As in the picture to the left, there are a lot of behaviors that we, as primates, consider gestures of affection, which dogs, instinctually, have no appreciation of.
Most dogs learn that kisses, hugs, and pats on the head mean that their humans are happy and so they learn to tolerate or even enjoy these gestures. But is it any wonder that a dog approached by a stranger may tend to duck away when that person stretches their hand over the top of Fido’s head to pat him? Even dogs who have never been hit, scolded, or dragged by the collar will frequently show signs of unease when approached this way.
The book The Culture Clash, Donaldson discusses how we can help dogs understand us better, and how trying to understand our dog’s viewpoint can help avoid behavior problems that eventually lead to dogs being “given up” or even euthanized!
It is true that we shouldn’t have to behave like dogs in order for our dogs to live with us, but communication goes a long way to solving any relationship problem. Including the relationship problems we frequently have with our canine friends. Imagine if every time you had an argument with a human friend you yelled “NO"!!!” or worse yet, slapped them with a newspaper…
And yet, our dogs remain our friends even after we frequently over react, brandish hands or newspapers, and believe they are “trying to get away with it” when they find sweet relief by peeing on the carpet behind the bedroom door. It would be great if every dog owner read this book and got some insight into their dog’s natural lives.
