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A Dissection Of Why And How Dogs Protect Their Humans

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Do you think guardian angels are for real? Do you know what’s undeniable? Guard dogs are real, and they mean business.

Dogs have been loyal companions to humans for thousands of years. We have a time-tested link with dogs. Dogs have on numerous occasions put aside their survival instincts to save their human family. So, here are some intriguing questions: how do dogs perceive that their human is in danger, and how far will a specific dog go to protect his bipedal companion?

How Dogs Sense Danger

Dogs are incredibly good at reading situations. They use their extraordinary senses to pick up on things we might miss. Their hearing is much better than ours – they can hear sounds from farther away and at different pitches. Their sense of smell is also amazing, allowing them to detect changes in people’s scent that might signal fear or stress.

Dogs also watch our body language very closely. They notice when we tense up, move differently, or seem worried. Sometimes, your dog might react to a situation before you even realize something is wrong. They’re like highly evolved next-gen alarm systems, always paying attention to their surroundings.

Why Dogs Want to Protect Us

Most dogs have a natural instinct to protect their family. This comes from their wolf ancestors, who lived in packs and looked out for each other. Your dog sees you as part of their pack, so they want to keep you safe.

However, not all dogs will protect in the same way. Some might bark to warn you about strangers. Others might stand between you and something they think is scary. Dogs might even try to physically defend you, though this depends on the dog’s personality and training.

Different Types of Protection

Dogs show protective behavior in many ways. Some dogs are naturally more alert and will bark when someone approaches your home. This is called “alert barking,” and it’s quite helpful – they’re telling you someone is there.

Other dogs might show protective instincts by staying close to you in new or scary situations. They might also refuse to let strangers get too close to you or your family members, especially children.

Can You Train Protection Behavior?

You can teach your dog some basic protective skills, but it’s important to be careful. Most experts recommend focusing on training your dog to be alert and obedient rather than aggressive. A well-trained dog who listens to commands like “stay,” “come,” and “quiet” is often better than one trained otherwise.

Basic obedience training helps your dog stay calm in stressful situations. When your dog knows what you expect from them, they’re less likely to overreact or become fearful. Fear can sometimes make dogs behave in ways that seem protective but are actually just scared reactions.

Important Safety Notes

Remember that reactive or fearful dogs can sometimes seem protective when they’re actually just scared. If your dog shows aggressive behavior, it’s important to work with a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist. They can help you understand whether your dog is truly being protective or if they’re having fear-based reactions that need different training.

Your dog’s desire to protect you comes from love and loyalty. You can encourage alertness and good behavior through training. It’s also important to have a well-socialized, obedient dog. Always consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer who can evaluate your specific situation.

The post A Dissection of Why and How Dogs Protect Their Humans appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.