Dog Interactive Behavior: What's going on in your dog's head?

Is that an emotional dog interactive behavior?

Dog interactive behavior involves more than two dogs defending their territory. Dogs have emotions that they readily share between each other and with their owners.

Have you ever wondered what goes on in your dog's head? Does he love you?

You'll be glad to know that dogs can develop emotional connections with us. Some people don't think so. They think that dogs are in their own world and all they seek from us is food and instructions that they can understand.

I've been reading the book, "For The Love Of A Dog: Understanding Emotion In You And Your Best Friend" by Patricia B. McConnell, PhD. Although I've always believed that dogs have emotions and that they are part of dog interactive behavior, this book opened my eyes to just how much emotion a dog actually experiences.

The book discusses the emotions that are most relevant in dog/human relationships: fear, anger, joy, and love. Personally, I believe she's missed one… humor.

As a child, I recognized our Spaniel's sense of humor by the expressions on her face. While we played, she often got into her chair and looked down on me with a wrinkled brow. Her eyes that took on a sort of triangular shape. The more I laughed, the longer she held the pose… and the harder I laughed.

Human - dog interactive behavior at its best!

My lab/chow, Cindy, had a similar sense of humor and I'm convinced it was human - dog interactive behavior at it's best. Who says dogs don't have a sense of humor? In fact, all my dogs used this method for expressing emotion that couldn't be denied.

It's in the look, the pose, the expression and the action. It's in the energy that passes between dog and human.

Whether we admit it or not, the emotional connection between us and our dogs is what establishes that bond. In a way, it's unfortunate that we can never really know what goes on inside our dog's head. On the other hand, it's probably a good thing because it makes us use our other senses and thought processes to communicate.

We have to resort to dog interactive behavior which means communicating without words. You'll want to be aware of your dog's facial expressions in different circumstances. Those expressions will tell you how the dog is feeling.

The author revealed that owners tend to relate their own thinking to their dog's actions. We expect our dog to like being hugged because humans enjoy it. If we watch the dog's facial expression, we'll see that he's not happy at all.

One of the best ways to begin to understand your dog's interactive behavior is to look at him from a different point of view, i.e.: use a video camera to record his reactions to your hugs. Or watch his facial expressions when someone else hugs him. You might be surprised by what you see.

Compare your dog's actions with your interpretation

Pay close attention to how you describe your dog's behavior. Jot down exactly what he's doing rather than how you think he's feeling or thinking. For instance, if your dog hides when visitors arrive, write down exactly what he does, rather than suggest that he's just shy around visitors.

It takes a lot of patience and concentration to accurately interpret a dog's interactive behavior. Pay attention, take notes and over time, you'll come to understand the difference between the dog's behavior and what you think is going on in the dog's mind.

Be careful not to put "thoughts" into your dog's head. In other words, "listen" to what he's telling you, rather than apply your interpretation based on human assumptions. Discover who your dog really is.

Is your dog watching you? If so, what is he thinking?

This is fascinating. The author points out that a well-known dog trainer believes that "dogs are brilliant at reading the emotional states of their humans". It makes sense for dogs to pay attention to us and try to read our every move. That's how they decide their own actions at any given time.

Dogs watch us to discover what might be in their immediate future. Dogs look for various signals and what they mean. I can give you a great example from my own dogs.

I'm in the habit of using certain one-word expressions, and all my dogs learn what they mean. "Well… I guess…" is the one they wait for. It means, it's time to take that walk. For the longest time, I had no idea I use that phrase to send any kind of message. One day, I realized that my dog jumped up, seemingly without reason, and excitedly sprang for the door.

Eventually, I caught on.

Human - dog interactive behavior is a fascinating subject that can teach dog and owner a few things about communication.

---------------

Want more dog tips? Get your complimentary copy of my latest booklet, "Unveiling the Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy" at Healthy Dog Nutrition Secrets or go to http://ebook-haven.com/PuppyGuide1.php

(Close this window to return to the articles list)