A Comprehensive Introduction to Five Living Habits of Dogs

As everyone's living standards improve, the number of dog owners gradually increases. As we all know, dogs are our good friends; they are smart and lively. So, do you know about the living habits of dogs? Below, the editor summarizes five living habits of dogs, hoping to help everyone.

1. Eating Habits

We all know that dogs like to gnaw on bones. Beyond that, they also like to eat omnivorous food, eggs and meat. The food given to them must ensure complete nutrition; they cannot be fed only meat or only omnivorous food, but need a balanced combination. Note that dogs cannot eat too much salt or sugar.

2. Dependence on People

They are very dependent on humans. Socializing with people is an innate habit of dogs, and domesticated pet dogs are especially clingy. Note that if a dog is left without company for a long time, it may develop symptoms such as loss of appetite and depression. So owners should spend more time with their dogs, so that the dogs can grow up happy and healthy.

3. Hierarchical Habits

As the saying goes, “a dog looks down on people”; there is some truth to this. In a dog's eyes, if the female owner usually takes care of it more than the male owner, it will obey the female owner's commands, while feeling a sense of awe toward the male owner who spends less time at home. They also feel that older people have higher status, and will look down on younger ones.

In addition, they also like to live in groups. In kennels or wild dog packs, there is always a lead dog managing them. The lead dog's dominant position is usually proven through these specific actions: only allowing itself to check the genitals of other dogs; not allowing the other party to urinate where another dog has urinated; when other dogs act up in front of the lead dog, they may only stand still once the lead dog leaves; once the hierarchy is clear, the hostility disappears. Therefore, owners should not spoil them too much, but establish the image of the lead dog so that the dog obediently follows orders.

4. Instinctive Barking

Whenever ambulances, police cars and certain music sounds are heard, dogs often bark. Barking is a common way for wolves to contact their companions, and as an instinct, dogs have inherited this trait. So sometimes we can find dogs “singing along” with music when they are happy, but some do not bark; not every dog has this instinct.

5. Mounting Behavior

Mounting behavior looks very ungraceful to humans, but dogs do have this nature, and their mounting behavior differs with age and sex. For example, when the owner comes home, they will climb all over the owner; this is a sign of happiness and playfulness. Sometimes two young male dogs also mount each other; this is merely a game similar to children's play, with no intent to mate, and is also a sign of happiness.

Adult male dogs are different, however: first, to mate with a female dog in heat, showing “improper” behavior; second, to try to establish their own dominance. Female dogs usually only allow males to mount during the peak of estrus; sometimes, to flirt, the female dog not only rubs her body against the male and stands with her tail raised, but what is most stimulating is mounting the male dog; at this point, mating should take place immediately.

If you are a friend who wants to keep a dog, you can first understand the living habits of dogs. They are very loyal; once you choose to keep one, you must be responsible for it to the end.