The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [20]
When dogs first meet, they often quickly size each other up without a single bark. They sniff each other, eye each other, and within seconds know each other’s sex, age, health condition, and position in the canine hierarchy. Just as you described, the dominant dog will loom her head over the back of the submissive one. There is a moment of stillness as the two dogs study one another. Both understand this posturing and will generally accept their social rankings. Sometimes some snarling will occur or a brief scuffle, usually over in seconds, will break out — but sometimes a serious fight can ensue.
This form of behavior is far different from what you see when two canine chums greet one another. During friendly reunions, familiar dogs will sniff each other’s faces and rear ends but may also jump up and touch front paws in midair or playfully mouth their pal’s neck or tug on their cheek. Notice their mouths. Happy, relaxed dogs keep their mouths open. Tense, alert dogs keep their mouths tightly closed.
Even though you describe Jessie as not aggressive, pay close attention to new doggy introductions at the dog park and other places. Many dogs are more territorial when leashed, but it’s always best to have them under control when they first meet. Explain that Jessie can be a little snappy at first but that she usually makes friends. If the dog park protocol is for dogs to run loose, stay nearby while Jessie introduces herself. While dogs will usually sort things out for themselves pretty quickly, you need to be close enough to break up a fight if the other dog turns out to be as assertive as Jessie is.
Are Dogs “Word Worthy”?
Q When I talk to my dog, Charlie, he usually cocks his head, as if he is really listening and understanding what I’m telling him. Do dogs know words, or is he just listening to the tone of my voice?
A Dogs read your voice tone more than the actual words to gauge if you’re delivering praise or discipline. Try this test with Charlie. Stiffen your muscles, grab a telephone book, and begin to call out the names alphabetically in a stern, low tone in front of him. Watch his response. I bet he will glance your way, crouch down, and move away from you, almost as if to say, “I can tell you’re angry but I’m not sure why.”
Now repeat the exercise, but this time, relax your muscles, sit on the floor, and call out the names in the phone book in a cheery, musical tone. Watch what Charlie does. He will probably race over to you with a circular wag and a happy, open-mouth grin and try to give you kisses.
The same words spoken in a different tone elicit different reactions from your dog. Although tone matters more, many dogs do understand specific words and phrases. That’s because we have been consistent when speaking these words followed by a particular action. Chipper licks her muzzle whenever I say to her, “Want to eat?” because she knows a goodie is coming. At night, when I say, “Find your spot!” Chipper races upstairs and flops on her bed in my bedroom. Her motivation? She receives a tasty nighttime snack each time she complies.
You can train your four-legged vocabulary builder to perform some nifty tricks by using treats and praise to reinforce desired responses. For example, let’s say you want to wow your pals when they visit by telling your dog to give you the sports section from your newspaper. This is easier to accomplish than you may realize. Start by placing several sections of your daily newspaper on the floor in order, such as the front page, the local news, sports, and features.
Alert your dog to pay attention. Put a small treat on the sports section. Point to the sports section while saying, “Find the sports page.” When your dog’s nose touches the sports section to pick up the treat, say “sports page” and praise him. Do this several times in a row for a few days, and then gradually remove the treat, but continue saying, “Find the sports page.” Offer the treat after your dog touches the sports pages. In time,