It’s a Dogs Life —

Humans And Canines Seek Companionship

By Mary Jane Anderson

Both humans and canines seek companionship because they are social creatures. Neither want to be alone.

Humans, young or old, look for friends with whom to share their interests and time. In the animal world, wolves, for instance, live in packs. Cooperation is essential to the packs’ survival. All wolves work together as a team. All members know their rank in the pack and develop strong social bonds. The leader directs the activities of the pack, in socializing, hunting, eating, and mating. The leader continually asserts his position and establishes a system of law and order.

Dogs, the domesticated relatives of wolves, belong to a pack of people. In human society, a dog must quickly learn his rank in the pack and who is the leader. As Franz De Waal says in his book, Good Natured,  “All animals do not take kindly to an anti-authoritarian upbringing. Owners who hate to be masters deprive their pets of the element they need most for psychological stability: a clearly defined social position.”

In other words, a dog owner seeking companionship with a dog must establish strong leadership in the bond between them. A mutual trust must be formed. A dog needs to know what is required of him. He must be taught how to behave in the home, what he can do and what he cannot do as his leader teaches him his limits and his status in the home — such as the wolf leader interacts with his pack.

The owner must enforce rules that have been established. He does that with a firm voice but not intimating. Dogs learn through his owner’s voice and gestures. Yelling or hitting the dog will only bring mistrust. Permissiveness in dealing with unwanted behavior can never be corrected by giving rewards such as a treat, petting, or playing. The owner initiates and controls their actions, emotionally and physically. Everything depends on the owner; good health requires a proper diet, visits to the veterinarian, and daily exercises.

Good manners are rules for a happy relationship with your dog. A leader guiding his dog in the rules of the house — housebreaking, eating, and sleeping quarters — provides the dog security and trust of his master in all situations. As a puppy, he will act as an animal, jumping up on you and chewing anything that is in sight. They should be taught that jumping and chewing is not allowed. However, chewing continues until a puppy has his permanent teeth, usually around five or six months old. But, if a puppy is not taught to only chew on its toys during that time, the puppy could grow up to be a chewer.

Early training of the puppy to behave on a leash away from home such as walking in the neighborhood or on Main Street is good exercise for him, as well as fun and games in the backyard. However, the owner initiates the outdoor time and ends the session. When he takes his walks, he should be friendly with people of all ages, but knowing basic obedience so he can sit quietly to meet new friends. Training can assure a dog owner success with his dog.

A dog will respond to his owner’s consistency. Owners should also not forget to praise their dogs with a pat showing the dog that he approves of its behavior. Inconsistency only leads to confusion for the dog and the owner.

The owner who ensures both the dog’s good behavior and good health creates a mutual bond which develops into a lifetime companionship between a dog and his master.