Dogs have been domesticated to live in human packs for over 20,000 years. Although we have selectively bred for companion animal characteristics our pets still retain many of the traits of their wolf ancestors.

For pack animals it is essential to be able to communicate. This ultimately increases the survival potential for the species through cooperative living. Cooperation facilitates hunting, rearing of offspring, and perhaps most importantly living in peace with each other. Conflicts are dangerous and costly to the group; they cause physical injuries and a weak the pack, which is something that no pack can afford.

Dogs live in a world of sensory input: visual, olfactory and auditory perceptions. They easily perceive tiny details - a quick glance, signal, or a slight change in another?s behaviour, dogs can be trained to respond to subtle hand signals or a whispered voice. They have to be instantly perceptive to signals and able to initiate the appropriate signal to communicate their own needs.

Dogs have innate behavioural needs that enable the animal to achieve homeostasis. These can be grouped into four sections, each with its own range of behaviours.

• Safety- anxiety, avoidance, fear physiology, fight, flight
• Survival- hunting, fighting/playing, chewing, storage/digging
• Reproduction- finding a mate, scents, roaming, inter-male competition, mounting
• Social interaction- pack hierarchy, group living

Due to selective breeding, dogs will have inherited different traits to a greater or lesser degree. For all dogs, if their basic needs are not fulfilled, they will attempt to find their own outlet for the behaviours they need to express- often to the dissatisfaction to the owner. Most behaviour problems are natural behaviours exhibited at an inappropriate time or place. Treatment often involves providing for the pet?s behavioural needs, such as satisfying their safety needs, or need to live as part of a group. Owners need satisfy these needs and offer a substitute to replace the unwanted behaviour. We also need to consider the signals the owner communicates to the dog. Undesirable behaviour may just be the response to the confusing signals we send out.

Learning how to communicate is the most important skill an owner can have. An owner who is able to achieve this will have a calmer pet with a more tolerant disposition. In addition, positively reinforcing good behaviour, rather than forcing a dog to behave in a certain way, results in a long lasting cure and a stronger bond between dog and owner.

This article has been produced by a Waglife partner, Best Behaviour. For more information visit their website at: www.petdogbehaviour.co.uk

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