Perhaps you’ve seen the multitude of phone or tablet apps that are supposed to translate human speech to barks, growls, and howls that our dogs can understand. Or maybe you’ve read the articles about a machine that will let us know what our pup is trying to tell us.
While high-tech translations are a tempting idea, having some sort of universal translation device still seems like something from a B-rated sci-fi flick.And, unfortunately, much of what we have read about and tried is, indeed, science fiction.
So, until Fido can order out for doggy treats or communicate terms for couch sitting privileges, there may be some guesswork for what your dog wishes you knew.
The Five Things
“Please spend time with me” – Most likely your dog doesn’t get as much time with you as he or she would like. Work and family activity schedules can be grueling, if not outright impossible at times. Your dog only wishes to spend some of that waking time together, like any partnership the bond demands such attention to time. If the situation permits, take him or her with you on your errands.
“When you feel, I feel it too” – Many owners have gotten that feeling like their dog empathizes with some of their feelings. As it turns out, a few studies have demonstrated that he or she can identify feelings for both you and strangers as well. A very empathetic gift of sensitivity for our emotional wellbeing. Keep in mind if your furry friend can feel what you’re feeling, that is both good and bad feelings, so, stay positive.
“I might be sick, even if I can’t show it” – Since many dogs can still have a wild side genetically left over from a wilder time, his or her reactions to injury could be perceived as a sign of weakness and in turn may not demonstrate it. Some signs of pain may be as simple as decreased diet, increased water uptake, or emphatic panting. There are many reasons to be concerned so make sure he or she has a baseline health exam so you have something to compare a change in behavior.
“If I’m misbehaving, it’s a sign that something is wrong” – If your pooch pal is exercising his or right to protest by “marking” territory or chewing your favorite slippers, there may be a reason for this peaceful, albeit destructive disruption. Some things that may precipitate in poor behavior on his or her part could be changes in your schedule, his or her diet, or even a change in a living situation. Take a moment to determine whether or not the behavior is something new or part of an ongoing discipline struggle. Often there is a hidden message in the poor behavior of canine context, so be sure to read between the lines.
“I have a job, let me get to it already” – Many working dogs have a genetic disposition to a specific job. Like Dachshunds fighting Badgers or Australian Shepherds herding cattle and sheep, even the most domesticated mixed breed has some sort of predisposed job. Take a moment to learn what his or her background is and make the room for patience, especially with the working breeds as they especially have a “need” to do that job.
Now You Know
Not knowing means having to guess, especially, until there is that science magic machine to interpolate the hidden messages in your dog’s behavior. No matter, his or her intentions are always the best for their “pack-leader”, you.
Making it known, rather than guessing means that everyone gets along a bit better, and has a much better time to spend with each other in company and collusion.
