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Dog Psychology

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What is your dog thinking about?

Dog owners around the world will tell you that their dog has a lot going on inside their head. Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking? Is he composing timeless sonnets, or pondering a cure for disease, or comprising diabolical ways in which to trap and snare the neighbor's cat?

Dog's are keen observers of the world around them. They have a capability of discerning subtle clues from those they encounter, and will respond in kind. Many people will confuse a dog's response to situations with instinct, when, in reality dogs are thinking and reacting to world around them.

It's all in the tail
If the eyes are the windows to the soul for humans, the tail is the same for your dog, albeit at the other end of the spectrum. While your dog might not be able to participate verbally in deep philosophical discussions his tail might just provide you with all of the insight you ever needed to know.

Tails can express a full gamut of emotions from an excitedly wagging tail, expressing your dog is happy to see you, to a tail held high with the tip wagging meaning that your dog is protective, and could be aggressive. The tail is what dogs use as a primary tool of communication with humans and all other species.

Your dog only uses his tail when he is around another dog or a human, and this is the major indicator, used with your dog's body language to give you a clue as to what they are thinking or feeling at any time.

Curiosity
When your dog tips his head, and looks at you with ears perked up, he's wondering what you are going to do. Dogs, are just as curious as humans, and will look to their owner for a cue or response on how to react. If your dog feels neglected he might chew up a pair of your favorite stilettos, and then stare at you, wondering if you are going to give him a treat or send him to bed without dinner. In contrast, when you move a toy behind your back and pretend to throw it in a game of fetch, your dog might be wise to your ruse, and tilt his head, wondering what you are thinking, because he's certainly not that gullible.

Dogs are like kids
Dogs are much like toddlers when it comes to emotions. When you neglect your pooch he will probably take it out on a pair of shoes, or piece of furniture, all in an effort to get attention. If you are giving your dog good attention to reinforce good behavior your dog will respond as a well-behaved canine. If, however, you always forget about your four-legged friend, they will behave in such a manner to get any type of attention from their owner whether it is good or bad.

In the end, it's all about you
What your dog thinks and how he reacts to most situations are going to be in direct response to how you react. Because dogs are such astute students of body language, they will pick up on your being nervous or upset, and will respond to the world around them in a manner that they feel is protecting you. Remember, a dog's main objective is to care for and protect their master, so if you are wondering what's going on behind those big brown eyes, it usually has to do with making you happy.

Learn more about this author, Shauna Zamarripa.
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