Dog Emotion, Human Emotion – Theories of Emotion
Why Do We Have Emotions? Since dogs are so receptive and responsive to human emotion and expression it is interesting… Read More »Dog Emotion, Human Emotion – Theories of Emotion
Why Do We Have Emotions? Since dogs are so receptive and responsive to human emotion and expression it is interesting… Read More »Dog Emotion, Human Emotion – Theories of Emotion
Domestication was a key player in scripting the modern behaviors observed in dogs today.
Journey through the domestication history of dogs and explore the variability in their behavior and the diversity of breeds. Learn about the roles dogs play in human activities, the differences between dog and wolf genetics, and key studies on dog behavior.
It might seem obvious to say, but humans shape puppies’ future play behaviors.
The interactions the dog had with its human caregivers during its formative months affects it in later life. (A puppy treated with kindness and attention will likely grow to exhibit friendly and playful behavior.)
Play bonding is an very important and deeply enjoyable ingredient in this care.
Canine play behavior is both solitary and social. These activities reflect the dog’s instincts for both hunting and social interaction.
Humans have long known that dogs are social creatures. They love playing in groups and with their owners. However, they are also comfortable playing alone.
As they are descended from predators, many of these play activities are designed to mimic hunting behavior, reflecting their wild and solitary nature as scavengers and predators.
The nature of play is something that connects us at a fundamental level all creatures who are capable of it, including, of course, our beloved dogs, who are so famously good at it.
Play, as defined by Johan Huizinga, (who should know, since he wrote the first big book about it!) is a voluntary activity that is bound by rules and executed within certain limits. That dogs love play is something every puppy owner knows and loves.
The natural scavenging behaviour of dogs can often lead to them overeating which can lead to obesity. Much like in humans, overeating can have numerous health implications for dogs. It can potentially cause heart problems, diabetes, and joint pain.
Certain breeds of dogs such as Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have genetic factors that make them more susceptible to gaining excess weight.
Consequently, large-bodied breeds with thin legs such as Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers can suffer from ligament problems due to the increased stress placed on their joints from the extra weight.
When it comes to understanding the puppy growth stages, there’s a roadmap devised by Scott and Fuller in 1965.
puppy development.
The roadmap begins with the neonatal period, or, in other words, a puppy’s first 13 days of life.
Learn how to select suitable play partners for your dog to ensure a safe and enjoyable playtime experience. Understand the risks of solitary play, the importance of diverse play experiences for puppies, and how breed impacts play preferences. Discover ways to recognize and intervene in problematic play behaviors.
Uncover the multifaceted benefits of play in dogs, including its role in developing social skills, contributing to behavioral flexibility, and enhancing brain development. Learn how play affects a dog’s emotional development, physical health, and stress management, and its significance in social bonding and cognitive growth.