Pack Dynamics: Importance of Being Needed as a Dog
From a young age, puppies embark on a journey of self-discovery, testing their abilities and exploring their place in the world. As they mature, their natural instinct drives them to seek a sense of purpose, a role within their pack where they can contribute and be needed. While they may not aspire to a traditional 9-to-5 job or a specific career path, their desire to find their place within the family pack is strong. Understanding and nurturing this intrinsic need can profoundly impact their well-being and foster harmony within the pack.
Transition from puppy to young dog: Give small tasks
When your puppy approaches adolescence, most of them are ready to take on a significant position within the pack. They want to fulfill a purpose and contribute. At first, it shouldn't be a full-time job with budget or personnel responsibilities, but rather an internship. Provide tasks that your young dog can grow with and develop from, making them feel important and appreciated. To instill this feeling in your young companion, show gratitude for their efforts.
Adapt tasks to your dog's abilities
If you have chosen a breed with a specific purpose like herding, guarding, or hunting, the task is evident. Start training your young dog and acknowledge their efforts, no matter how small. For a vigilant companion breed, show appreciation when your dog scans the surroundings and spends time with you.
Physical tasks for draft and muscle dogs
If you have a sled dog or a muscular breed, allowing them to use their physical capacity becomes the goal. Express your gratitude when they pull lighter loads or carry a backpack (remember to use heavier weights only when your dog is fully grown).
If your dog loves to retrieve and appears happiest when carrying the mail, then that's when you shower them with praise. Find various everyday tasks that align with your dog's passion for fetching and carrying.If your furry friend eagerly wants to do everything you do, perhaps utility tasks and assistance dog duties are your thing. You can teach your dog to close kitchen cabinets, pull laundry out of the washing machine, untie shoelaces, or turn off lights. Integrate these tasks into your daily routine and sincerely thank your canine companion for their help.
Teach your dog to press buttons
If you have no idea what important task your dog can fulfill, don't despair. Boss, the Newfoundland dog, had many talents, but he felt most important when his owner was stuck at a crosswalk, waiting for him to press the button and activate the green light. The trick was practiced, and the ability was utilized daily—a crucial task that allowed Boss to grow each time. It doesn't have to be more complicated than that.
Step by step: teaching your dog to press buttons
- Place a post-it note in front of your dog's nose and praise and reward them when their nose touches the note.
- Repeat until the behavior is learned, and then add a verbal cue like "press" when your dog touches the note.
- Next, transfer the behavior to a kitchen cabinet, a light switch, or a button at a crosswalk.
- Over time, you can remove the note (or gradually cut it smaller and smaller) and use the verbal cue "press."
Now you have a helper whose efforts you can appreciate!
Train your dog as a shoe assistant
If you have a small dog, engage in a gentle tug-of-war game with a string and add a verbal cue like "untie" when your dog tugs on the string. Then transfer the behavior to a shoelace, and voila, you have a dog that helps you take off your shoes—an action that may need to be done several times a day. The important thing is that you appear helpless and unable to do it yourself, ask your dog for help, and then express your heartfelt gratitude.
Give your dog a valuable occupation
The activities you engage in with your dog, such as dog sports, daily exercise, or walks, may not necessarily make your dog feel that they contribute to the pack. While these activities are essential for your dog, the point of this article is to provide your dog with an occupation that leaves a fulfilling sense of being needed.
Emotional support: the role of the dog in the pack
Being important to the pack goes beyond mere performance. Although many dogs are highly pragmatic, some want to contribute in other ways. Some dogs have a natural caregiving instinct—they are incredibly empathetic and sensitive.
They seek closeness when emotions become heavy. They can handle others' anguish and discomfort without absorbing them as their own. They provide support and carry on without being affected or burdened themselves. This role is crucial for the well-being of the pack, so thank your dog if they contribute on an emotional level. It might be their superpower.
Of course, we should appreciate our dogs regardless of what they do. Through words and actions, we can convey our love and appreciation for them. However, from a dog's perspective, there may be value in feeling needed and being able to contribute, in addition to the declarations of love from our side. A dog wants to be part of the family, to contribute, and not just observe.
To learn more about the relationship between dogs and humans, read The dog-human relationship - the science of the special bond between dogs and humans.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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