Understanding Dog Behavior  Dog Behavior Advice "Properly trained, a man can be a dog's best friend."                                                        - Cary Ford

FETCH from the subjects below: -  Aversives for Dogs -  The Barking Dog

Understanding dog behavior: Understanding dog behavior through dog training encompasses every aspect of canine education, from the species specific responses that's inherent to canines, to learning theory and operant conditioning, to traditional training methods. When these training techniques are properly implemented, most people notice results immediately. A well mannered pet is now within your reach, all you need to do is optimally structure your pet's environment. Understanding dog behavior can often be directed and controlled by training.  Dog behavior can be thought of as responses that are specific to their species. These responses are controlled and directed by manipulating the social and the environmental variables. We call this training. Training can increase responses that are desirable, just as those that are undesirable can be decreased. In understanding dog behavior you will find that your dog behavior problem is often a direct result of the animal's inability to cope with the stress of everyday life. The purpose of training is to raise the pet's stress threshold so your pet can tolerate higher levels of stress. Human and dog behavior problem should not be confused with each other, and through understanding dog behavior, you will see this.    The response patterns and intellect of a canine is very different from that of humans, although we do share some common traits. One of these traits is the drive to form close social groups with strong bonds to significant others. This bonding can be thought of as a kind of love. Even though this type of bonding is a natural trait in both canines and humans, we must avoid endearing our pets with human emotions.  Learning to differentiate and respect a dog’s different needs from our own human needs, is the first step in conquering a dog behavior problem, and understanding dog behavior.