Does your dog sometimes tilt his head and look at you with a questioning expression when you do or say something he doesn’t quite get? This adorable habit is actually a clear reminder of the differences between the way dogs process information and the way we do. It’s important to keep that in mind when interacting with your furry friend. Here, a Crown Point, IN veterinarian discusses some things dogs don’t really understand.
Borders
Some of our canine pals have a deep-seated instinct to guard their territories. However, Fido’s mental map of what he considers his territory isn’t necessarily going to match your property lines. Huskies, for instance, are notorious for taking off. Part of this is because they want to patrol their home ground … which, in their minds, may also include the neighbors’ yards. Make sure your fencing is sturdy, and don’t let your pooch run around off-leash.
Punishment
Our four-legged pals are wonderful pets and companions, but they aren’t perfect. Sooner or later, Fido will misbehave. Punishing him, especially after the fact, may only backfire. Man’s Best Friend doesn’t understand the concept of punishment. Dogs learn by associating specific things and behaviors with either positive or negative associations. Focus on rewarding good behavior.
Language Nuances
Consistency is extremely important. Always use the same commands and phrases with Fido. Your canine buddy won’t understand that ‘Fido, come here right now’ means the same thing as ‘Come.’
Edible Danger
Fido can get himself into trouble in many different ways, but one of the most common—and concerning—is through eating or chewing on things that are unsafe. Keep anything that could be hazardous in spots your pup can’t reach. That entails not just unsafe foods, but also toxic plants, plastic bags and ties, and anything small or sharp.
Human Body Language
Our canine friends are very smart: some can learn up to 100 different words and phrases. However, Fido can easily misinterpret our movements and expressions. For instance, hugs and direct eye contact are both signs of intimidation to dogs.
Cats
You really can’t blame dogs for being confused about our feline friends. Cats rarely follow orders, wag their tails when they’re mad, willingly clean themselves, and do their business in boxes. None of that makes any sense to Fido!
Book a Visit With Our Crown Point, IN Veterinarians
If your dog seems “stubborn,” chances are they’re confused, overstimulated, or simply learning in a different language than we’re speaking. A wellness visit can rule out pain or health issues that affect behavior, and we can help you build a training and enrichment plan that makes sense for your dog’s brain. At Southlake Animal Hospital, we love helping families communicate better with their pets—fewer mixed signals, more tail wags. When “vet near me” turns into “help, why is my dog doing that,” our Crown Point, IN veterinarians are here.