Dog behavior

Different moods

Dogs use body language and sounds to communicate. If you study your dog closely, you will see changes in the position of its head and ears, the “look” in its eyes, the hairs on its tail, according to its mood.

Showing feelings

When your dog’s head and tail are up it is happy, It will wag its tail from side to side or even in a kind of circle when it is glad to see you. If its head is down and its tail is between its legs then it may be very unhappy. Sometimes this means your dog is being “submissive.” Which means that it is allowing another dog or a human to be in charge.

Guarding territory

When a stranger is in your home you will notice your dog’s hair thicken and “stand up,” particularly its back and neck. Your pet will often bark loudly and become very excited. This is your dog’s way of communicating its desire to defend your house.

In the home

All dog thrive on human company. They are pack animals, used to knowing their place within a group. Because of this, your dog may eventually come to believe it is “human” or that your family represents its pack. However, you must always remember that your pet is a dog! Understanding this will help you to keep your dog or puppy happy at home.

Mixing with other pets

Puppies will mix with almost any animal. Dogs that have lived in another home or with a breeder for a long time can be much more difficult to introduce into a new home where there is another animal. This depends very much on the breed and the age of the dog but a vet will advise on each case.
Introducing a new puppy

Introducing a new puppy to another dog has to be attempted carefully. Few happy and healthy adult dogs will show aggression toward a puppy, gut the introduction has to be taken slowly. An existing dog or cat will look on your home as its territory and will aggression from your existing pet should be discouraged and you should keep the animal under control at all times.

Introducing and older dog

When you introduce an older dog to a younger one they should be encouraged to play or exercise in an activity they can both enjoy. All food should be kept away from the meeting. All meals should be given separately for the first few days. Once there is fully acceptance of the newcomer by the existing pet, meals can given in separate dishes at the same time.

Dog and cat

Older dog, for example those that have been encouraged to chase cats from gardens, will show very friendly with your own cat and chase others away from your garden but this is because it is protecting its territory. Some dogs and cats will live together in harmony with no problems.