|
Apr 03, 2009, 03:39 PM
|
|
|
While I do agree with the writer that instinct does play a huge role in dog behavior and stuff, I don't think it's something to rule out as love being a distinctly human trait. These qualities are shown in a number of animals, not just humans. Even wolves are affectionate with one another at times- even with their rigid hierarchy. As long as you set clear rules with discipline attached if they are broken...even little things like a firm no when a rule is broken or when it is or is not okay to go to the bathroom or eat it will fulfill their need for pack structure. Just by telling them that no you are not going to poop on the carpet and no you cannot eat the garbage...you are being the pack leader. Behavior problems arise when they start thinking that maybe they can tell you what to do instead of the other way around. If you have no problems then your dogs are quite happy with your leadership and know you are the boss despite a few slips here or there 
Try not to worry about it too much, as long as you are happy with your dogs and they are happy with you- even if apparently their nudging means that they are being disrespectful or something else like that...why change?
|