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WHY DOES MY DOG WAG HIS TAIL?
Dogs are highly social animals with ancestral
roots in the pack organization of wolves. Because they live in social
groups (which, for pet dogs, is comprised of their human family) they
have developed a complex language using facial expressions, body
postures and tail movements.
He or she communicates to other dogs and to people using both physical and vocal
cues. Among these signals, tail movement is quite expressive. A loosely
wagging tail communicates friendliness and some excitement; one held low
can also be indicating fear or anxiety. Although most tail-wagging dogs
have good intentions (letting the "recipient" know of their
friendliness), aggressive dogs may also wag their tails. Threatening or
aggressive dogs will wag their tails more rapidly at the tip and hold
their tails high.
What about dogs who have no tails, either
naturally or through docking (such as Old English sheepdogs and
Australian shepherds)? Next time one greets you, notice how the dog
compensates with other body language to tell you he's friendly.
WHY DOES MY DOG TURN SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LYING
DOWN?
This behavior appears to be related to the dog's
ancestral tendency to dig its own shelter. Owners often describe the
ritual of lying down on a carpet far from the grass of the prairie:
first, the dog will sniff at his chosen spot, then perhaps dig with
front paws, his toenails extended. After some digging the dog will turn
several times, lowering his body into a semi-crouch, then
"nest" into his imagined hole.
In some cases the dog will turn several times,
dig again, turn some more and repeat the process until asked to lie down
by an exasperated owner. Dogs are often found digging into cool soil to
escape hot weather; by digging and then turning several times they can
direct their bodies into the curled posture that will best take
advantage of the depression's coolness. Thus, the turning behavior seen
in our homes is most likely derived from the denning behavior of our
dogs' wilder relatives.
WHY DOES MY DOG DRINK FROM THE TOILET?
When presented with a choice, it makes sense that
dogs and other canines would prefer fresh water over stagnant water.
Through natural selection, those who didn't make the distinction were
probably killed off by organisms that bloom in stagnant water. In our
homes, cool, fresh water is readily available in toilet bowls. To a
dog's sensibilities (though adorable, still quite different from ours),
this is as attractive a choice as any, particularly if the behavior is
reinforced by quenched thirst over the years.
To discourage toilet-drinking, water bowls should
be washed and refreshed at least twice daily.
It helps also to consider whether your dog likes
what the water bowl is made from. To learn his preference, offer choices
of stainless steel, ceramic and plastic.
If offered his choice of bowls filled with fresh, cold water, chances
are your dog will forget the toilet.
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Reprinted with permission by the Ralston Purina
Company
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consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical
condition or treatment of your own pet or animal. The Puppy Place
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