Dog Behavior Myths: Social Butterflies Versus Packs

Being a true inquisitive canine, I must ask the humans out there "Who came up with this whole 'pack' mentality mumbo jumbo?" Is it because we have descended from wolves? Wolves travel in packs because they have to hunt large prey - the large, fast (and delicious) beasts require more than the lone wolf to take it down...hence, the reason wolves form packs - it cuz they're hungry and gotta get the job done. 

As for us domestic canines, well, you don't see stray dogs forming packs do you? Nope - they're either found, end up in a shelter, become feral, or die. But they certainly don't roam the neighborhoods forming packs. I believe you humans do that more than us dogs. I've heard about the "gang" "clique" and special groups such as "yahoo" and "google" phenomenon. 

My mom the rockin' Ventura dog trainer clears up this kind of stuff in her dog training classes and dog training workshops. Allow me to continue to clear up the muddy myth waters of us canines right here in this dog training blog: 

• We're SOCIAL animals! 
• We enjoy being with our family - whether it be one person, or an entire mob.
• We don't enjoy being left alone, especially if we're not used to it.
• When left alone, sometimes we get bored (that results in finding our own entertainment), or scared (try to escape, don't eat, howl for help). 

A very aware dog mom wrote in to our Noozhawk dog behavior advice column about her own dog being left alone, and some concerns she had. Allow me to elaborate on some of the issues I mention above:

• Sometimes we get bored - and then find our own means of entertainment - which are often activities you humans don't appreciate. (Check out my friend Nellie - she used to redecorate her mom and dad's condo - they didn't appreciate it, but have since given her new and fun activities). 

• Sometimes we get scared. Yours truly here doesn't like certain noises. One time the smoke detector batteries died, and the little device was making all sorts of weird noises. When mom and dad came home, I was all trembly and scared. Just wanted to get outta here! 

As mom says again and again in her dog training classes and with her private dog training clients: "Don't wait to train a behavior when you need that behavior." In this case, it's best to crate train and condition your dog to be left alone before you're having to head out the door, rushed, for a long period of time. It's best to do lots of "dress rehearsals" so your dog gets used to being left alone, and actually begins to enjoy it. 

So, speaking of descending from other animals, I've heard you humans have descended from apes. Well I wonder, do you live in tree's flinging poo at each other? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

The Vet's Are Finally Pitching Their Tents in My Camp!

Great news everyone! The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has released an official position statement on their view of Dominance Theory and how it relates to training us domestic dogs...and the fact that it doesn't work - at least it doesn't really work as far as educating us on the behaviors you want. It just bullies us into stopping a specific behavior, but only temporarily - and makes us scared. 

A few key points the article makes are:

1. Definition of dominance: a relationship between individual animals that is established by force/aggression and submission, to determine who has priority access to multiple resources such as food, preferred resting spots, and mates. Uh, hello??? You determine what, when, and how much we eat; where we sleep, and if we're allowed to breed at all! So who is really being the "dominant" one?
2. Types of trainers the AVSAB recommends: those that follow the scientifically based guidelines of positive reinforcement, operant conditioning, classical conditioning, desensitization, and counter conditioning. Rock on for my mom the dog trainer!!! 
3. Myths about wolves versus dogs and behavior: Ugh! We're dogs we're not wolves! You humans descended from apes... need I say more? 

Yep, my own mom is this exact type of trainer. All of her dog training classes, workshops, private training plans, and even her doggy socials are based on these types of training methods. Not the old fashioned stuff that drives us dogs nuts! 

I wonder if any of those great veterinarians out there are ever going to make an official statement about car safety for pets? Hmm, something for this car-seat riding inquisitive canine to ponder.