Dog Society
Dogs
Dog Society
Dog
society can be thought of as dog packs characterized by companionate
hierarchy, in which each individual has a rank, and in which there
is intense loyalty within the group. Dogs thrive in human society
because their relationships with humans mimic their natural social
patterns. The dog is always aware of its rank relative to other
individuals in the group. An assertive dog may consider itself the alpha
animal, considering its human master to be subordinate.
Dominance and submission
Properly socialized dogs can interact with unfamiliar dogs of any size and shape
and understand how to communicate.
Dogs, like wolves,
establish a
hierarchy through aggressive play and roughhousing along a continuum of
dominance and submission. When kept as pets, dogs include humans in this
hierarchy. It is important for successful
socialization that puppies participate with their littermates in learning to
relate to other dogs. Dogs learn to successfully relate to other dogs by keeping
the peace rather than constantly fighting to reestablish this hierarchy.
Dominance behavior
Dominant dogs generally take the initiative and are more active than less
dominant dogs. Displays of dominance include standing above or over other dogs,
placing a paw on other dogs, holding the tail and ears erect, looking directly
at other dogs, circling and sniffing other dogs, growling if the other dog
moves, and aggressive marking of territory with urine. Submissive displays
mirror dominant displays and include adopting a posture that is lower than other
dogs, such as crouching, rolling over on the back and exposing the abdomen,
lowering the tail—even tucking it beneath the legs, flattening of the ears,
averting the gaze, nervously licking or swallowing, dribbling of urine, and
freezing or fleeing when other dogs are encountered.
Ideally, the dominant/submissive social structure of dogs avoids conflict and
enforces social stability. Poorly
socialized dogs who are inept at establishing dominance hierarchy may become
involved in excess conflicts, especially from a human viewpoint. People who
misunderstand dog behavior or who have inadvertently placed themselves in a
disadvantageous position within the dominance submissive hierarchy can find
themselves participants in similar conflicts with the animal(s).
It is problematic to
anthropomorphize the dominance/submission behavior of a pet or to mistake it
for characteristics more appropriately applied to humans. It can be dangerous
for a dog to be dominant relative to its master or mistress. By rewarding
"bravery" or "boldness", there is a risk that in fulfilling a dog's wants it
begins to feel it is the dominant pack member. Likewise, it can be dangerous for
a dog to consider itself "the equal of any dog", because unnecessary and
destructive conflict can result; rewarding a dog's aggressive behavior may
eventually backfire. Likewise, submission in a dog is not necessarily an
indication of a problem dog. Continuing to discipline a dog after it has adopted
a submissive posture is contrary to a goal of obedience. From the dog's
viewpoint, it has conceded the point and is communicating its acceptance of the
owner's dominance.
Behavior when isolated
Dog language can generally be learned by humans; this dog is inviting play.
Dogs value the companionship of the others in their "pack" and are sometimes
distressed if they are separated from it. Typical reactions when a dog is
separated from the pack are barking, howling, digging, and chewing. These
activities may distress humans when they need to leave dogs alone for a period
of time. However, this behavior, called
separation anxiety, can be overcome with training, or at least decreased
to the point where it becomes manageable. If young puppies are habituated to
periods alone from an early age, this can normally be prevented entirely. Some
owners struggling to deal with this problem resort to
debarking.
Favorite activities
Dogs enjoy spending time with and interacting with other dogs. Roughhousing
and chasing one another are favorite activities. Off-leash
dog parks
can be good places for dogs to exercise and interact with other dogs. When
seeking relaxation, dogs enjoy lying about with their companions, favoring spots
with a good view of their surroundings.
See also
Home | Up | Alpha Roll | Dog Attack | Bark | Clicker | Clicker Training | Dog Collar | Animal Communication | Dog Communication | Coprophagia | Crate Training | Dog Aggression | Dog Trainer | Housebreaking | Dog Intelligence | The Intelligence of Dogs | Obedience School | Obedience Training | Operant Conditioning | Prey Drive | Socialization | Dog Society | Trophallaxis | Wardog | Dog Whistle
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