Affiliative Relationships in Dogs: A Shift from Dominance

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

Trust and Adaptability in Farm Dogs: Cultivating Essential Traits for Success

An important part of a farm dog’s behavior comes to light during novel, uncommon or high-drive situations.  In these situations, I see farm dogs fall broadly into two categories.  In the first category are dogs who look to the handler to decide what to do.  These dogs begin offering behaviors until the handler gives them … Read more

Predatory Motor Sequences In English Shepherd Dogs

Predatory motor patterns in dogs are innate behaviors that have evolved over time to aid in hunting and capturing prey. These behaviors, inherited from their wild ancestors, can still be observed in domestic dogs, albeit to varying degrees. This entry explores the six stages of the predatory motor sequence in dogs and applies Tinbergen’s four … Read more

How Does an English Shepherd Work?

This article examines the working abilities of English Shepherds at a systems level, highlighting their perceptual, referential, and action systems. By analyzing their keen sensory perception, cognitive skills, and physical prowess, we provide insights into how these dogs efficiently perform herding, guarding, and other farm tasks, emphasizing the importance of proper training and environmental … Read more

Evaluating Dog-Human Relationship Models: Lupomorphism, Babymorphism, and Friendship

The dog-human relationship is a complex and essential aspect of canine care and training. This entry examines three prominent models of this relationship: lupomorphism, babymorphism, and friendship. Lupomorphism focuses on the hierarchical pack structure, drawing comparisons between dogs and their wolf ancestors. Babymorphism emphasizes the caregiving and emotional bond aspects of the relationship, treating … Read more

Reflexive, Instinctive, and Learned Behaviors in Farm Dogs

This article aims to provide an overview of reflexive, instinctive, and learned behaviors exhibited by farm dogs. It presents examples of each type of behavior and highlights the importance of understanding these behaviors in maintaining a well-adjusted, productive working farm dog. In doing so, it also emphasizes the potential for enhancing the dog’s well-being … Read more

How Farm Dogs are Developed

Black and Tan English Shepherd

Contents1 Abstract2 A Collaborative Process2.1 Geography2.2 Culture use2.3 Predation2.4 Livestock2.5 Commercialization3 Conclusion This article explores the development of farm dogs and how they are trained to become efficient working dogs. It provides an overview of the different stages involved in the development of farm dogs, including selection, socialization, and training. The article discusses the … Read more

What are the characteristics of a good farm dog?

Black and Tan English Shepherd

This post discusses the characteristics that make a good farm dog. A farm dog is not just a pet, but a working animal that must be able to handle the demands of farm life. The author outlines important traits such as intelligence, trainability, obedience, loyalty, and a strong work ethic that are necessary for … Read more