A Dogs Mind

A dog's life may seem simple, but it is a social creature with a complex psychology to allow him to live with others. Perhaps instilled by instinct, he is always evaluating his world and place in it, meaning he is always learning.

Packs function with an alpha "pack leader" and the subservant pack members. If the dog in quesiton is your pet, he most likely sees you as the pack leader. If he doesn't, he will see this as a role waiting to be filled.

Beyond the "Alpha Dominance" issues, your dog wants to belong and give and receive love. Dogs are very sensitive to your emotions, and usually understand this better than all the words we throw at them. Just saying the words, "good job" with no emotion sounds to your dog like "blah blah blah." Whereas, saying the same with enthusiasim will make your dog take notice and be pleased with himself. Whatever you are trying to reward him for will be reinforced.

Temperament will also effect the psychology of your pet. This is a breed and breeding issue most often. Breeds that are known for their affection can be snappish and wary if bred from unstable, under-socialized parents.

Dog training needs to win over the psychology of your dog. You want him to obey you because he wants to based on his love of you and acceptance of you as the pack leader. If your training is based on toys, food, being on leash, etc. then you are powerless if your dog has not also been submitting to you as the leader. Agressive behavior toward your dog, hitting yelling etc. will not win your dogs loyalty. It just makes him afraid.

Dogs are very practical. They live in the moment. One blessing of this is it makes them very adaptable. A dog that is rescued from a difficult environment will often just shake it off as long as things are good in his new environment. He will continue to want to bond and get to know his new pack. His previous experiences may contribute to his learned behavior, like his fear of being tied up or being left alone. But consistent new experiences, where this no longer takes place teaches him new things. In time, a leash means a walk instead of being tied up. Being alone is accepted as the pack leader always returns before I'm hungry, etc. Most dogs are resilent!