Running head: MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS
Managing a Companion Animal; The Dog
Name of Student Institutional Affiliation
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MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 2 Introduction The decision made by individuals to be companion animal owners drives them into a new universe of ensuring that they have become responsible and compliant owners. This is because such animals are sensitive creatures which deserve the best care and attention from their owners. Therefore, the animal owner should ensure that he or she has established an effective care system for the companion animal that is within his or her possession. But what exactly is the meaning behind the phrase companion animal? They are animals such as dogs and cats which are present in homes and live together in the same household as their owners. However, other animals can also be referred to as companion animals. These animals include horses, fish, birds, rabbits, and goats that share the home with their owners. In essence, companion animals are just pets that have the capability of forming a lasting bond with their owners. As such, they should be showered with love and care. The owners of these animals must ensure that their animals are taken care of in an environment that is favorable for their existence. This is some through ensuring that the animal is surrounded by people and objects that are friendly to them. With that said, it is not an easy job tending for a companion animal. It may look easier to fill up the paperwork for adopting companion animals, but the real task lies on how the animal will be taken care of. The relationship that will be formed as a result of this care and the outcome that will be seen when certain conditions are not fulfilled. Therefore, the real task of owning a pet lies on how the pet will be treated by those surrounding it and not on the adoption. Pet ownership begins from the minute a pet is purchased, and paperwork filled. Afterward, the pet is taken to its new home where it will meet new faces. At this stage, it is important that everybody who will be associating with the pet in the home has created an accurate impression of the pet. Pets have a sense of knowing who to trust from the first sight.
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 3 Therefore, showing a friendly face to the pet will draw a lasting impression of the pet to like the individual. Behavior Characteristics of Dogs Different animals exhibit different behavior characteristics based on the occasion or situation at hand. The various behavioral aspects dictate why different animals react differently in response to specific conditions and why they defend themselves differently during certain circumstances. In most cases, animals respond differently due to certain stimuli. Such occasions include searching for food, reproduction, evading predators and other enemies, and for the sole purpose of interaction with those surrounding them. Mainly, they behave differently in such scenarios because they have already established their priorities and they know just what they want to accomplish (Pirrone et al., 2016). Dogs can illustrate signs of anger towards the owner in a different way. A dog can maintain its posture and even act more human than a cat. It will illustrate that it is annoyed by doing some things differently than how it does them usually. The dog will, therefore, do everything possible to make the owner to see that it is mad at them. One instance is the dog ignoring the owner. A dog will do this when it is being given instructions by the owner by not doing them. Sometimes they run away from the owner. The dog will also give long and blank stares to the owner to illustrate annoyance. In this scenario, the dog will look at the owner who will be telling the dog to do something. Instead, the dog is just there, staring at him or her. A dog can also illustrate signs of lethargies. Although this may be a sign of an illness or depression, a dog can do this when it is mad at the owner. It is only in a few occasions that the dog will illustrate aggressiveness towards the owner. This depends on the severity of what the owner did
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 4 to the dog. In such occasions, the dog is likely to warm up to the people around the owner, but not the owner (Serpell et al., 2016). Dogs are very social animals that can live in a group. They are also able to read and interpret human gestures and behavior. They use facial expressions, body postures, ear, and tail positions, and scent to interact with other dogs and humans (Müller et al., 2015). A little puppy that is eight weeks and below can focus on other dogs around for social interaction. When the puppy grows to be a little over 12 weeks of age, they now focus their attention to surrounding humans. The puppies learn about their social and physical surroundings. This applies to free dogs. That is dogs that are not kenneled. Kenneled dogs do not receive that much exposure to know how the physical environment and the people around look like. Therefore, dogs locked in kennels have much low or undeveloped social skills. Some of the social behavior of dogs are asking for attention, illustrating annoyance to the owner, asking to play, and illustrating boredom or tiredness (Serpell et al., 2016). The behavior of a dog is likely to tell the pet owner about the mood that the dog is in. For example, a newborn puppy is likely to nip the people around when they are on the learning streak of communicating with their parents. This kind of behavior is evident when the puppies are playing with people because the puppies first learn to communicate with their mouths for interaction. Although nipping is considered to be a puppy kind of behavior, it has to be stopped at the earlier stages when the puppy has not grown into a dog to stop the act from becoming a typical behavior of the canine. Biting is also a sign of the dog’s act of fear, aggression, or anxiety. Therefore, the owner must identify the reason why the dog is frequently biting and what would have motivated the animal to react like that (Howell et al., 2015).
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 5 Dogs are also fond of digging burrows in the ground. This act may be associated with different reasons. Some of these reasons include to hide from a potential enemy, to track potential prey, to establish a good spot of lying down, and to hide something of value to them. However, the dog may dig inside the house as well during the night and at nap times to create a perfect place of sleeping. Another behavior illustrated by dogs is constant panting. Dogs pant to expel much of their body heat through their mouth. This is an indication that the dog is warm and that it is only regulating its body temperature. However, panting can also be a sign of pain. Another characteristic that dogs possess is sitting on the owner’s feet or between the legs of the owner. This trait is a sign of dominance. In other words, the dog is either anxious or nervous and is behaving in that way because it wants to feel safe by staying as close as possible to its owner. This behavior is commonly illustrated by new dogs which are new to a locality such as a park and is seeing many faces for the first time (Brugarolas et al., 2016). Dogs are also able to show that they need to maintain a given distance between them and the people or other dogs around. They do this by showing certain behavioral characteristics such as maintaining specific body languages or vocalizations. These signs indicate that the dog has a desire for increasing or decreasing its distance, particularly in dogs which are less social. Such dogs are always alone and giving them the distance they need will be a great reprieve to them. Such dogs will show the signals to the owner and hope that the owner will grant them their space. This means that the dog will look for an opportune moment when they are granted the space and continue illustrating similar body languages and vocalizations to be given the distance again. They will behave in the same way until they get tired of the owner decided to be “kind.” At this time, maybe the owner wants to know why the dog is frequently asking for space. However, the owner should not punish the dog (Serpell, 2016).
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 6 The main reason why the dog will show signs of wanting to be left alone is that the dog is reactive towards the other dogs and that they do not wish to mingle with the rest. The use of vocalizations is a common way that dogs use to “tell” other dogs that they want to be left alone. For example, a dog will attempt to deter another dog by barking or growling. If this works and the other dog goes away, the first dog will continue to illustrate these signals to the other dogs that may come their way because they worked at first. But if the other dogs do not heed the dogs warning bark or growl and come closer to the dog, the barking or growling even gets to be more pronounced as if the dog is trying to reinforce the need for being left alone (Carter et al., 2015). Need for space is also shown when the dog attempts to make himself to look bigger than it is. This behavior is called piloerection. A cat also illustrates this behavior when it wants to wad of potential enemies. Therefore, when a dog does this, it shows that it wants to be left alone. Dogs also emphasize their need for space when they exhibit stiffness. This is mainly evident when the dog is protecting something valuable. For example, a bone, and other dogs want to snatch it from him. Therefore, the dog will become stiff and warn other dogs of the stake at hand. If the other dog does not heed this warning, it may result in an attack. Other ways that a dog will emphasize the need for space is through snarling, showing hard eyes, and a tight and fast wagging tail (Serpell, 2016). In other occasions, the dog may want to reduce distance. This is a profile of dogs which are socially active and outgoing. They illustrate distance decreasing signs which are reinforced if the dog is getting closer to their goal. An example of a distance decreasing sign is lunging. This refers to the act of the dog pulling the leash when he sees other dogs. The dog will force the owner to grant him his wish by letting him off the leash or following him towards the direction of the other dogs. This behavior is common in those dogs which like to mingle a lot.
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 7 Vocalizations are also another way that dogs will use to show that they need company. Vocalizations, in this case, are in the form of barks from a dog which is leashed. High-pitched growls and barks are also vocal indicators of the dog inciting other dogs to play. Tail wagging and illustrating a happy face are also indicators that the dog is seeking for friendship. These behavioral characteristics illustrated by dogs are different from other animals. Therefore, it is right to say that different pet animals illustrate different behavioral characteristics when encountered in different scenarios (Pongrácz et al., 2017). Socialization and Why it is Important It is important to introduce dogs to other people and dogs that will be a part of their stay at the household. This socialization is key during the puppy’s three weeks to three months. During this time, the puppy is curious about his new surroundings. Dog owners can use this stage to introduce the dog to the people, the other dogs, the environment and teach the dog that the surrounding is safe for his well-being. During this stage, the dog learns everything that is taught, and when the stage is over, he will be wary of anything new. The puppy uses the knowledge learned during the development phase to gain courage and be happier when they confront new things at a later time. It is important that the puppy is shown to positive experiences so that they have a first good impression of the world and the people within it. This socialization should be carried on as the puppy grows into their first year (Cleveland Animal Protective League, 2019). Dog socialization can be done in different ways, but the most productive method is through enrolling the dog into a training class which deals with puppy socialization. The reason why socialization classes are an appropriate step is that they provide the dog with a safe space to explore with other puppies and develop a connection with the other puppies. Socialization also
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 8 introduces the dog to new people. Here, the pet owner is recommended to introduce the dog to different kinds of people who have to show positive experiences. This practice can be achieved when the pet owner asks the people to feed the dog some treats while they greet the dog. If the practice is successful, the puppy will be cheerful throughout the process and retain a good picture of the individuals. However, during this meet-ups, the puppy can become too attached to certain individuals such as kids and illustrate strange behavior such as jumping on the children’s laps to ask for more treats. This can be solved by the pet owner asking the people to give the dog fewer treats. During such socialization, a puppy should get to know men, women, and kids or different statuses since the dog’s reaction to one person is not the same to another person (Coppola et al., 2006). Just like meeting different people is important to the puppy, it is essential also for the puppy to meet other dogs. However, the puppy should not be introduced to unstable and unfriendly dogs such as stray dogs. They should only be allowed to meet with dogs which have appropriate behaviors. Similarly, the puppy should not be allowed to interact with large dogs. The large dogs may illustrate demeaning signals like continuously pouncing the puppy all the time. This will make the puppy grow fearful of other dogs. Playdates are an important way of making socialization with other dogs possible. The dog is allowed to play with other dogs that have appropriate behavior (Duxbury et al., 2003). They should not be allowed to play with rough dogs so that they do not adopt the roughness illustrated by such dogs. Also, the puppy should not be allowed to disturb other dogs. If another dog does not want to play, the puppy should leave it alone. If the owner allows the puppy to disturb other dogs, they will adopt a stubborn trait that will make them feared by other dogs (Daniels, 1983).
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 9
Training and Why it is Important A good way of boosting a dog’s performance and maintaining its fitness is through training. Training a dog encompasses the growth of certain responses and the removal of some unwanted responses. During training, the dog learns on different stimuli and responses that allow them to cope with different events. In other words, training a dog refers to the act of teaching the dog by using rewards or corrections to do a task while the dog responds to command or another stimulus. The difference in training lies with the type of dog or the service of the dog. For example, a service dog will be given fewer and simpler training exercises than a psychiatric dog. A traditional dog is trained based on control and predictability. A psychiatric dog is trained on the importance of different stimuli and other complex actions such as signaling for help when the owner is in danger (Fugazza and Miklósi, 2015). In a nutshell, training is done to equip the dog with various skills that make them valuable creatures in human care, security, and intelligence as in the case of police dogs. Training of dogs can be done in two ways. The first one is done locally at home where the dog owner tries to introduce the dog to some basic actions. The second way is through the use of a professional training facility which has professional trainers suited for the job of training the animals. Even though a training facility may be costly, it is still the best way to ensure that the dog is well trained and has learned all required skills depending on the dog’s purpose (Marchal et al., 2016). The first method of training a dog is called classical conditioning. This method involves teaching the dog the fundamental things that will revolve around them. In this method, the dog will learn how to connect one event with a given signal. In this case, the signal has to be
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 10 followed directly with the event so that the dog easily associates them. For example, the dog will get excited when they hear the owner putting food into their food bowl. This is because the dog has learned to connect the two events. During this time, the dog owner can even come up with a marker word that signals an event. When this word is continuously used to refer to an event, the dog can retain this marker word through classical conditioning (Reisner, 2016). The next method is called operant conditioning. In this method, the dog is trained on the basis that their behavior will have some consequences. Here the dog learns that behaving in a given way will result in something. These consequences can either be positive which involves giving the dog something, for example, a treat. A negative result will make the dog be punished, or something is taken away from them. The dog will learn that if they behave in a given way, they will be treated well. For example, if they are asked to sit, they will be given treats. So the dog will try and sit more frequently because they will be given treats. However, the dog will also be aware that acting in some way will result in them being punished or something is taken away. As such, the dog will try and reduce the behaviors which will result in negative consequences (Reisner, 2016). Another way of training a dog is through extinction. This method is geared towards trying to get rid of the dog’s unwanted behavior. Extinction can be incorporated into classical and operant conditioning methods. In extinction and classical conditioning, the dog learns that the signal that was known is no longer used. For example, a classical conditioning method will make the dog know that the sound of a leash indicates a walk. In extinction, this sound will not illustrate the event anymore. For example, making noises with the leash but taking the dog out without the leash will make the dog stop reacting to the signal if it is carried out several times. Extinction and operant conditioning happen when the dog’s behavior stops leading to a
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 11 consequence. For example, the dog will sit because he knows that he will be given treats. Extinction happens when the owner stops from giving the dog treats anymore when they sit. As such, the dog will learn that sitting will not give them treats and will stop doing so when motioned to do so (Pfaffenberger and Scott, 1959). Therefore, when training a dog, it is important to associate all techniques with the extinction strategy to reduce certain expectations of the dog when they continue their behavior. Extinction rules out continued behaviors and allows the trainer to teach the dog new skills. The purpose of extinction as a training technique is to reduce certain actions as they are not being reinforced anymore. However, there is no difference in training different breeds of dogs. No matter the breed of a dog, they all learn by following the same principle and guidelines applied to human learning. These same principles are used to teach different animals on how to behave. Therefore, they are also applied to all dogs regardless of their breed. This means that the dogs, regardless of their breed, are the same because the difference in breed can only determine a dog’s training reward and reveal certain features of their personality (Banlaki et al., 2017). If this were so, it would be difficult to teach dogs of a mixed breed. However, the mixed breed dogs are also taught on their behavior following the same guidelines that would be used on a Dalmatian or a Bouvier. Behavior Problems in Dogs Behavior problems in dogs may arise due to two factors. That is aggression and elimination. Aggression is the biggest factor which leads to different aggression behaviors. Such behaviors are as a result of fear, anxiety, conflict, genetics, and in some instances, previous training (Bebak and Beck, 1993). These triggers lead to the occurrence of different behavior
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 12 problems. Fear aggression makes the dog afraid. Dogs showing this behavior try their best to avoid triggering something that they are afraid of, for example, bigger dogs. They illustrate aggressive behavior when they cannot escape, when they are pushed to stay, or when they know that acting in such a way will dispel the threat (Topál, et al., 1997). Dogs which learn that aggression is a solution of eliminating threats will continue acting as so when they encounter similar threats in the future. Pain aggression is another behavior problem of dogs. Here the dog is showing defensive reactions that are a result of pain, and it happens when the dog is being moved or touched. Other examples of aggressions include food-related aggression that is shown around their food by a dog which is not starved or abused, inter-dog aggression which is directed to other dogs either in the same household or away from home, play aggression which is associated with play moments, protective aggression, territorial aggression, and possessive aggression. According to Bebak and Beck (1993), it is difficult to deal with a dog which illustrates these aggressive behaviors. However, avoiding triggers of aggression in dogs is a good way to reduce the chances of aggressive behavior. However, a trained professional can come up with techniques which can lower aggressive behavior in dogs (Bebak and Beck, 1993). Other behavior problems in dogs are as a result of elimination. These behaviors are shown by dogs to try and communicate of their presence to other dogs and reduce the influence of other dogs by eliminating them. An example of a problem here is the marking of territory. Dogs do this by lifting their legs to urinate on the fences or other objects to tell other dogs that they have claimed the area or to make their presence. Another example is submissive urination that mainly occurs in dogs that have been trained at home. Such dogs will display certain behaviors that show that they are submitting, for example, lowering their heads or laying their ears back. During such occasions, the dog does not display any sign of aggression or fear. These
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 13 behaviors can be reduced by housetraining. The trainer can show the dog to a certain area where the dog is exposed to the surface and made familiar with it through the use of frequent trips. This can help to boost the confidence of dogs which show submissive urination behavior (Blackwell et al., 2016). Responsibilities of Dog Owners Dog ownership comes with a set of responsibilities that are required of the dog owner. These responsibilities are established so that the owner can form a mutually beneficial relationship. The first responsibility is ensuring that there will be lifelong care of the dog. This means that the owner should commit a relationship to the dog’s entire life and not neglect them in the process. The owner should also know that dog ownership requires time and money. The owner should set aside some funds to take care of the dog in case of illnesses, and time so that the dog feels loved. Responsible dog ownership calls for the owner to keep only the number of dogs which they can take care of. Keeping a bigger number of animals calls for the usage of much space and funds. If the dog owner does not have the means to do so, they should stick to only one dog. The dog owner should also comply with the licensing regulations. A responsible dog owner should be able to follow-up on their dog’s health by providing preventive and therapeutic health care for the dog such as vaccinations. It also required that the owner should allow the dog to socialize and train to ensure their well-being and that of the people around (Degeling et al., 2016). Laws Protecting Dog Owners Many of these responsibilities come after certain laws are passed to guide the dog owner from being harassed by different people. The laws that prevent harassment of dog owners are
MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 14 established so that would-be offenders know that their actions have consequences. Dogs are banned from apartments by landlords based on the animal, the breed, the size, their barking, and being allowed in lifts. These laws allow people to keep dogs around no matter the type or size because these bans are illegal. Another law protecting dog owners is the dogs being banned from certain parks and public spaces. Laws here are made to ensure that the dog owner ensures that the dog is friendly and will not harm the other people who use the parks (Borthwick, 2009). Conclusion Pet ownership is not an easy job as many wishful owners think before they get the pets. They require the time, care, and unconditional love to grow well and return gratitude to the owner. As said earlier, dog ownership starts from the moment the dog is adopted. From here, the owner will put in time and funds to ensure proper development of the dog. Even though the dog may exhibit certain problems during their development stage, the owner should not rule such behaviors as a form of threat. Instead, they can use the advice of veterinary doctors and other professionals to know how to handle certain problems. Nations have set laws which guard to-be or already dog owners (Degeling et al., 2016). Such laws protect dog owners against harassment by other people. However, the owners should also adhere to the guidelines set by administrative bodies to ensure that they are responsible dog owners. With that said, a dog owner can be any individual who is ready to set aside some time, and funds to manage a dog.
References
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MANAGING COMPANION ANIMALS; DOGS 17 Topál, J., Miklósi, Á., & Csányi, V. (1997). Dog-human relationship affects problem solving behavior in the dog. Anthrozoös, 10(4), 214-224.