Various breeds of dogs show a very close resemblance to their ancestor the wolf. Obviously the first part of the body we notice is normally the head and facial features, so this is where we will start.
The very first sound that tells us the animal we are hearing is a dog, is by it's bark. As a result of the domestication of dogs one of the signs of communication between dogs and humans is barking. A dog may often respond to its owner with a bark. However a bark may also indicate danger. I am sure we have all been annoyed by continuous barking dogs around our own neighbourhoods! This brings me to the next form of vocalisation...... howling. Some say that dogs howl at the moon? And yes it appears that they may, especially when you watch the position of the head being upright whilst howling.
Why do they howl?
From a simple perspective they may purely be communicating with another dog. When they are hunting they howl to signal location. Of course many may howl when they are left alone for a long period of time. Most of these are attempting to signal their families, hoping they will arrive home soon. Unfortunately for those within earshot they may find this frustrating especially if one dog's howl sets off a string of howls around the neighbourhood. Sometimes things beyond our control, like sirens can trigger the howling also.
So lets say you have a normal and generally well behaved dog and he barks occasionally. There are some simple things you can do to stop this quickly. However it does require some patience on your behalf and repitition. In my experience I never growl at Harley and Lily when they bark as there is normally a good reason why they are barking. The first thing you need to do is investigate why they are barking. Simply if you can share what they can see you will also understand what they see. If it is for a valid reason but you need them to stop just a few repetitive words they are accustomed to will do the trick. If you are in tune with your dog and they respect you this is very simple to overcome.
Example - a new neighbour has moved in with a dog 2 houses away but your dog can see him through the fence and knows he is new.
Go out to your 'barker' and say "It's alright, good boy/girl, no bark". Then in a firm voice repeat "No bark". If you can get close then pat them as well. This is still positive reinforcement even though you are telling them not to do something. The fact that you responded to their bark by seeing what they see is most important and this definitely works in our house. After all their whole purpose is to look after you so they are only doing their job, normally very well. HOWEVER on the other side of the coin is the continuous barking which is annoying! In our house this typically happens when Lily will wait to eat her pigs ear until Harley has finished his. Then he will stand over her barking because he wants hers. That when it's raw bone time! One each! This usually resolves the matter. However there are times whereby if you dig up some dirt and bury the bone or lay on it, there really is only one again!
I often ask myself, 'Do I have dogs or naughty children?' Human intervention may prevail in these cases!
Ok so not far from the voice box is the well respected and almighty sensitive NOSE.
Did you know that a dog's nose is ONE MILLION TIMES more sensitive than humans? Hence dogs are used all around the world for search and rescue, drug detection, customs, police tracking and protection work. A scent can also be picked up from the whiskers as they are connected to the brain.
WELCOME TO HARLEY'S NOSE
HARLEY'S FAVOURITE SMELLSThat stinky contraption the humans call a barbecue. Irresistible to wolfhounds!
Cooked chicken meat. Actually any cooked meat, ohhhh bacon too.
Some flowers
Some fruit (I love bananas)
The Schmakos tin. And ohhhhh the livertreat lunchbox! Loved those livertreats
I like new smells in the air when I am out walking.
My mum, my dad and Lily's butt!
LILY'S FAVOURITE SMELLS
Cooked chicken - my favourite. And bacon.
And ohhhh... the livertreat lunchbox!!
The Schmakos tin too.
Every blade of grass out walking, so you can
pee on it! You never know who was there
before you.
My dad
My mum (more than anyone)
ARE YOU PART OF THE WHISKERS PACK YET?????
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