Tip for February 24: You Own A Predator

Wolves are the ancestors of dogs. Dogs came into being, so to speak, when people turned to wolves for mating. Your pet is now a dog but still holds some memory of where he came from. It's his instinct.

I have four dogs, three are golden retrievers. Goldens are known for being gentle, appropriate for a house with small children, and all around wonderful dogs. I agree. That's why I own them. Last fall we were all walking in the woods. Virginia is the shy one, a laid back personality. Along our way, we inadvertently disturbed a hen (female turkey) in her nest. Mom took off flying rather low, and her three little ones tried to follow. Before I knew what was happening, Virginia was off like a flash and had caught one of the baby birds. I was shocked! It was totally unexpected. The baby was still alive. I brought her home, called my vet, and found out what to do to get her through the night. Reality, my vet said, is that it's almost impossible for a baby to survive if not with its mom. He was right. In the morning the baby had died.

My point is that this instinct is in your dog. Whether you own a teacup terrier or an Irish wolfhound, that instinct is there even if it is not acted upon. Dogs, left to their own devices, hunt and kill to survive. This instinct is a form of aggression proving that every dog is capable of biting, given just the right circumstances (or just wrong).

Your dog is your best friend but his heritage is very different from yours. Sometimes he will act/react just like a dog.

Tip for February 24: You Own A Predator

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