able to healthily digest a variety of foods including vegetables and grains, and in fact can consume a large proportion of these in their diet. Wild canines not only eat available plants to obtain essential amino acids, but also obtain nutrients from vegetable matter from the stomach and intestinal contents of their herbivorous prey, which they usually consume. Domestic dogs can survive healthily on a reasonable and carefully designed vegetarian diet, particularly if eggs and milk products are included. Some sources suggest that a dog fed on a strict vegetarian diet may develop dilated cardiomyopathy since it lacks L-carnitine, [12] however, maintaining a balanced diet is also a factor since L-carnitine is found naturally in many nuts, seeds, beans, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. In the wild, dogs can survive on a vegetarian diet when animal prey is not available. However it has been noted, both by observation of extremely stressful conditions such as the Iditarod race and by scientific studies of similar conditions, that high-protein (approximately 40%) diets including meat help prevent damage to muscle tissue. (This research is also true for some other mammals.) This level of protein corresponds to the percentage of protein found in the wild dog's diet when prey is abundant; higher levels of protein seem to confer no added benefit.
Dogs frequently eat grass, which is a harmless activity. Explanations abound, but rationales such as that it neutralizes acid, or that eating grass might make the dog vomit, so dogs eat grass to remove unwanted substances from their stomachs, are at best educated guesses. Dogs do vomit more readily than humans, as part of their typical feeding behavior of gulping down food then regurgitating indigestible bones, fur, etc. This behavior is typical of pack feeding in the wild, where the most important thing is to get as much of the kill as possible before others consume it all. Individual domestic dogs, however, may be very ';picky'; eaters, in the absence of this evolutionary pressure.
Dangerous substances
Some foods commonly enjoyed by humans are dangerous to dogs, including chocolate (Theobromine poisoning), onions, grapes and raisins [13], some types of gum, certain sweeteners[14] and Macadamia nuts. It is currently believed that the only dangerous substance in chocolate is cocoa, meaning that forms of chocolate without this compound, such as white chocolate may become re-evaluated for their safety in future.
The acute danger from grapes and raisins has been uncovered only since about 2000, and made public slowly since then. At present the cause is not known, but one veterinarian [15] believes it may be an acute auto-immune response to plant-borne viruses [16] in the same manner as FIP in cats. Whatever the reason, since only small quantities are necessary to induce acute renal failure, dogs should not be fed grapes or raisins, and sultanas and currants should likely be withheld as well.
Cooked bones should never be given to dogs, as the heat changes the chemical and physical properties so that they cannot be chewed properly, splintering into jagged shards, and resist digestion.
Human medications should not be given to a dog as a substitute for their regular medication as some can be especially toxic, especially paracetamol/acetaminophen (Tylenol). Alcoholic beverages pose much of the same hazards to dogs as they do to humans.
Dogs may also find some poisons attractive, including antifreeze, snail bait, insect bait, and rodent poisons. Antifreeze may be one of the most insidious of poisons to dogs because of its sweet taste and because a dog may walk upon or lie down upon a spill of it or its residue and then lick it off. Dogs must be kept strictly away from antifreeze and not allowed access to any place that has had a spill of it that has not been completely removed.
Plants such as caladium, dieffenbachia and philodendron will cause throat irritations that will burn the throat going down as well as coming up. Hops are particularly dangerous and even small quantities can lead to malignant hyperthermia. [17]
Amaryllis, daffodil, english ivy, iris, and tulip (especially the bulbs) cause gastric irritation and sometimes central nervous system excitement followed by coma, and, in severe cases, even death.
Ingesting foxglove, lily of the valley, larkspur and oleander can be life threatening because the cardiovascular system is affected. Equally life threatening is the yew which affects the nervous system. If any of these plants are ingested, get the dog to a veterinarian immediately.
Many household cleaners such as ammonia, bleach, disinfectants, drain cleaner, soaps, detergents, and other cleaners, mothballs and matches are dangerous to dogs, as are cosmetics such as deodorants, hair coloring, nail polish and remover, home permanent lotion, and suntan lotion.
Zinc toxicity, mostly in the form of the ingestion of US pennies minted after 1982, is commonly fatal in dogs where it causes a severe hemolytic anemia. [18]
Dogs will occasionally eat their own feces or the feces of other species if available, such as that of cats and horses. This is known as coprophagia, and may be indicative of boredom or hunger, although there is no definitive reason known. Owners of both cats and dogs may find that dogs treat the catbox as a snack bar. Such behavior should be discouraged, as it could lead to Toxoplasmosis.
Reproduction
Main article: Canine reproduction
General
In domestic dogs, sexual maturity (puberty) begins to happen around age 6 to 12 months for both males and females, although this can be delayed until up to two years old for some large breeds. Adolescence for most domestic dogs is around 12 to 15 months, beyond which they are for the most part more adult than puppy. As with other domesticated species, domestication has selectively bred for higher libido and earlier and more frequent breeding cycles in dogs, than in their wild ancestors.
Males
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Females
Females have a twice-yearly fertile period, known as 'seasons', during which her body prepares for pregnancy, and at the peak she will come ';into heat';, her fertile period, during which time she will be mentally and physically receptive to copulation. A female is able to become pregnant on her first heat; this is not normally considered advisable as she is mentally and physically still young in other ways.
As with most domesticated species, one of the first and strongest effects seen from selective breeding is selection for cooperation with the breeding process as directed by humans. In domestic dogs, one of the behaviors that is noted is the abolition of the pair bond seen in wild canines. The ability of female domestic dog to come into estrus at any time of the year and usually twice a year is also valued. The amount of time between cycles varies greatly among different dogs, but a particular dog's cycle tends to be consistent through her life. This is also called in season or in heat. Conversely, undomesticated canine species experience estrus once a year, typically in late winter.
Most female dogs come into season for the first time between 6 and 12 months, although some larger breeds delay until as late as 2 years. Like most mammals, the age that a ***** first comes into season is mostly a function of her current body weight as a proportion of her body weight when fully mature. The different rates of maturation are responsible for the menarche, not the chronological age. They then experience fertile seasons biannually until old age. Female dogs do not experience menopause, although their cycles will become irregular and fertility becomes unpredictable as the become older. Dogs over around 7 or 8 years are usually considered no longer appropriate for breeding, but can still remain fertile.
Copulation
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When copulating, a male canine initially mounts the female from behind, as with most tetrapods, a position known informally as doggy style. The female will hold her tail to the side and allow this if receptive. If unreceptive she may sit or lie down, snap, move away, or otherwise be uncooperative or not allow mating. The male will often move about as he tries to get a good purchase upon her, and whilst attempting penetration of his penis to the female's vulva. At this point, the penis is not erect, it is slender and held rigid by a small bone inside, known as the baculum.
When the male achieves penetration, he will often hold tighter and thrust faster, and it is at this point when he is mating that the male's penis expands. Canine reproduction is different from human sexual intercourse, because human males become erect first, and then enter the female; canine males enter first, then swell and become erect.
The male dog has a bulbus glandis, a spherical area of erectile tissue at the base of the penis, which traps the penis inside the female's vagina during copulation as it becomes engorged with blood. [1]
Once the penis is locked into the vagina by the bulbus glandis, the male will usually lift a leg and swing it over the female's back while turning around. The two stand with their hind ends touching and the penis locked inside the vagina while ejaculation occurs, decreasing leakage of semen from the vagina. After some time, typically 5 - 20 minutes (but sometimes longer), the bulbus glandis disengorges, allowing the mates to separate. Virgin dogs can become quite distressed at finding themselves unable to separate during their first copulation, and may try to pull away or run. Dog breeders' websites often suggest it is appropriate for those involved to help calm and settle the mating dogs once this stage is reached, if they show anxiety, through until eventual separation.
Note that similar canine mounting behavior (sometimes with pelvic thrusting) is also used by dominant canines of both sexes. Dominance mounting, with or without thrusting, should not be confused with copulatory mounting, in which the thrusting is short term until a ';tie'; is achieved.
Gestation and litters
A Catahoula Leopard mother nursing her litter of puppies.
A Catahoula Leopard mother nursing her litter of puppies.
Dogs bear their litters roughly 9 weeks after fertilization, although the length of gestation can vary from 56 to 72 days. A general rule of thumb is that a mammal will produce half as many offspring as the number of teats on the mother. This rule is altered in domesticated animals since larger litters are often favored for economic reasons and in dogs, particularly, the great range of sizes and shapes plays a role in how many healthy puppies a female can carry. An average litter consists of about six puppies, though this number may vary widely based on the breed of dog. Toy dogs generally produce from one to four puppies in each litter, while much larger breeds may average as many as 12 pups in each litter. The number of puppies also varies with the mother's age and health, the father's sperm count, the timing of the breeding, and many other factors.
Some breeds have been developed to emphasize certain physical traits beyond the point at which they can safely bear litters on their own. For example, the Bulldog often requires artificial insemination and almost always requires cesarean section for giving birth. Since a mother can provide nutrients and care to only a limited number of offspring, humans must assist in the care and feeding when the litter exceeds approximately eight puppies.
Spaying and neutering
Main article: Spaying and neutering
The neutrality of this section is disputed.
Please see the discussion on the talk page.
Spaying (females only) and neutering (both genders but more usually males) refers to the sterilization of animals, usually by removal of the male's testicles or the female's ovaries and uterus, in order to eliminate the ability to procreate, and reduce sex drive. Neutering has also been known to reduce aggression in male dogs, but can occasionally increase aggression in female dogs.
Animal control agencies in the United States and the ASPCA advise that dogs not intended for further breeding should be spayed or neutered so that they do not have undesired puppies. In the less developed countries of Europe, spaying or neutering of dogs is less common, and owners are usually instead advised to keep their dogs on leash and under supervision to avoid unwanted matings; drugs are used to prevent pregnancy and abort unwanted litters. [citation needed]
Because of the overpopulation of dogs in some countries, puppies born to strays or as the result of accidental breedings often end up being killed in animal shelters. Spaying and neutering can also decrease the risk of hormone-driven diseases such as mammary cancer, as well as undesired hormone-driven behaviors. The hormonal changes involved with sterilization are likely to somewhat change the animal's personality, however, and some object to spaying and neutering as the sterilization could be carried out without the excision of organs.
Contrary to myth, it is not required for a female dog to either experience a heat cycle or have puppies before spaying, and likewise, a male dog does not need the experience of mating before neutering; these myths are responsible for numerous unnecessary health problems and unwanted puppies. Female dogs spayed before their first heat have a vastly lower incidence of mammary tumors than dogs which are spayed after their first heat or pregnancy (1% verses 22%). A female dog can become pregnant on her first heat cycle (which can take place as early as six months), and should be kept away from intact male dogs, including littermates, over the age of 4 months.
Gender-preservative surgeries such as vasectomy and tubal ligation are possible, but do not appear to be popular due to the continuation of gender-specific behaviors and disease risks.
Overpopulation
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States and many more are confined to cages in shelters because there are many more animals than there are homes. Spaying or neutering dogs helps keep overpopulation down.[19] Local humane societies, SPCA's and other animal protection organizations urge people to spay or neuter their pets and to adopt animals from shelters instead of purchasing them. Several notable public figures have spoken out against animal over population, including Bob Barker. On his game show, The Price is Right, Barker stressed the issue at the end of every episode, saying: ';Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.';
Dog health
Main article: Dog health
Further information: Category:Dog health
Dogs are susceptible to various diseases, ailments, and poisons, some of which affect humans in the same way, others of which are unique to dogs. Dogs, like all mammals, are also susceptible to heat exhaustion when dealing with high levels of humidity and/or extreme temperatures.[20]
Diseases
Infectious diseases commonly associated with dogs include rabies (hydrophobia), canine parvovirus, and canine distemper. Congenital diseases of dogs can include a wide range from hip dysplasia and medial patellar luxation to epilepsy and pulmonic stenosis. Canines can get just about anything a human can get (excluding many infections which are species specific) like hypothyroidism, cancer, dental disease, heart disease, etc.
Two serious medical conditions affecting dogs are pyometra, affecting unspayed females of all types and ages, and bloat, which affects the larger breeds or deep chested dogs. Both of these are acute conditions, and can kill rapidly; owners of dogs which may be at risk should learn about such conditions as part of good animal care.
Parasites
Common external parasites are various species of fleas, ticks, and mites. Internal parasites include hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms. See also CVBD (Canine Vector-Borne Diseases).
Common physical disorders
Some breeds of dogs are also prone to certain genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, cleft palate, blindness, or deafness. Dogs are also susceptible to the same ailments that humans are, including diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, and arthritis. Gastric torsion and bloat is a dangerous problem in some large-chested breeds.
Lifespan
Main article: Dog years
The typical lifespan of dogs varies considerably by breed. For example, many giant dog breeds (such as Great Danes) average only 7 or 8 years, while some small terrier breeds, or toy breeds might live as long as 20 or above. The average lifespan for mixed-breed and midsize dogs is about 13 to 14 years. The longest-lived dog with reliable documentation died at 29 years and 27 days, the breed of the dog was an Australian cattle dog and it lived in Virginia, USA, the date of death was in 1939. The oldest currently living dog is from Canberra, Australia and is now 27 years old. Although the lifespans of all living species are mostly uncontrollable, one can significantly extend a dog's life by feeding it the right kinds of foods, giving it regular exercise, treating its diseases, caring for its special needs and giving it love and comfort.
Behavior
For details, see Category:Dog training and behavior.
Dogs are very social animals, but their personality and behavior vary with breed as well as how they are treated by their owners and others who come in contact with them. Physical abuse and starvation can produce very neurotic, dangerous dogs, and even simply failing to socialize them properly may entail maladaptive behaviors. [citation needed] It is not uncommon for dogs to attack humans and other animals; however, this is usually because of lack of care or improper upbringing by its owner.
Laughter in dogs
Laughter might not be confined or unique to humans, despite Aristotle's observation that ';only the human animal laughs';. The differences between chimpanzee and human laughter may be the result of adaptations that have evolved to enable human speech. However, some behavioral psychologists argue that self-awareness of one's situation, or the ability to identify with somebody else's predicament, are prerequisites for laughter, so animals are not really laughing in the same way that we do.
The dog-laugh sounds similar to a normal pant. However by analyzing the pant using a spectrograph, this pant varies with bursts of frequencies, resulting in a laugh. When this recorded dog-laugh vocalization is played to dogs in a shelter setting, it can initiate play, promote pro-social behavior, and decrease stress levels. In a study by Simonet, Versteeg, and Storie, one hundred and twenty subject dogs residing in a mid-size county animal shelter were observed. Dogs ranging from 4 months to 10 years of age were compared with and without exposure to a dog-laugh recording. The stress behaviors measured included panting, growling, salivating, pacing, barking, cowering, lunging, play-bows, sitting, orienting and lying down. The study resulted in positive findings when exposed to the dog laughing resulted in the following: significantly reduced stress behaviors, increased tail wagging and the display of a play-face when playing was initiated, and the increase of pro-social behavior such as approaching and lip licking were more frequent. This research suggests exposure to dog-laugh vocalizations can calm and possibly increase shelter adoptions. Simonet, Versteeg, %26amp; Storie 2005 A dog laughter sample. Simonet 2005
Dog communication
Main article: Dog communication
Dog communication comes in a variety of forms. Dogs use certain movements of their bodies and body parts and different vocalizations to send signals to other dogs, animals and humans. There are a number of basic ways a dog can communicate. These are movements of the ears, eyes and ';eyebrows';, mouth, head, tail, and entire body, as well as barks, growls, whines and whimpers, and howls.
Interpreting animal body language
It is important to note that while many gestures and actions have common, stereotypical meanings, researchers regularly seem to find that animal communication is often more complex and subtle than previously believed, and that the same gesture may have multiple distinct meanings depending on context and other behaviors. So generalizations such as ';X means Y'; are often, but not always accurate. For example, even a simple tail wag may (depending on context) convey many meanings including:
* Excitement
* Anticipation
* Playfulness
* Contentment/enjoyment
* Happy self-confidence
But also:
* Anxiety
* Questioning another animal or a human as to intentions
* Tentative role assessment on meeting another animal
* Reassurance (';I'm hoping to be friendly, are you?';)
* Uncertainty/apprehension
* Submissive placation (if worried by a more dominant animal)
Combined with other body language, in a specific context, many gestures such as yawns, direction of vision, and so on all convey meaning. Panting may mean ';Too hot';; it might also mean either emotional anxiety or happiness too. Thus statements that a particular action ';means'; something should always be interpreted to mean ';often means'; something. As with human beings, who may smile or hug or stand a particular way for multiple reasons, many animals reuse gestures too.
Descriptions in this article are therefore best viewed as common generalizations, to which a more experienced observer will be able to add further detail or understanding.
Ethology is a science which studies animal behavior.
Dominance and submission
One of the most common communications between dogs, and from dogs to their human companions, is the display of either dominance or submission. Most dogs and wild canines live in groups, or packs, with an established hierarchy. Dogs will, usually, submit to any dog that is more dominant than they are. There are innumerable ways a dog can show their dominance or submission, depending on situation, the amount of difference in social rank, and each dog's own personality. Dominant dogs are more confident, while submissive dogs are more insecure. Both of these traits show in almost every communication signal a dog gives.
Body movements
See also Wolf body language
Tail
How high or low the tail is held, in relation to how the dog's breed naturally carries their tail, and how it is moved can signify the dog's mood and/or rank. The higher the tail is carried, the more dominant/confident the dog is; the lower, the more submissive/insecure. A tail held straight up, or even slightly curved over the back, shows that the dog is very dominant. If the fur on the tail is also bristled, the dog is saying they are willing and able to defend their position.
Small, slow wags of the tail says the dog is questioning things around them. Either they aren't sure if the target dog or person is friendly, or they aren't sure what is going on or what is expected of them.
Large, fast wags of the tail is a sign of a happy or excited dog. If the wags are large enough to pull the dog's hips with them, the message includes a bit of submission to someone they view as pack leader.
Dogs with docked tails, like Dobermanns, tend to have some problems communicating with other dogs, since their tail movements are extremely difficult to detect.
Ears
Ear position relates the dog's level of attention, and reaction, to a situation or animal. Erect ears facing forward means the dog is very attentive, while ears laid back suggests a negative, usually fearful, reaction. Dogs with drop ears, like Beagles, can't use these signals very well, as the signals first developed in wolves, whose ears are pricked. Wolf-like dogs will, when content and happy, often hold their ears in a horizontal position but still forward. This has been referred to as the ';Wolf Smile';
Mouth
Mouth expressions can provide information about the dog's mood. When a dog wants to be left alone, he might yawn (although yawning also might indicate sleepiness, confusion, or stress) or start licking his mouth without the presence of any food. When a dog is happy or wants to play, he might pant with lips relaxed, covering the teeth and with what sometimes appears to be a happy expression (it might appear as a smile to some observers) or with the mouth open. Mouth expressions that indicate aggression include the snarl, with lips retracting to expose the teeth, although some dogs also use this during play.
It's important to look at the dog's whole body and not just the mouth or tail before deciding what the dog is trying to communicate. What appears initially as aggression might be an invitation to play, or vice-versa.
Eyes and eyebrows
While dogs don't have actual eyebrows, they do have a distictive ridge above their eyes, and some breeds, like the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd, have markings there. A dog's eyebrow movements usually express a similar emotion to that of a human's eyebrow movements. Raised eyebrows suggest interest, lowered brows suggest confusion or mild anger, and one eyebrow up suggests bewilderment. Slitted eyes translate the same as human's also: suspicion or anger.
Feet and Legs
Although a dog's feet cannot manipulate like human hands, a person can use them as an avenue of communication. A dog might stamp its feet, alternating its left and right front legs, while its back legs are still. This occurs when the dog is excited, wants something, or wants its owner's attention. Pointers tend to tuck one front leg up, when they sense game nearby. This behavior might not be communication so much as the dog freezing mid-step as a result of the dog's instinct telling the dog to immediately still. It is also common for dogs to paw or scratch for objects they desire. Many dogs are trained to mimic a human handshake, offering a paw to a human stooping down and offering their own hand in exchange.
Head
An unstressed dog in typical posture allows its tongue to loll out of its mouth. Note the squinted eyes, as the owner was praising him for sitting still for the picture.
An unstressed dog in typical posture allows its tongue to loll out of its mouth. Note the squinted eyes, as the owner was praising him for sitting still for the picture.
A dog's ability to make facial gestures is not as refined as a human's. However, they can wrinkle or straighten their forehead to show confusion or determination, and when puzzled or curious, will often raise their eyelids and tilt their head to one side.
A dog's eyes widen when playful and unthreatened. Some dogs squint their eyes when they are praised. When afraid, a dog's pupils typically dilate. Most dogs avoid intimate eye contact, seemingly to avoid confrontation. But when angered or preparing for self-defense, a dog's eyes will narrow and follow it's foe's moves carefully. When exhibiting aggressive behavior, it is best to not look an unfamiliar dog in the eye, because it may interpret it as a challenge.
An unstressed dog in typical posture allows its tongue to loll out of its mouth. When begging, or when they are particularly happy, they may pull their lips back seemingly to smile. This pseudo-smile is normally only exhibited when interacting with people, perhaps a learned behavior from humans. A dog showing tightly clenched teeth and wrinkled nose is likely to attack if further provoked.
Dogs have excellent hearing, and can position their ears advantageously for following sounds. Dogs typically raise their ears when listening intently and when demonstrating compliance with commands. When a dog's ears are pulled back, they may be showing submission, or fear.
Barking
Main article: Bark (dog)
Dogs bark for many reasons, such as when perceived intruders (humans, dogs, or other animals) approach its territory, for identification, when hearing an unfamiliar or unidentified noise, when seeing something that the dog doesn't expect to be there, or when playing. Barking also expresses different emotions for a dog, such as loneliness, fear, suspicion, stress, and pleasure. Play or excited barks are often short and sharp, such as when a dog is attempting to get a person or another dog to play.
Dogs generally try to avoid conflict; their vocalizations are part of what communicates to other dogs whether they mean harm or are in a playful mood.
The bark of a distressed or stressed dog is high pitched, atonal, and repetitive (and tends to get higher in pitch as the dog becomes more upset). For example, a dog left home alone and who has separation anxiety might bark in such a way.
Some research has suggested that dogs have separate barks for different animals, including dog, fox, deer, human and cat.
Growls
Main article: Growling
Growls can be used to threaten, to invite play, and to show dominance. Growling should be watched with special attention because it can indicate dominance or aggression. A soft, low-pitched growl often indicates aggression; the dog may feel threatened and may be provoked to attack. An intense growl, without showing any teeth, may often indicate a playful attitude. Always consider the context of a growl, and exercise caution.
Whines and whimpers
Dogs whine and whimper to show that they are in pain or are afraid, but also when excited, such as when greeting another dog, or in anticipation of a treat or an outing. Some dogs may use whining as a means of getting attention.
Howls
Howling provides long-range communication with other dogs or owners. Howling can be used to locate another pack member, to keep strangers away, or to call the pack for hunting. Sometimes dogs howl in response to high-pitched or loud noises such as alarms, sirens, music, or singing. In Russia, a howling dog represents a bad sign, for it is believed that howling dogs sense somebody's death somewhere in the vicinity. Sometimes dogs howl when trains are honking or a Civil defense siren is going off. The latter in particular is a source of humor for many dog-owners.
Human speech
Often undiscussed, some dogs may try to mimic human speech, or are trained to. This ability does not appear to be limited to any particular breed, though to quote trainer A.J. Haggerty ';Generally, dogs that have a brachycephalic head — a wide head with a short muzzle — like the Bulldog, are good candidates for talking. They have cavernous mouths that make it easier for them to produce rounder sounds. I have found that Rottweilers are among the best talkers, because of the shape of their heads, and the fact that they have a high energy level. Terriers can also be good talkers, because they’re high energy dogs.'; Most recent examples have included a talking pug on the Late Show with David Letterman. This kind of vocalization does not have a set meaning, and is unique to its situation.
Ancestry and history of domestication
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Origin of the domestic dog. (Discuss)
Main article: Origin of the domestic dog
This ancient mosaic, likely Roman, shows a large dog with a collar hunting a lion.
This ancient mosaic, likely Roman, shows a large dog with a collar hunting a lion.
Molecular systematics indicate that the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) descends from one or more populations of wild wolves (Canis lupus). As reflected in the nomenclature, dogs are descended from the wolf and are able to interbreed with wolves.
The relationship between human and canine has deep roots. Wolf remains have been found in association with hominid remains dating from 400,000 years ago. Converging archaeological and genetic evidence indicate a time of domestication in the late Upper Paleolithic close to the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary, between 17,000 and 14,000 years ago. Fossil bone morphologies and genetic analysis of current and ancient dog and wolf populations have not yet been able to conclusively determine whether all dogs descend from a single domestication event, or whether dogs were domesticated independently in more than one location. Domesticated dogs may have interbred with local populations of wild wolves on several occasions (so-called introgression).
The earliest dog fossils, two crania from Russia and a mandible from Germany, date from 13,000 to 17,000 years ago. Their likely ancestor is the large northern Holarctic wolf, Canis lupus lupus. Remains of smaller dogs from Mesolithic (Natufian) cave deposits in the Middle East, dated to around 12,000 years ago, have been interpreted as descendants of a lighter Southwest Asian wolf, Canis lupus arabs. Rock art and skeletal remains indicate that by 14,000 years ago, dogs were present from North Africa across Eurasia to North America. Dog burials at the Mesolithic cemetery of Svaerdborg in Denmark suggest that in ancient Europe dogs were valued companions.
Genetic analyses have so far yielded divergent results. Vilà, Savolainen, and colleagues (1997) concluded that dogs split off from wolves between 75,000 and 135,000 years ago, while a subsequent analysis by Savolainen et al. (2002) indicated a ';common origin from a single gene pool for all dog populations'; between 40,000 and 15,000 years ago in East Asia. Verginelli et al. (2005), however, suggest both sets of dates must be reevaluated in light of recent findings showing that poorly calibrated molecular clocks have systematically overestimated the age of geologically recent events. On balance, and in agreement with the archaeological evidence, 15,000 years ago is the most likely time for the wolf-dog divergence.
Verginelli examined ancient DNA evidence from five prehistoric Italian canids carbon-dated to between 15,000 and 3,000 years old, 341 wolves from several populations worldwide, and 547 purebred dogs. Their results indicate multiple independent origins of dogs and/or of frequent interbreeding between early proto-dogs and wolves throughout a vast geographic range. The detailed history remains unexplored and until further evidence is available, the following section on wolf ancestors must be considered purely speculative.
Wolf ancestors
Although all wolves belong to the species Canis lupus, there are (or were) many subspecies that had developed a distinctive appearance, social structure, and other traits. For example, the Japanese Wolf and the Eastern Timber Wolf possess different distinctive coloration, hunting and social structures. The origin of the dog is so ancient and so worldwide that many varieties of wolf played a part in it. It is wrong to say that dogs descended from modern wolves. They descended from ancestral wolves, and this difference must always be kept in mind. Ancestral wolves of many varieties existed all over the world. Humans are of a tropical origin, and it was there that the domestication of dogs from wolves first took place. It follows then, that the first wolves to be domesticated were the warm-climate, short-haired varieties that gave rise to many of our dog breeds, with the long-haired, northern wolves giving rise to our northern breeds when humans reached these latitudes.
The Indian Wolf is thought to have contributed to the development of more breeds of dogs than other subspecies. Many of today's wild dogs, such as the dingo and the pariah dogs, are descended from this wolf. The Indian Wolf is also thought to have bred with descendants of the European wolf to create the Mastiffs and eventually leading to the development of such diverse breeds as the Pug, the Saint Bernard, and the Bloodhound. The Tibetan Mastiff is an example of an ancient breed.
The European wolf, in turn, may have contributed many of its attributes to the Spitz dog types, most terriers, and many of today's sheepdogs. The Chinese wolf is probably ancestor to the Pekingese and toy spaniels, although it is also probable that descendants of the Chinese and European wolves encountered each other over the millennia, contributing to many of the oriental toy breeds.
The Eastern Timber Wolf is a direct ancestor to most, if not all, of the North American northern sled dog types. This interbreeding still occurs with dogs living in the Arctic region, where the attributes of the wolf that enable survival in a hostile environment are valued by humans. Additionally, unintentional crossbreeding occurs simply because dogs and wolves live in the same environment. The general reproductive isolation which is required to define dogs and wolves as separate species is purely a result of lack of opportunity, stemming from a general mutual unfamiliarity, suspicion, mistrust, and fear.
The phenotypic characteristics that distinguish a wolf from a dog are tenuous. Wolves typically have a ';brush tail'; and erect ears. While some dog breeds possess one of these characteristics, they rarely possess both.
Speed of domestication
Current research indicates that domestication, or the attributes of a domesticated animal, can occur much more quickly [21][citation needed], than previously believed. Domestication of a wild dog may occur within one or two human generations with deliberate selective breeding. It is also now generally believed that initial domestication was through mutual desire. Wild canines who scavenged around human habitations received more food than their more skittish or fearful counterparts. Canines who attacked people or their children were likely killed or driven away, while those more friendly animals survived. Canines would have been beneficial by chasing away other vermin or scavengers. With their sharp senses, they would also be valuable as an alarm against marauding predators. The relationship is theorized to have developed in this way.
A 2007 Animal Planet documentary discussed a 1900-1920 domestication experiment in Russia that led to rapid unusual changes in the coats of foxes.
Dog meat for human consumption
Main article: Dog meat
In some countries, certain dog breeds, apart from being kept as pets, are raised on farms and slaughtered for consumption. In countries where dogs are particularly popular as household pets, consumption of dogs is generally taboo and considered an abhorrent cultural practice, but there are exceptions, such as Vietnam, where dogs are popular as pets and as meat.[22]
Although the Chinese were the first to domesticate the dog and keep them as pets, dog meat has been a source of food in China from at least the time of Confucius, and possibly even before. Ancient writings from the Zhou Dynasty referred to the 'three beasts' (which were bred for food), including pig, goat, and dog. Mencius, the philosopher, recommended dog as the tastiest of all meats. In most other countries such as countries in the Western world, eating dog meat is strongly frowned upon, and illegal, as it is with cats.
Dog abuse
Main article: Cruelty to animals
Cruelty to dogs refers to treatment that causes unacceptable suffering or harm. What qualifies as unacceptable suffering varies among countries and cultures. Cruelty can be passive, typified by simple neglect, or active, with malicious intent.[23]
Signs of dog abuse
Signs of dog abuse include:
* Unusually frightened, fearful or subdued
* Fractures
* Bruising
* Eye injuries
* Scalds and burns
* Signs of malnutrition
* Significant matting or other
I don't understand, do you want him to bark at strangers? You question makes it seem like he likes strangers. Thats a good thing.
dogs pick up ques from the owner . people who are afraid of dogs give off a smell that alerts the dog that this person is not calm so they interpet this as danger. thats why they growl.
dogs will often remember people . my dog loves old people and this is not joke he loves old men on bikes he thinks they are all his granpaw and he wants to run to them .
my dog growls when he sees a cop or person in uniform .
over all the master is setting the mood . your dog has picked up that your a laid back calm person and so this is how the dog behaves. . the dog i have was given to me by a uptight women who thought he would bite people. i had that dog for one week and he was calm and kids and adults all could pat him . i have had him 5 years and he is a calm dog since i am a calm person.
It is wonderful that you dog greets new people with enthusiasm. He must have been well socialized as a pup. I wouldn't try training him to act any other way.
its instinct yes its natural. train it to be good with stangers (if you dont want them biting them)
Why is it natural instinct to protect yourself from harm?
obviously so you won't get hurt and die, but have you ever thought why? if one day the body will fail and expire on its own accord, why should its every reserve be spent trying to save it, up until the very last moment?Why is it natural instinct to protect yourself from harm?
It is not an instinct. It is a reflex, then learned. Surprise a baby and it will cry. It is a reflex it has. Fear is learned such as of heights, darkness, dying.
We fear what we do not know. For all the faiths in the world, there is always a fear that we might be wrong. Still, I have known two people who said, stop. I do not wish to fight any more.Why is it natural instinct to protect yourself from harm?
The body doesnt fail through choice - either conscious or subconcious - the body fails through attack via illness/injury or the uncontrollable effect of ageing. Throughout your life you try to seek ways to postpone all of these things, right to the bitter end.
that's one scary thing about life
It is not so much selfish interest, but inherent SPECIES preservation that drives it. GOD said ';Go forth and multiply'; in His very first commandment. It is part of each member of ALL species to try to procreate more of itself, and so ensure survival of its own kind.
Think of the salmon runs, for example, or the mayfly, whose only drive is to mate, then die.
thats is life? life sometimes , or in a lifetime, take away a moments occur
to outlive everyone.
Easy it wants to survive. Its programmed into us from cave men years. We know we're going to die but we also want to live as long as we possibly can even if we're not scared of death we want to keep living.
It has to do with wanting to survive, I guess. I know it seems pointless to some people, but I keep hanging around one more day in case something really cool happens, like aliens landing in my yard, or Elvis coming out of hiding. I'd be sorry I missed that.
Life of all sorts strives to live . It's natural .prom hair
It is not an instinct. It is a reflex, then learned. Surprise a baby and it will cry. It is a reflex it has. Fear is learned such as of heights, darkness, dying.
We fear what we do not know. For all the faiths in the world, there is always a fear that we might be wrong. Still, I have known two people who said, stop. I do not wish to fight any more.Why is it natural instinct to protect yourself from harm?
The body doesnt fail through choice - either conscious or subconcious - the body fails through attack via illness/injury or the uncontrollable effect of ageing. Throughout your life you try to seek ways to postpone all of these things, right to the bitter end.
that's one scary thing about life
It is not so much selfish interest, but inherent SPECIES preservation that drives it. GOD said ';Go forth and multiply'; in His very first commandment. It is part of each member of ALL species to try to procreate more of itself, and so ensure survival of its own kind.
Think of the salmon runs, for example, or the mayfly, whose only drive is to mate, then die.
thats is life? life sometimes , or in a lifetime, take away a moments occur
to outlive everyone.
Easy it wants to survive. Its programmed into us from cave men years. We know we're going to die but we also want to live as long as we possibly can even if we're not scared of death we want to keep living.
It has to do with wanting to survive, I guess. I know it seems pointless to some people, but I keep hanging around one more day in case something really cool happens, like aliens landing in my yard, or Elvis coming out of hiding. I'd be sorry I missed that.
Life of all sorts strives to live . It's natural .
My dogs natural instinct is to be agressive, mut she is rlly sweet, is there any way to train this out of her?
She is rlly sweet but if you catch her off guard, she bites. Is there any way to train this out of her? Obediance school? We dont want to put her down.My dogs natural instinct is to be agressive, mut she is rlly sweet, is there any way to train this out of her?
Depending on the breed, aggression is NOT a ';natural instinct.'; It is the product of poor breeding, poor training, and/or poor socialization. If the source of the problem is the first option, chances are nothing can be done.
Hire a behaviorist: they will be able to tell you everything you need to know.
PS - A trainer is not necessarily a behaviorist. Trainers deal with obedience, behaviorists deal with dog behavior and instinct related themes. There is a BIG different in their methods on working with dogs.My dogs natural instinct is to be agressive, mut she is rlly sweet, is there any way to train this out of her?
I suggest that you watch ';The Dog Whisperer'; - Cesar Millan on National Geographic channel. He deals with a lot of these situations. It is normally not the dog but the handler. You must be the Pack Leader with Calm Assertive energy and the dog must be in a Calm Submissive state. I've tried his techniques and they work.
Check out his web site... http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/
He also has some videos that are available on Amazon or his web site.
What do you mean her ';natural instinct';? Let me guess you have a Pitt and you have read a bunch of crap that they are bred to fight.
No dog is naturally aggressive. If the dog is properly trained and socialized then you are not going to have a aggressive dog.
Yes, get a behavioralist to work with the dog and show you how to train her. How old is the dog? Are there times that she is prone to biting more than others? Specifically, when she is eating, when she has toys, if you take somethingaway from her, etc...
There are training for this kind of conditions but they can get very expensive very soon.
Get her used to people. If she is used to people she has a less likely-hood of biting.
Sorry, its not instinct, just poor training...
Depending on the breed, aggression is NOT a ';natural instinct.'; It is the product of poor breeding, poor training, and/or poor socialization. If the source of the problem is the first option, chances are nothing can be done.
Hire a behaviorist: they will be able to tell you everything you need to know.
PS - A trainer is not necessarily a behaviorist. Trainers deal with obedience, behaviorists deal with dog behavior and instinct related themes. There is a BIG different in their methods on working with dogs.My dogs natural instinct is to be agressive, mut she is rlly sweet, is there any way to train this out of her?
I suggest that you watch ';The Dog Whisperer'; - Cesar Millan on National Geographic channel. He deals with a lot of these situations. It is normally not the dog but the handler. You must be the Pack Leader with Calm Assertive energy and the dog must be in a Calm Submissive state. I've tried his techniques and they work.
Check out his web site... http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/
He also has some videos that are available on Amazon or his web site.
What do you mean her ';natural instinct';? Let me guess you have a Pitt and you have read a bunch of crap that they are bred to fight.
No dog is naturally aggressive. If the dog is properly trained and socialized then you are not going to have a aggressive dog.
Yes, get a behavioralist to work with the dog and show you how to train her. How old is the dog? Are there times that she is prone to biting more than others? Specifically, when she is eating, when she has toys, if you take somethingaway from her, etc...
There are training for this kind of conditions but they can get very expensive very soon.
Get her used to people. If she is used to people she has a less likely-hood of biting.
Sorry, its not instinct, just poor training...
Has the narwhal in Canada Ice Area lost their natural instinct to check surrounding for survival?Why trapped? ?
Just read the news on 200 whales trapped in ice growing up area in Canada. Any better understanding on the creature?Has the narwhal in Canada Ice Area lost their natural instinct to check surrounding for survival?Why trapped? ?
I've not picked up on this story, but there are other incidents where several thousands have died from being trapped in this way, i.e. by being surrounded by ice. Being air breathing mammals they cannot, of course, swim under the ice for any great distance.
I've not picked up on this story, but there are other incidents where several thousands have died from being trapped in this way, i.e. by being surrounded by ice. Being air breathing mammals they cannot, of course, swim under the ice for any great distance.
Do women have a natural instinct to help them raise children?
Or, is the female body structured in such a way as to help them raise the child, or are they equal to men in this regard?
Overall question:- Do women have physical advantage over man to help them raise children?Do women have a natural instinct to help them raise children?
I doubt it.
Men and women over all, to me, are both equally nurturing. That's really the basic instinct for taking care of children. Knowing they need you, they're at a huge disadvantage and you're there to protect and guide them.
Men do this all the time in friendships and personal relationships, but since it's not directly related to children, I think this BS about it being natural for women but not men still lingers.
Ever seen a huge guy step in when a little guy is about to get pounded? To me, that's the same instinct as what we feel toward children.
Ever seen a kid on a bike going toward the street? Notice how fast a man and woman will both run to catch them? There's no difference.
Most *people* have that care-giving/protective instinct. It's clear in so many scenarios, I don't know how some people miss it and still believe it's just inherent to women.
Just look at men with their kids, re really any kids they care for/love, if anyone would say they're not as nurturing as women, I'd...smack 'em %26lt;3 haha
Just physically, I can't see anything about women that gives them any advantage once the baby's born, beyond breasts capable of feeding.Do women have a natural instinct to help them raise children?
There are certain attributes that nature has given women that are geared solely to women being the natural caretaker. One of course being breasts. We were made to feed our young by giving them the breast. Breastfeeding builds closeness and a special bond between mother and child as well as giving the children antibodies and immunities that go from mother to child. This bond generally translates itself into a nurturing instinct and a more patient loving mother.
Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, starting in the '20's and getting more and more popular as time went on, it became ';wrong'; to breatfeed ones children, thus breaking that bond and destroying the natural way to build one's nurturing nature. Also women are build for endurance, rather than brute strength, which also helps with the caretaking of children.
I'm not quite sure, but in my opinion I think there is such a thing as ';maternal instinct';, and I don't think as many fathers have a ';paternal instinct'; as often as mothers do.
I think women do have some sort of advantage as far as raising children goes, but at the same time I think it's just as important to be a good father as it is to be a good mother. You need both halves of the whole.
Nope
and in reality men have more patience when it comes to parenting.
women neglect children more often than men
women kill children more often than men
women abuse children more often than men
women sell children more often than men
women prostitute children for sex more often than men
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/鈥?/a>
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-traf鈥?/a>
http://www.lifecoaches.org/Web/Research.鈥?/a>
Besides mammaries, no. It is the act of caring for children that develops one's nurturing traits. Mothers might spend more time with their children, getting to know them, what works in terms of parenting and what doesn't. There was a paper that talked about how when mothers are unable to participate in parenting during the first few weeks of their child's life (due to medical complications), the fathers who are required to be more intensively involved in parenting than usual end up displaying the same nurturing behaviour that is often associated with motherhood.
Not all women do. I for one am not the stay at home parent my husband is. Him and I both know that he is better at raising children than I am. He is more patient with the kids than I am. So with that being said I think it depends on the person. But as far as a physical advantage goes I would say that women have that, for the simple reason that women give birth and protect them while in the womb.
I think women are more inclined than men to be interested in spending long periods of time with children. Also they seem to be more in tune with their needs. For instance, I always hear the children if they call, whereas my husband quite often doesn't. I notice things about them more than he does.
I do not think women have a physical advantage, but I do think hormones produced aid with emotional and a physiological advantage.
yes and so do men....bu instincts alone are not enough..instincts that are honed and developed are employed more successfully than innate instincts that havent been developed in an individual
Whatever natural instinct there is for raising children got left out of my gene pool. I'm childfree!
Some do but not all. Maternal instinct? That just means to nurture and not hurt.
Yes that is what theyre purpose in life is.
Yes, we have breasts that produce milk.
i hear some men do, but it's rare.
Overall question:- Do women have physical advantage over man to help them raise children?Do women have a natural instinct to help them raise children?
I doubt it.
Men and women over all, to me, are both equally nurturing. That's really the basic instinct for taking care of children. Knowing they need you, they're at a huge disadvantage and you're there to protect and guide them.
Men do this all the time in friendships and personal relationships, but since it's not directly related to children, I think this BS about it being natural for women but not men still lingers.
Ever seen a huge guy step in when a little guy is about to get pounded? To me, that's the same instinct as what we feel toward children.
Ever seen a kid on a bike going toward the street? Notice how fast a man and woman will both run to catch them? There's no difference.
Most *people* have that care-giving/protective instinct. It's clear in so many scenarios, I don't know how some people miss it and still believe it's just inherent to women.
Just look at men with their kids, re really any kids they care for/love, if anyone would say they're not as nurturing as women, I'd...smack 'em %26lt;3 haha
Just physically, I can't see anything about women that gives them any advantage once the baby's born, beyond breasts capable of feeding.Do women have a natural instinct to help them raise children?
There are certain attributes that nature has given women that are geared solely to women being the natural caretaker. One of course being breasts. We were made to feed our young by giving them the breast. Breastfeeding builds closeness and a special bond between mother and child as well as giving the children antibodies and immunities that go from mother to child. This bond generally translates itself into a nurturing instinct and a more patient loving mother.
Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, starting in the '20's and getting more and more popular as time went on, it became ';wrong'; to breatfeed ones children, thus breaking that bond and destroying the natural way to build one's nurturing nature. Also women are build for endurance, rather than brute strength, which also helps with the caretaking of children.
I'm not quite sure, but in my opinion I think there is such a thing as ';maternal instinct';, and I don't think as many fathers have a ';paternal instinct'; as often as mothers do.
I think women do have some sort of advantage as far as raising children goes, but at the same time I think it's just as important to be a good father as it is to be a good mother. You need both halves of the whole.
Nope
and in reality men have more patience when it comes to parenting.
women neglect children more often than men
women kill children more often than men
women abuse children more often than men
women sell children more often than men
women prostitute children for sex more often than men
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/鈥?/a>
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-traf鈥?/a>
http://www.lifecoaches.org/Web/Research.鈥?/a>
Besides mammaries, no. It is the act of caring for children that develops one's nurturing traits. Mothers might spend more time with their children, getting to know them, what works in terms of parenting and what doesn't. There was a paper that talked about how when mothers are unable to participate in parenting during the first few weeks of their child's life (due to medical complications), the fathers who are required to be more intensively involved in parenting than usual end up displaying the same nurturing behaviour that is often associated with motherhood.
Not all women do. I for one am not the stay at home parent my husband is. Him and I both know that he is better at raising children than I am. He is more patient with the kids than I am. So with that being said I think it depends on the person. But as far as a physical advantage goes I would say that women have that, for the simple reason that women give birth and protect them while in the womb.
I think women are more inclined than men to be interested in spending long periods of time with children. Also they seem to be more in tune with their needs. For instance, I always hear the children if they call, whereas my husband quite often doesn't. I notice things about them more than he does.
I do not think women have a physical advantage, but I do think hormones produced aid with emotional and a physiological advantage.
yes and so do men....bu instincts alone are not enough..instincts that are honed and developed are employed more successfully than innate instincts that havent been developed in an individual
Whatever natural instinct there is for raising children got left out of my gene pool. I'm childfree!
Some do but not all. Maternal instinct? That just means to nurture and not hurt.
Yes that is what theyre purpose in life is.
Yes, we have breasts that produce milk.
i hear some men do, but it's rare.
Should kittie litter boxs be moved around occasionally to satisfy a natural instinct?
Doesn't it make a little sense that occasionally cats will - even slightly- change where they do their business so as not to keep pooping on top of poop?
My cat is 15 weeks old and when we first brought him home he was perfectly trained, unfortunatly the last few days his ability to find the box in the early morn has been off by about half a meter. Whats going on?Should kittie litter boxs be moved around occasionally to satisfy a natural instinct?
No you shouldn't move their litter boxes. Cats are creatures of habit, and when your disrupt their habit, they will become annoyed. Moving their litter box often results in them refusing to use it.Should kittie litter boxs be moved around occasionally to satisfy a natural instinct?
When I first got my cat the first thing the vet said to do is find a place for the litter box, make sure she knows its there, and leave it. You should never move a litter box just because. You'll confuse your cat, and oftentimes, if a cat has done it's duty in a certain place for a long period of time, it will still go back there even without a litter box. You can move it, if you have to, but it's not something vets suggest doing. If however you do need to move it, make sure she knows where its at. Show her every chance you get. Hope this helps =)
No need to move it. If you begin to play ';hide the litter box'; then your resourceful cat will just find substitute areas to use - like your closet, or in a corner, or on your clothes.
Maybe your cat isn't using it's box because it's not clean enough for his standards. Be sure that you regularly scoop and change the litter when needed. What are is naturally discriminating about where they do their business.
But if it persists, consider taking your cat to the vet to rule out any medical issues, i.e. urinary tract infections.
Usually you do not want to move litter boxes. Cats are creatures of habit and will most likely get upset and be more proned to accidents when you move a litter box or even change the type of litter.
I would suggest maybe adding an additional litter box to your house and making sure they are cleaned frequently. Cats are picky and some will not go in when a box is too dirty.
it may be because you arent cleaning the litter box regularly so the kitten might not like it because its too dirty so you should clean up straight after it does its business, if thats not the case then you might be putting the ltter box in a place where the kitten cant see it so it has to be in a place that the cat can recognise and see it and a fairly comfortable place too like close to its bed etc also you should take it to the litter box after it eats to help it understand you want it do have a poop in the litterbox and not anywhere else
Leave the litter box right where it is otherwise you might confuse him however you could try to move it to the spot where he goes potty at because him missing it.
Nope , you need to keep teaching it that the litter box is HERE and not there.
No. Cats are creatures of habit.
They don't like things being moved around, like their litter box, food dishes etc.
My cat is 15 weeks old and when we first brought him home he was perfectly trained, unfortunatly the last few days his ability to find the box in the early morn has been off by about half a meter. Whats going on?Should kittie litter boxs be moved around occasionally to satisfy a natural instinct?
No you shouldn't move their litter boxes. Cats are creatures of habit, and when your disrupt their habit, they will become annoyed. Moving their litter box often results in them refusing to use it.Should kittie litter boxs be moved around occasionally to satisfy a natural instinct?
When I first got my cat the first thing the vet said to do is find a place for the litter box, make sure she knows its there, and leave it. You should never move a litter box just because. You'll confuse your cat, and oftentimes, if a cat has done it's duty in a certain place for a long period of time, it will still go back there even without a litter box. You can move it, if you have to, but it's not something vets suggest doing. If however you do need to move it, make sure she knows where its at. Show her every chance you get. Hope this helps =)
No need to move it. If you begin to play ';hide the litter box'; then your resourceful cat will just find substitute areas to use - like your closet, or in a corner, or on your clothes.
Maybe your cat isn't using it's box because it's not clean enough for his standards. Be sure that you regularly scoop and change the litter when needed. What are is naturally discriminating about where they do their business.
But if it persists, consider taking your cat to the vet to rule out any medical issues, i.e. urinary tract infections.
Usually you do not want to move litter boxes. Cats are creatures of habit and will most likely get upset and be more proned to accidents when you move a litter box or even change the type of litter.
I would suggest maybe adding an additional litter box to your house and making sure they are cleaned frequently. Cats are picky and some will not go in when a box is too dirty.
it may be because you arent cleaning the litter box regularly so the kitten might not like it because its too dirty so you should clean up straight after it does its business, if thats not the case then you might be putting the ltter box in a place where the kitten cant see it so it has to be in a place that the cat can recognise and see it and a fairly comfortable place too like close to its bed etc also you should take it to the litter box after it eats to help it understand you want it do have a poop in the litterbox and not anywhere else
Leave the litter box right where it is otherwise you might confuse him however you could try to move it to the spot where he goes potty at because him missing it.
Nope , you need to keep teaching it that the litter box is HERE and not there.
No. Cats are creatures of habit.
They don't like things being moved around, like their litter box, food dishes etc.
Can someone explain why is that humans have a natural instinct to do good to others?
Above the selfishness that we appear to have, their is a moment when we grow up that makes us care of others... Someone loved...(if you call it love)Can someone explain why is that humans have a natural instinct to do good to others?
Altruism is found in many animals, not just humans. No one understands exactly why any animal would do something beneficial for another when there is no reward for themselves, but some have theorized that it has to do with the survival of the species as a whole.Can someone explain why is that humans have a natural instinct to do good to others?
The short answer: it's in our genes after hundred thousand years or so of facing a hostile environment. Survival meant keeping your family unit or tribe in a healthy condition to prolong your species.
For the most part unselfish love and
empathy is taught, not caught as your
question implies. Without role modelling
and instruction, human nature will sink
to a lower level. You don't have to teach
children to misbehave.
because we were genetically engineered to do so by a group of alien beings called God 5000 years ago
Nurture is Nature... it's not just in humans that we see these qualities. We (as animals) want to reproduce.
I believe is because we feel that they are hurt, and someway some how we think about us being in that position, so we try to make that person somehow good
Altruism is found in many animals, not just humans. No one understands exactly why any animal would do something beneficial for another when there is no reward for themselves, but some have theorized that it has to do with the survival of the species as a whole.Can someone explain why is that humans have a natural instinct to do good to others?
The short answer: it's in our genes after hundred thousand years or so of facing a hostile environment. Survival meant keeping your family unit or tribe in a healthy condition to prolong your species.
For the most part unselfish love and
empathy is taught, not caught as your
question implies. Without role modelling
and instruction, human nature will sink
to a lower level. You don't have to teach
children to misbehave.
because we were genetically engineered to do so by a group of alien beings called God 5000 years ago
Nurture is Nature... it's not just in humans that we see these qualities. We (as animals) want to reproduce.
I believe is because we feel that they are hurt, and someway some how we think about us being in that position, so we try to make that person somehow good
How do I wash black Natural Instinct out of my dark brown hair?
I am tired of my black hair, how do I get rid of it?How do I wash black Natural Instinct out of my dark brown hair?
Get it natural Honey colored. No way it can get out in the shower GIRLHow do I wash black Natural Instinct out of my dark brown hair?
well first you are going to have to lighten your hair and then color it the color you want. Ask for a soap bleach cap
While some hair fall daily is natural, stress, hairstyle products and lack of nutrition can cause excessive hair fall as listed at http://tinyurl.com/kshvn . By changing your lifestyle and using herbal remedies, you can reduce hair loss. More details available at http://tinyurl.com/py7z4 .
Well you definately dont want to color it again it will just damage it more. I suggest getting a good clairfying shampoo it will take out the color but it might take a week or so. Clarifying shampoos take out product build up and also can lightening colored hair wash it like 2 times every other day because if u wash with it everyday it can dry out your hair more
Dye it brown, but use a lighter brown, than your original to get the color back. Look at the box to see which color will get the results you want.
Relax, that's not a permanent hair dye anyway. Why don't you just be patient? That stuff washes out gradually and within about 4-6 weeks, the haircolor is gone completely.prom hair
Get it natural Honey colored. No way it can get out in the shower GIRLHow do I wash black Natural Instinct out of my dark brown hair?
well first you are going to have to lighten your hair and then color it the color you want. Ask for a soap bleach cap
While some hair fall daily is natural, stress, hairstyle products and lack of nutrition can cause excessive hair fall as listed at http://tinyurl.com/kshvn . By changing your lifestyle and using herbal remedies, you can reduce hair loss. More details available at http://tinyurl.com/py7z4 .
Well you definately dont want to color it again it will just damage it more. I suggest getting a good clairfying shampoo it will take out the color but it might take a week or so. Clarifying shampoos take out product build up and also can lightening colored hair wash it like 2 times every other day because if u wash with it everyday it can dry out your hair more
Dye it brown, but use a lighter brown, than your original to get the color back. Look at the box to see which color will get the results you want.
Relax, that's not a permanent hair dye anyway. Why don't you just be patient? That stuff washes out gradually and within about 4-6 weeks, the haircolor is gone completely.
Why is it a natural instinct to curl up in a ball when your stomach hurts?
All the time when my stomach hurts, I curl up and like hold on to my knees. Why?Why is it a natural instinct to curl up in a ball when your stomach hurts?
It's a reflex. Our bodies think that if they curl up they can in some way stop the pain inside. It works sometimes, but I like to think that's just psychological.
It's a reflex. Our bodies think that if they curl up they can in some way stop the pain inside. It works sometimes, but I like to think that's just psychological.
Has money destroyed our natural instinct to care about others?
I was pushed out of the hospital after four days there and I have no cartilage between lumbar 4 and 5. I have no insurance. They got rid of me like I was not even human. I pass out from the pain all the time. I can't even get a doctors appt. What the heck has happened to the human race?Has money destroyed our natural instinct to care about others?
yes, it has
i dont know, but this is not the way the world was supposed to be
yes, it has
i dont know, but this is not the way the world was supposed to be
Other then natural instinct, why do humans and animals examine their feces after defecating ?
I know this may seem somewhat of a gross topic, but anyone that says this isn't true is in denial or obviously isn't paying attention. So whats your answer to this ?Other then natural instinct, why do humans and animals examine their feces after defecating ?
well, depending on the species, most animals observe there waste for a sign of health, dogs lets say smell theirs and notice theres not enough fiber and turn around and eat some grass, or other fiberous materialOther then natural instinct, why do humans and animals examine their feces after defecating ?
i would guess it to be pure curiosity...kinda like why people postmortem...curiosity to evaluate self.but i think animals may have a different purpose but i cant remember what..also human examination of feces can help determine cause of death and the individuals living health.
Well for humans they are looking for blood which can be a sign of all kinds of internal problems. Why animal would do it is to see where it is so they can hid and other predators can't find them at least that is what cats do.
I don't do that! Why would you want to examine it?
well, depending on the species, most animals observe there waste for a sign of health, dogs lets say smell theirs and notice theres not enough fiber and turn around and eat some grass, or other fiberous materialOther then natural instinct, why do humans and animals examine their feces after defecating ?
i would guess it to be pure curiosity...kinda like why people postmortem...curiosity to evaluate self.but i think animals may have a different purpose but i cant remember what..also human examination of feces can help determine cause of death and the individuals living health.
Well for humans they are looking for blood which can be a sign of all kinds of internal problems. Why animal would do it is to see where it is so they can hid and other predators can't find them at least that is what cats do.
I don't do that! Why would you want to examine it?
Is it a natural instinct for dogs to chase cats?
I mean if you raise them together from they were babies wouldn't they like bond or something?Is it a natural instinct for dogs to chase cats?
if cats run, dogs chase them. my brothers jack russel has cat friends, but would chase a cat if it ran from her. she wont hurt squirrels or mice if they dont move. one time we met a jumping mouse. it froze, she touched it with her muzzle really gently. ive seen her chew up field mice after chasing them. she found a nest full of little pink baby mice and whimpered... she knew they were babies, and wouldnt harm them.Is it a natural instinct for dogs to chase cats?
It not a dog's instinct to chase cats. A dog has the natural instinct to chase what runs from it. That why, when a dog growls at me or act like it going to attack I stand my ground and tell it no in a harsh voice. I know if I run it be nipping at my heels.
It's not just cats, it's anything. And it always depends on the dog. There are breeds that are good with cats (low prey drive) and breeds that aren't (high prey drive). The high prey drive dogs can be acceptable with cats and may not chase them, whether they are raised with them or not. However, you should never trust them alone with cats as, if the cat has a wild hair and starts running, the dog is apt to chase it.
It depends on the dog, the cat, and the time. Sometimes dogs may not care at all about running things (or some always do), but there could be that day when the cat is running from it and WOW! That looks like fun to chase! And if they chase a cat and there's no place for the cat to escape, they will catch it. (Cats can usually outrun a dog for short distances, but for the long haul it will be caught if there's no escape route)
If you want a dog to raise with a cat, I'd suggest you find dogs with low prey drives as they're less likely to be interested in chasing it. Some dogs and cats can even play together, but you really have to make sure:
1. The dog knows that when you say to leave the cat alone it has to leave it.
2. The dog and the cat never, ever have bad times with each other. You may overcome this and make them be friends, still, but it's easier if you prevent it than to work through it.
3. If you have to lock the cat in a different room when you're away, make sure that the cat CAN'T escape and the dog CAN'T get in. Ever.
4. For when you are there (and maybe when you're not) install a small pet door in a door in an ajoining room that only the cat can get through, so that if the dog chases it, there's no way it can get after it. Make sure the cat knows where this door is and runs through it frequently, and make sure, also, that it's impossible for the dog to get through.
It's natural for dogs to chase anything that moves. Doesn't mean they have malicious thoughts about it, they just like to do it. If you get a puppy and kitten, it's highly likely they will bond. It's also likely they will spend time chasing each other and enjoy it.
Yes, if you raise them together they will probably be good friends.
If raised together they can be good friends, but it is instinctual for many dogs to chase anything that moves, whether it's a friend or not!
Not realy many dogs like cats if they grew up with them specialy.
definately, especially if it wasnt trained to behave with cats. they do actually bond when they live together eventually!
NO they just want to play with the cats because of the cats tail
well sorta and sorta not
if you raise them together they will treat each others as brother and sister but if not raised together they should get along fine and mind thier own business
the dog wil chase a cat if he is bored and has nothing else to do or the cat wuld have had to harase it to make the dog chase it
or the dog could just be a ***** or a bastard
Yes they would eventually bond but it is natural for them to be enemies.
my cats were all raised from itty bitty kitties with dogs so they are not the least bit afraid. when i brought home a new dog, i gave the cats a room with a baby gate so they could get away from her while she was being taught not to chase kitties. now they sleep together and my dog Lucy will even go up to one of the cats, stick her head up to him and sit ther and wait while the cat gives her a bath. my other dog Toby accepts the cats, occasionally they lay with him, but he's not real keen on that bath thing. if they start, he will walk away
if cats run, dogs chase them. my brothers jack russel has cat friends, but would chase a cat if it ran from her. she wont hurt squirrels or mice if they dont move. one time we met a jumping mouse. it froze, she touched it with her muzzle really gently. ive seen her chew up field mice after chasing them. she found a nest full of little pink baby mice and whimpered... she knew they were babies, and wouldnt harm them.Is it a natural instinct for dogs to chase cats?
It not a dog's instinct to chase cats. A dog has the natural instinct to chase what runs from it. That why, when a dog growls at me or act like it going to attack I stand my ground and tell it no in a harsh voice. I know if I run it be nipping at my heels.
It's not just cats, it's anything. And it always depends on the dog. There are breeds that are good with cats (low prey drive) and breeds that aren't (high prey drive). The high prey drive dogs can be acceptable with cats and may not chase them, whether they are raised with them or not. However, you should never trust them alone with cats as, if the cat has a wild hair and starts running, the dog is apt to chase it.
It depends on the dog, the cat, and the time. Sometimes dogs may not care at all about running things (or some always do), but there could be that day when the cat is running from it and WOW! That looks like fun to chase! And if they chase a cat and there's no place for the cat to escape, they will catch it. (Cats can usually outrun a dog for short distances, but for the long haul it will be caught if there's no escape route)
If you want a dog to raise with a cat, I'd suggest you find dogs with low prey drives as they're less likely to be interested in chasing it. Some dogs and cats can even play together, but you really have to make sure:
1. The dog knows that when you say to leave the cat alone it has to leave it.
2. The dog and the cat never, ever have bad times with each other. You may overcome this and make them be friends, still, but it's easier if you prevent it than to work through it.
3. If you have to lock the cat in a different room when you're away, make sure that the cat CAN'T escape and the dog CAN'T get in. Ever.
4. For when you are there (and maybe when you're not) install a small pet door in a door in an ajoining room that only the cat can get through, so that if the dog chases it, there's no way it can get after it. Make sure the cat knows where this door is and runs through it frequently, and make sure, also, that it's impossible for the dog to get through.
It's natural for dogs to chase anything that moves. Doesn't mean they have malicious thoughts about it, they just like to do it. If you get a puppy and kitten, it's highly likely they will bond. It's also likely they will spend time chasing each other and enjoy it.
Yes, if you raise them together they will probably be good friends.
If raised together they can be good friends, but it is instinctual for many dogs to chase anything that moves, whether it's a friend or not!
Not realy many dogs like cats if they grew up with them specialy.
definately, especially if it wasnt trained to behave with cats. they do actually bond when they live together eventually!
NO they just want to play with the cats because of the cats tail
well sorta and sorta not
if you raise them together they will treat each others as brother and sister but if not raised together they should get along fine and mind thier own business
the dog wil chase a cat if he is bored and has nothing else to do or the cat wuld have had to harase it to make the dog chase it
or the dog could just be a ***** or a bastard
Yes they would eventually bond but it is natural for them to be enemies.
my cats were all raised from itty bitty kitties with dogs so they are not the least bit afraid. when i brought home a new dog, i gave the cats a room with a baby gate so they could get away from her while she was being taught not to chase kitties. now they sleep together and my dog Lucy will even go up to one of the cats, stick her head up to him and sit ther and wait while the cat gives her a bath. my other dog Toby accepts the cats, occasionally they lay with him, but he's not real keen on that bath thing. if they start, he will walk away
What us the natural instinct when homosexuals look for a partner?
I read a study into the primitive desires in heterosexual relationships. A male looks for a healthy attractive female, as he is after a female who is capable of giving birth to a healthy child. The female is looking for a male who is powerful and relates well to other males - the primitive forces here are that the male needs to protect the female and baby from predators etc.
Given the above, what primitive instincts are in place when a homosexual male looks for another male? Also, what about a bisexual male who looks for either men or women?
This is not a homophobically intended question. Any answers preaching religion or homophobia/biphobia are not welcome.What us the natural instinct when homosexuals look for a partner?
It seems that based on the information given, the each sex is looking for in the other what they do not have or cannot have in themselves. I would think this same thing would be applicable to any sexual preference when seeking a mate. Meaning, a gay male or lesbian female would then look for someone of the same sexual persuasion that has some of the things they lack. Like in a lot of cases, one partner has more feminine qualities/skills/talents while the other has more masculine ones.What us the natural instinct when homosexuals look for a partner?
We are instinctively trained by nature to find a suitable mate to get together with so guess human nature is the answer.
Being heterosexual I have to refute your idea.
I didn't want a ';mother type'; partner.
I was looking for a don't ever want to be a mother type!
I'm sure I'm not alone.
Indeed my circle of friends is made up of definitely don't want offspring types, which sort of balls up your research, surely?
You'll be amazed how many of us there are out here in the real world.
I'll just have to agree with incoguru there
I researched my dissertation into sexuality and came to find that there is a huge gap in the information available. Most studies look for an answer as to why people are homosexual as opposed to how sexuality affects the findings in other pieces of research.
If a homosexual man looks for the same things that a heterosexual does then it could explain why some homosexual men become feminine in their actions. Same reasoning for some women becoming quite masculine. There are a great number of hypothesis related to sexuality which i would love to research i just don't have the time or funding yet. The question you asked is closely related to some of the things i have in mind.
Great minds and all that lol
There is some creedence to believe there are people who are inherent feminine or masculine, while the current social morass of homosexuality is more likely driven by the feminization of men and masculization of women because of the influence of the feminists movement of the 60s and 70s. Remember boys playing with dolls?
The feminist movement is responsible and not some genetic or instinctual drive. (save a very small percentage of the gay/lesbian population..) it is a choice.
I'm not homophobic either, but I think you are looking into this question too deeply.
Homosexual deviants are motivated purely by lust. They are just like beasts of the field- they wait till no-one is looking then they MOUNT each other. It's not like a natural relationship.
That's my opinion - YOU asked for it.
Your question relies on the said study that you read being factually true or not. Personally, I do not choose a (female) partner based on whether she would be a suitable mother or not, I base it on whether I am attracted to her both physically and personality wise. Whether I am being driven by unconscious desires to procreate and create the best (fittest?) offspring is obviously something I cannot answer.
No idea,to be honest
I know loads of Gay guy's, and it seems to be down to ,looks and money, pretty much the same as in hetero world really.
Except they don't have the female ,looking for the Male, with the best immune system,bit ironic ?
hmmm... well here's my attempt at an answer: Even though gay males wouldn't naturally procreate... perhaps the instincts are the same, so they seek the same in other men that women do... but on a more base level, sexually they probably seek out certain physiques, and... to be blunt... big willies. Even though that sounds glib... i think it's probably true... even if they would not want to admit that kind of ';shallow'; trait... perhaps it's not so much shallow as natural instinct. (?)
The research you put forward is subject to millions of opposition and counter arguments, just as it is supported.
For The same thing that straight hetero men look for - fit, healthy and attractive. The difference is each gay person (same as each straight person) has their own opinion on what they call 'fit' and 'healthy' and 'attractive'.
Mankind is different from animals in the sense of we dont' have sex 'solely' to bear children. We have sex for enjoyment due to lust - both gay and straight.
Bisexual men are attracted to the prospect of what is in their opinion a 'fit' 'healthy' and 'attractive' males and females.
Its as simple as that.
Given the above, what primitive instincts are in place when a homosexual male looks for another male? Also, what about a bisexual male who looks for either men or women?
This is not a homophobically intended question. Any answers preaching religion or homophobia/biphobia are not welcome.What us the natural instinct when homosexuals look for a partner?
It seems that based on the information given, the each sex is looking for in the other what they do not have or cannot have in themselves. I would think this same thing would be applicable to any sexual preference when seeking a mate. Meaning, a gay male or lesbian female would then look for someone of the same sexual persuasion that has some of the things they lack. Like in a lot of cases, one partner has more feminine qualities/skills/talents while the other has more masculine ones.What us the natural instinct when homosexuals look for a partner?
We are instinctively trained by nature to find a suitable mate to get together with so guess human nature is the answer.
Being heterosexual I have to refute your idea.
I didn't want a ';mother type'; partner.
I was looking for a don't ever want to be a mother type!
I'm sure I'm not alone.
Indeed my circle of friends is made up of definitely don't want offspring types, which sort of balls up your research, surely?
You'll be amazed how many of us there are out here in the real world.
I'll just have to agree with incoguru there
I researched my dissertation into sexuality and came to find that there is a huge gap in the information available. Most studies look for an answer as to why people are homosexual as opposed to how sexuality affects the findings in other pieces of research.
If a homosexual man looks for the same things that a heterosexual does then it could explain why some homosexual men become feminine in their actions. Same reasoning for some women becoming quite masculine. There are a great number of hypothesis related to sexuality which i would love to research i just don't have the time or funding yet. The question you asked is closely related to some of the things i have in mind.
Great minds and all that lol
There is some creedence to believe there are people who are inherent feminine or masculine, while the current social morass of homosexuality is more likely driven by the feminization of men and masculization of women because of the influence of the feminists movement of the 60s and 70s. Remember boys playing with dolls?
The feminist movement is responsible and not some genetic or instinctual drive. (save a very small percentage of the gay/lesbian population..) it is a choice.
I'm not homophobic either, but I think you are looking into this question too deeply.
Homosexual deviants are motivated purely by lust. They are just like beasts of the field- they wait till no-one is looking then they MOUNT each other. It's not like a natural relationship.
That's my opinion - YOU asked for it.
Your question relies on the said study that you read being factually true or not. Personally, I do not choose a (female) partner based on whether she would be a suitable mother or not, I base it on whether I am attracted to her both physically and personality wise. Whether I am being driven by unconscious desires to procreate and create the best (fittest?) offspring is obviously something I cannot answer.
No idea,to be honest
I know loads of Gay guy's, and it seems to be down to ,looks and money, pretty much the same as in hetero world really.
Except they don't have the female ,looking for the Male, with the best immune system,bit ironic ?
hmmm... well here's my attempt at an answer: Even though gay males wouldn't naturally procreate... perhaps the instincts are the same, so they seek the same in other men that women do... but on a more base level, sexually they probably seek out certain physiques, and... to be blunt... big willies. Even though that sounds glib... i think it's probably true... even if they would not want to admit that kind of ';shallow'; trait... perhaps it's not so much shallow as natural instinct. (?)
The research you put forward is subject to millions of opposition and counter arguments, just as it is supported.
For The same thing that straight hetero men look for - fit, healthy and attractive. The difference is each gay person (same as each straight person) has their own opinion on what they call 'fit' and 'healthy' and 'attractive'.
Mankind is different from animals in the sense of we dont' have sex 'solely' to bear children. We have sex for enjoyment due to lust - both gay and straight.
Bisexual men are attracted to the prospect of what is in their opinion a 'fit' 'healthy' and 'attractive' males and females.
Its as simple as that.
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