The Canine within the Dog

It has been over 10,000 years since dogs have become companions to humans. Although their lifestyle is more comfortable with a soft bed and food being provided, they are still hunters at heart. When they lived without human interference they had to follow a sequence in order to get food.

Most commonly this was to search for a target, track with eyes, chase, bite to catch followed by bite to kill. As humans began to selectively breed selectively towards domestic canines many dogs were used for herding so it was the last steps of biting to catch or kill needed to be altered. However smaller breeds used for e.g. ratting were required to carry out the sequence in full.

Even though herding dogs such as collies can successfully stalk and herd sheep without hurting them this does not mean if you own a collie it will not kill the neighbour’s cat. Retrievers are bred to have a soft mouth e.g. hold without damage, but that is no guarantee your retriever won’t go for a chicken dinner if one flies into your yard. It’s all about the breeding AND the training (which includes the opportunity to practice).

Remember a dog is a dog and we should never forget where they have come from. When you see remnants of his wild self such as burying a bone, marking territory or turning in circles before he lies down, appreciate that even though he no longer needs these habits it is a gentle reminder there are still instincts, wild and power within.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)