Every pup has their own personality. Some are lazy, some love cuddles, some are rotten little rascals. But every single slobbery kisser is lovable in their own individual way. All dogs share a few common behavioral traits. Here are some common things every dog owner will learn about along the way:
This adorable digger is from the Second Hand Dog Rescue in Iowa.
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Play: Dogs play! Its a well-known fact. They play with toys, with fellow dogs, with fellow pets, and with their humans. They jump, tackle, nip, growl, bark, pounce, chase, and run away from. All of these are prime examples of a dog enjoying its life.
Eating: Dogs are avid eaters. They mostly enjoy and need meat. Bird meat, red meat, and cooked fish are all natural substances that dogs can eat without problem. Their teeth are made specifically for flesh and do a very good job of tearing into any sort of animal-derived material.
Running: All dogs run- very fast too. Dont underestimate a dogs speed by its size. Even tiny breeds can be very fast. Dogs should be allowed to run in a fenced area, on a leash, or in a yard where they are trained to not leave. Its necessary for dogs in order to keep a good circulatory system and a healthy heart.
Sleep: Dogs sleep cycles vary. Some are more nocturnal, while others will be active when their humans are active. Either way dogs will typically sleep for a few hours at a time and then awaken for a few hours. They will take periodic naps throughout the day and sleep for most of the night. But all dogs sleep schedules are different. Pay attention to your dog and learn their habits. If sleep decreases or increases it may be a sign of a health issue and should be monitored closely.
Hunting: Many people forget that dogs are a direct descendant of wolves and this means, they hunt. All dog species hunt. It doesnt matter their size, temperament, or age- dogs love hunting. Why do they enjoy chasing Frisbees? Its the same exact act as chasing a bird or a rabbit or even a mouse. Many dogs, in the country, will chase animals- sometimes even hunt them. Does this mean a dog is going to hunt a human? Absolutely not. But they will sometimes hunt fellow pets and wild animals. You can discourage this behavior by having them hunt good things. Hide snacks for them to sniff out and allow them to play with different toys- including chasing toys and tug-o-war toys (both of which directly correlate to hunting behavior).
Vocalizing: Barking is a dogs most recognized vocalization. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. They bark when they are threatened, when they are protecting themselves or their property, when they are bored, when they want attention, and just because they see something that looks fun to bark at. But dogs also growl, howl, and whine. To learn more about dogs vocalizations read this article.
Cuddling: Dogs are accustomed to groups. This behavior roots back to their ancestry of wolves- who reside in packs. Cuddling is a trait that most people wouldnt associate with animals, but its actually very common in dogs. They cuddle for warmth, for comfort, and of course- for affection. Many peoples dogs will naturally curl into the bend of their knees while they are lying down. This small act simply means your dog wants to be as close as they can to you. And cuddling is a healthy, natural behavior that dogs need in order to be happy. Whether its with a person, dog, or even a fellow pet- cuddling is a great way to promote a happy doggy lifestyle.
Socializing: Dogs are social creatures. Although each pup has their individual personality, dogs in general need attention. They need to communicate. And they need friends. Sometimes friends are fellow dogs, sometimes they are humans, and sometimes they are fellow animals in the household. Dogs socialize in a variety of ways. They fight, play, cuddle, and simply live their friends. Its important to make your dog a part of the family. They are very social creatures that require a constant sense of companionship. Merely by thinking of your pet as a companion rather than an animal- you open up all sorts of opportunities for a life-long great relationship.
Eating: Dogs are avid eaters. They mostly enjoy and need meat. Bird meat, red meat, and cooked fish are all natural substances that dogs can eat without problem. Their teeth are made specifically for flesh and do a very good job of tearing into any sort of animal-derived material.
Running: All dogs run- very fast too. Dont underestimate a dogs speed by its size. Even tiny breeds can be very fast. Dogs should be allowed to run in a fenced area, on a leash, or in a yard where they are trained to not leave. Its necessary for dogs in order to keep a good circulatory system and a healthy heart.
Sleep: Dogs sleep cycles vary. Some are more nocturnal, while others will be active when their humans are active. Either way dogs will typically sleep for a few hours at a time and then awaken for a few hours. They will take periodic naps throughout the day and sleep for most of the night. But all dogs sleep schedules are different. Pay attention to your dog and learn their habits. If sleep decreases or increases it may be a sign of a health issue and should be monitored closely.
Hunting: Many people forget that dogs are a direct descendant of wolves and this means, they hunt. All dog species hunt. It doesnt matter their size, temperament, or age- dogs love hunting. Why do they enjoy chasing Frisbees? Its the same exact act as chasing a bird or a rabbit or even a mouse. Many dogs, in the country, will chase animals- sometimes even hunt them. Does this mean a dog is going to hunt a human? Absolutely not. But they will sometimes hunt fellow pets and wild animals. You can discourage this behavior by having them hunt good things. Hide snacks for them to sniff out and allow them to play with different toys- including chasing toys and tug-o-war toys (both of which directly correlate to hunting behavior).
Vocalizing: Barking is a dogs most recognized vocalization. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. They bark when they are threatened, when they are protecting themselves or their property, when they are bored, when they want attention, and just because they see something that looks fun to bark at. But dogs also growl, howl, and whine. To learn more about dogs vocalizations read this article.
Cuddling: Dogs are accustomed to groups. This behavior roots back to their ancestry of wolves- who reside in packs. Cuddling is a trait that most people wouldnt associate with animals, but its actually very common in dogs. They cuddle for warmth, for comfort, and of course- for affection. Many peoples dogs will naturally curl into the bend of their knees while they are lying down. This small act simply means your dog wants to be as close as they can to you. And cuddling is a healthy, natural behavior that dogs need in order to be happy. Whether its with a person, dog, or even a fellow pet- cuddling is a great way to promote a happy doggy lifestyle.
Socializing: Dogs are social creatures. Although each pup has their individual personality, dogs in general need attention. They need to communicate. And they need friends. Sometimes friends are fellow dogs, sometimes they are humans, and sometimes they are fellow animals in the household. Dogs socialize in a variety of ways. They fight, play, cuddle, and simply live their friends. Its important to make your dog a part of the family. They are very social creatures that require a constant sense of companionship. Merely by thinking of your pet as a companion rather than an animal- you open up all sorts of opportunities for a life-long great relationship.
