Humans Should Know A Dog's Natural Instincts

I jumped over a snake like this. See more wildlife photos at Latta Plantation Park's Facebook page

Sage Canine Advice, by Sage Riverdog – May 13

Both dogs and humans have instincts: things we do naturally. If someone throws something at you, you duck. Dogs have some specific instincts they have retained since they evolved from wolves. Knowing what these are can help owners adjust their behavior to help better communicate with dogs.

First, here are some things dogs pay attention to and some things they ignore. Yesterday when I was walking the Whitewater Trails I jumped over and totally ignored a large black snake. It created alarm in my owners, who took a very long circle around that snake. I didn't perceive it as a threat.

One instinct a dog has is to either be the pack leader or a follower. In human mixed packs, it’s important for the human to be a good leader, if they don't ,then the dog will try and assume that role. I need daily reassurance I am doing the right things as a member of my pack.

Second, most dogs like to dig. I know I'm not supposed to, but sometimes I get confused and carried away and dig up a garden plant that my owners just planted. I get scolded, and that helps remind me that there are things I'm allowed to do, like chew dog bones, run and roll in the grass, but there are limits. You need to know that digging is something a wolf does to find a cool place and often to dig a den to raise its young.

Sage retrieving stick in current

Third, both puppies and many older dogs who haven't had the chance to learn good manners will mark their territory by soiling the carpet or furniture. This again is something that comes naturally and needs to be relearned when dogs live in homes with people.

 

Lastly my owners were amazed this week when I was chasing a stick into the Catawba River and there was a bit of a current. I instinctively knew that I needed to swim downstream to intersect with the stick. It's good to know I can still surprise them with my intellect!

About Sage – Sage is an 8-year-old black Labrador retriever who lives with River District Executive Director Edna Chirico and Edna’s husband, John Huber. Sage earned a Canine Good Citizen award, which allows her to visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Sage loves to run, fetch, swim, ride in boats, travel in the car and play with just about anyone, especially children.