Black and Tan English Shepherds
Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Association
In the realm of canine studies, research into behavior—particularly non-pathological behaviors—proves intriguing for both dog owners and scientists alike (Serpell, 1995). These behaviors span a wide range from herding and pointing to more abstract qualities like temperament and trainability (Svartberg, 2006). A deeper understanding of the genetics behind these behaviors not only expands our knowledge … Read more
Play, a cornerstone of canine behavior, is a multifaceted activity providing multiple benefits to dogs and their human companions. The high levels of play in dogs, a product of domestication and selection for playfulness, are integral to their physical, cognitive, and social development, and continue to be an enduring trait into adulthood. The core … Read more
Canine ontogeny, or the development of dogs from conception to adulthood, is a complex and intriguing process. It is characterized by a series of six “natural” stages: (1) the prenatal period; (2) the neonatal period; (3) the transition period; (4) the socialization period; (5) the juvenile period; and (6) the pubertal period. Understanding these stages … Read more
Play is a critical aspect of the behavior of domestic dogs. It’s not just an outlet for excess energy or a way to pass the time, but rather, a complex behavior with numerous implications for a dog’s physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships. Play and Its Forms Dogs engage in various forms of play, … Read more
Animal behavior, particularly in domestic dogs, has long been an area of interest for both scientists and dog owners alike. Historically, the interpretation of dog behavior was heavily influenced by the concept of dominance hierarchies, where interactions between individuals were often explained through the lens of “dominance” and “submission”. However, modern understanding of dog behavior … Read more
Canine communication involves a complex system of visual signals, including local signals, global signals, and temporal patterns. This entry explores the nuances of these signaling systems, highlighting the importance of understanding the timing, sequence, and duration of visual cues in interpreting dogs’ emotions and intentions. By examining the role of context and repetition in … Read more
The domestication of dogs has led to the development of unique communicative behaviors that facilitate interaction between dogs and humans. This short article explores the concept of ontogenetic ritualization and its role in shaping dog-human communicative signals. We discuss key examples of ritualized behaviors in dogs, such as gaze alternation, barking, play bow, tail … Read more
Destructive chewing is a common problem in dogs, often caused by boredom, anxiety, and a lack of appropriate chew toys. This paper discusses the use of operant conditioning to remediate destructive chewing behavior in dogs. Through a case study involving a one-year-old English Shepherd named Buddy, we demonstrate the effectiveness of positive reinforcement, supervision, … Read more
This article discusses the use of extinction training as a method to stop dogs from begging at the dinner table. The method involves ignoring the unwanted behavior, reinforcing the desired behavior, and maintaining consistency and patience throughout the process. The dog will eventually learn that begging is not rewarded and will exhibit the desired … Read more