Dog Conduct and Dog Behavior

Dogs and their behaviors: Living with your dog you'll notice that various behaviors and reactions it has to certain things can seem almost "human-like". They are generally small things that you would never think possible, coming from your dog. Now, what can we classify as "typically human" or "typically dog-like?" A dogs' behavior is conditioned, due to its way of being. Even though they are used to living with humans, their characteristics are much like the wolf; a carnivorous animal, which is why it has an extraordinary ability to hunt. Because of it's marked behavior in relation with territory, makes it an excellent guard. The fact that they come from packs makes it a sociable animal.  Because of it's heritage and coexistence with people, dogs have developed an intelligence, based on a capacity to remember past experiences; this will permit them to adapt to situations, just by following it's instincts. For this reason it's important to point out these two antithetical elements:

Certain reactions come almost automatically( for example, it's optical, perceptive motion). But you must also have in mind that a dog is an individual and therefore has independent actions and behaviors, it is sensitive and adapts to it's own decisions. A Dogs' behavior is different in each one, depending on the breed or behaviors acquired through education, coexistence with people and the affection it receives. For a "human-like dog", a praise can mean more than a special treat. In fact, dogs' also have feelings such as affection, envy, distrust or jealousy. A healthy upbringing can make the dogs' breed "difficult to recognize". Breeders usually and select out a few qualities and characteristics that allows us to distinguish the different kinds of breeds. How to describe, for example the physiognomy of a Bobtail, which hides behind a curtain of hair, that of a Doberman or a Bull Terrier, who's face has such tight skin that it's almost impossible to see any movement, or a Basset, who's wrinkles suggest a psychological disposition that doesn't exist? Referring to character, some breeds like Mastiffs, Nordic dogs, Terriers and Teckels, behave however they feel like and have to be disciplined with a firm hand. When dealing with pack-dogs, such as the Beagle, Basset or Poodle, it's owners' authority is insured. Specific behavior of different breeds in a family environment has been studied and conclusions has been reached which can influence owners when choosing a correct breed.

Nevertheless, there are dogs who's behavior is completely opposite of that in the specialized bibliography. This is an inconvenience of generalizations but is a point in favor of dogs as individuals. Although it's hard to understand the expressions of different breeds in most cases a dog expresses itself through the expression on it's face and it's ears, fur and tail. Prohibiting cutting the tail and/or ears is perfectly justified because you're taking away an important possibility of expression. Dogs' Two Languages

Be it a Chihuahua or a Epagnuel Breton, all dogs are descendants from the wolf, that's where they get their behavior from. To have an adequate interpretation from such behaviors, facilitates your interaction and relation with them"