Although we associate closely with our dogs and see them as one of the family, they are not simply little humans.
We must understand the difference and expect our dogs to behave like dogs.
Dogs are pack animals.
A pack is a social group similar to a family, but because dogs cannot communicate through speech, the rules are more clearly defined and are following strictly by all the members.
Before you acquire your new puppy, he will have had a six to eight week intensive course in dog behavior.
Through his experiences with his little mates and his mother, he already understands dog behavior but knows little of humans.
In order for his puppy brain to make sense of his new life, he will assume that, although people look different, they must work to the same rules that he understands.
Every pack must have a clear, undisputed pack leader.
Dog pack leaders are not aggressive, they simple assume rights and responsibilities with their role.
The pack leader has the right to eat first and can often take food from others.
When our puppy or dog comes to our home, we need to feed ourselves before we feed him, so he clearly understands that he is not the most important.
Furthermore, we should not share our food with or he will get the idea that we will give up our food for him, because he is special.
Games are an important way of finding out who is the strongest, cleverest, most agile member of the pack.
Unfortunately our dog generally puts much more effort into these games than us humans do and so often sees himself as the winner.
The top dog has the right to the best place to sleep.
Generally, others will move out of his way and not attempt to move him.
It is rather like the boss's car parking space in your company car park.
With our new dog, we often give him a bed which we are unlikely to go in.
However, we may allow him on the furniture and all over the house, again showing him that he is the most important member of the family.