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We know you're obsessed with your dog. But have you ever been really confused by them, too? So have we!
Here are some key concepts that will help you better understand your canine companion. The more you know where your dog is coming from, the better life you'll share.
1. Dogs are social mammals
Domestic dogs and people are better at building bonds with members of different species than any other animals we've studied so far. For example: While wolves generally prefer the company of other wolves, dogs often seek out humans first.
Dogs bond with us. We bond with them. And we all get something out of it! When we connect with our loved ones—pets included—we experience feel-good hormones, stress reduction, and a sense of social fulfillment.
This explains why we’ve known dogs as “man’s best friend” for so long. It also helps us understand why being left alone can be stressful for our pets.
2. Dogs pay attention to subtle human body language
Because canines primarily communicate physically—they vocalize from time to time but don’t have an abstract verbal language like we do—they’re more focused on movements than sounds. And because our ancestors evolved alongside each other for so many generations, they’re particularly aware of human signals.
Domestic dogs are the only animal we’ve studied who can follow our pointing gestures from the time they’re infants. (Modern wolves don’t pass the test.)
Try stretching at your desk while your dog is in the room, as if you’re about to get out of your chair. Do they leap to their feet? Do their eyes track your hands as you lift them above your head? Chances are your pup has been watching you closely—without you even realizing.
The more we pay attention to the subtle signals we send our pups, the more clearly we can communicate. The easier training becomes!
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3. Our pets do not interpret social signals the same way we do
While dogs pay fabulous attention to subtle human signals, they do not automatically understand what all of our gestures mean.
Some body language is relatively universal between humans and dogs… but most of it isn't. Here are some key examples of where communication can break down.
- Hugs: Primates tend to enjoy hugs. Our dogs, on the other hand, often feel trapped in what they interpret as a confrontational display.
- Direct approaches: Making eye contact while walking right up to someone new is polite in our human world. It shows respect and focus! In the canine universe, it’s most normal to greet strangers by coming in an arc from the side. Too much staring can be threatening.
- Baby talk: When we babble to our pets, it’s a way of showing our love. Many dogs do get excited when they hear our high pitched noises — but sometimes it can be stressful for them too. Ramping up their prey instincts and sending them into a state of high arousal isn't very fair when we’d rather they be calm. (This is why speaking in a slow, calm voice is the best thing to do if your dog is scared.)
4. Dogs smell and hear better than humans
Our pups see muted colors and blurrier edges than we do. But their sense of smell is at least 10,000 times more powerful! No wonder they can be sensitive to things we barely think about, like scented candles... or the faded smell of last week’s spaghetti spill in the kitchen.
Dogs also have more sensitive ears than us. Your pup can hear almost twice as many frequencies as you can!
5. It’s normal for dogs to not always want new friends
Maybe your dog adores you, a few other humans, and another pet or two—but they aren’t always looking to say hello to strangers on the street or romp through a crowded dog park. There’s nothing wrong with them. (There’s nothing wrong with you as their pet parent, either.)
Just because dogs are social mammals doesn’t mean they’re indiscriminately social with strangers. It’s normal for a domestic dog to just have a close-knit family group! This is how their canine ancestors functioned before domestication.