Nice example of a group in a herd state. Notice the meandering and relaxed bodies. This indicates a sameness. Just like a herd of cattle or horses.
Here’s a great example of how body posture determines if you’re either perceived as a dog or a “rabbit”. Forward facing stops the chase and creates a social mindset.
Does your dog like to lick your face? This behavior tells you a lot about what your dog thinks of you. The juvenile mind will make an effort to put its softest part, its tongue, close to your most dangerous parts, your teeth in order to prove you are its parent.
Social Progression. Ground, butt, face.
Paying close attention to your dog’s body language is the key to understanding which mindset your dog is in. Tightness in the body indicates an adult/parentless mind, while looseness in the body is expressed in the juvenile/parented mind.
Understanding our role in encouraging domestication
Hope you’re all enjoying the day as much as we are!
Be supportive with your voice when bringing dogs together. No need to reprimand when dogs are bitey. Biting is isolation. Remind your dog you own what troubles them.
When dogs find it difficult to socialize use a supportive voice to help them realize they’re not alone. When a dog reacts aggressively, it has decided that it is solely in charge of its safety and is assuming an adult dog mindset. I tend to clap my hands or say “be big!” to remind a dog I’m here and in charge of their safety. This parental recognition will shift them back into a domesticated/juvenile mindset and motivate them to socialize.
Shifting into a domesticated state can be extra slow with dogs that are genetically bred to have an adult mindset like this terrier mix.
Reintroducing to the Home
So proud of how confident these dogs have become. 👏
Does your dog get snowballs between its toes? Musher’s Secret is the best.
Helping Your Dog Follow on a Leash
