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Traits and Behavior

Allelomimetic behavior in Dogs

Feb 24th, 2013
by Arings - About German Shepherd Dog Team.
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Allelomimetic behavior in dogs is the imitative behavior found in them. Dogs can exhibit this behavior at any point of time in their life. However, as per the “Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog”, a puppy can first exhibit this behavior at around the age of 5 weeks.

More than one adult dogs that stay together – eat, play, sleep together are more prone to exhibit Allelomimetic behavior – one copying the dominating member of the pack. This is a common behavior in dogs is often noticed when a dog joins in barking or howling when his/her partner dog(s) will bark or howl. The other dog who is joining his pack members in barking will just imitate his members without even knowing the reason of barking.

The ability of dogs to induce themselves to act like the other members “in an adaptive manner” in a non-competitive situation brings in the sense of unity in them. Allelomimetic behavior is a type of natural social behavior found in the social animals – most prominent in canines – to imitate or mimic the activities of his/her pack members. This natural behavior is genetically hardwired in puppies – irrespective of breed and is one of the most significant factors and natural process of learning –can also be called “social learning”.

Allelomimetic behavior vs. Social facilitation

Closely resembling, the concept of “social facilitation” and “Allelomimetic behavior” are obviously related, but have subtle differences.

Allelomimetic behavior is a type of natural pack-coordinated behavior based on the natural inclination of any social animal to follow the other members of the pack. Social facilitation, on the other hand, refers to the behavior exhibited in the groups where the presence of a dog results in strengthening a specific behavior. For instance, two dogs staying together may bark more than when they were separate.

Takeaway:

If you have a dog with behavioral problem(s), it is suggested not adopting another dog to be kept together. The presence of the problem dog will environmentally influence the new member to develop the problem behavior. Even if you are adopting a dog from the best bloodline (without aggression problem), your new member is likely to develop aggressive behavior if your existing dog has aggression problem.
If you already have a problem dog, and still planning to get a new one, then you must make an arrangement to keep them separate. There is a pretty good chance that the magnitude of the problem behavior will be developed in your new puppy and will be eventually amplified, stimulated by the presence of a dog with behavioral issues.

Mistakes of Dog Bite Incidences

Sep 29th, 2012
by Arings - About German Shepherd Dog Team.
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Dogs have always been the most precious friends of humans. A study has shown that world’s top 10 countries having most pet dog population is cumulatively over 172509000 dogs. At the same time another study on dog bite carried out by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that around 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, followed by an incredible volume of 800,000 injuries that demand serious medical attention. Another stat offered by the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), shows that dog bite claims that cost the insurance industry during 2005 was $317 million, while this number has risen to $365.2 million during 2007, which is one of the most important data that proves that dog bite cases are on a rapid rise. Many insurers have increased the premium values and in some cases they have even excluded few canine breeds like Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Pit Bull Terriers from insurance coverage.

Before you blame specific dog breeds, it is important to understand that owners are actually liable for their dogs’ unnatural behavior. It is important to understand the owners’ mistakes related to the dog bite incidences. Evaluation is very important. Most dog bite problems can be resolved by the way of responsible ownership and carrying out safe behavior with dogs.

1st Mistake – Not Determining a Dog’s Propensity: This is a big mistake that most owners and handlers commit. It is important to determine the dog’s behavioral pattern and the owner can be the best person to do this. It is important to evaluate whether a dog is vicious by nature and if he is, then it is important to evaluate the reasons behind his aggressive behavior. Problems should be resolved at the root.

2nd Mistake – Not Socializing a Dog: Dog is a social animal. He should carry himself in a friendly way until he is being threatened. It is important to socialize a dog to different situations, sounds and humans. Lack of socialization can be a reason of your dog becoming fearful, which consequently leads to developing biting tendencies.

3rd Mistake – Differentiation: Remember any breed – Chihuahua to Irish Wolf Hound any dog can bite. documentation about this was found in county and city bite statistics as and national research studies. It is unwise to make a list of breeds that bites. As soon as you develop a develop a mindset against a specific breed, often times you develop phobia in the particular breed(s), and you start behaving weird when you are around those breed of dogs. This can enhance the chance of you being bitten. It is hence suggested to behave normally around the dogs (irrespective of breed).

4th Mistake – Breed Specific Law: With full honor for the BSL in certain places in the US, I would rather state that the law has been enforced keeping in mind the specific breed. Rather it should have been developed based on the owners’ and handlers’ treatment with the dog. BSL should directly target people who deliberately want to make their dogs aggressive and develop biting tendencies through unethical training. BSL somehow is helping develop a fear in people’s mind towards certain breed. this fear makes them behave abnormally and the 3rd Mistake repeats its cycle.

5th Mistake – Unethical Breeding: Wrong breeding tactics is the reason for developing biting tendencies in dogs. Unscientific breeding (outcrossing, line breeding and in-breeding) often times delivers shy progenitors. Backyard breeding should be banned.

6th Mistake – Not Understanding a Breed: It is important to understand the specific traits of the breed you are planning to own. Owners should understand whether a breed is for him/her. Not all breeds are or all. If you are an apartment dweller, a GSD or a Dane may not be the right choice for you. Limited movement and exercise can make make certain breed – German Shepherd dog frustrated and eventually develops aggressiveness.

Do not keep your dog confined. Exercise is of utmost importance. Understanding your dog is a science and art both and the significance of it cannot be denied. At the same time it is important to understand the power of a large breed like Great Dane, Cane Corso, Bordeux, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Pitt Bull, Mastiffs etc. These dogs are highly powerful and psychological imbalance can be jeopardize both you and your dogs. Undesirable behaviors are programmed in a breed, if not bred improperly. Rather bad behaviors like over aggression, shyness and biting tendencies are exposed when people who love the breed do not understand the breed properly. This is the biggest mistake that most dog lovers commit.

About German Shepherd Dog helps you understand the breed better by offering the widest assortment of GSD information.

Behavioral Change & Canine Health Concern

Sep 24th, 2012
by Arings - About German Shepherd Dog Team.
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Any change in the behaviors of your dogs give an indication of change in his mental state, which can be the cause of deterioration in his internal health condition that may not be noticed apparently always. For example if Reva doesn’t exhibit enthusiasm while meeting, she might have digestive issues for some reason. Underlying factors such as pain, anemia, gastrointestinal problems, etc. that are not apparent may drop your dog’s energy level. Any subtle changes in your dog’s behavior should be addressed seriously. In case you notice any subtle changes in the behavior, it is probably the time call your vet or proper medical diagnosis. It is, however, highly advised to treat a condition than to wait for it to become a big health concern.

Here are certain behavior factors that should be worth noticing and spared thought over:

1. Reva – who has been a great foodie, suddenly starts refusing food: Consult a vet immediately. She might have digestive or gastrointestinal problems which need to be address without delay. Heavy infestation of internal parasite may discourage you dog to eat. Fever, pain, or any other health issues can also be the causes for your dog to refuse his most favorite food.

2. If your dog was accident free indoor, and now have started having accidents even though there haven’t been any change in the lifestyle and households and the dog had free access to the potty zone, gives an indication that he/she is having internal health problem. Immediately see a vet.

3. A play-friendly dog suddenly refusing to go out for a play or a walk is an indication of health issues. It is probably the time to call a vet.

4. A properly socialized dog that has been very friendly to people suddenly starts avoiding people and hiding away, gives an indication of sickness.

5. A friendly and cool dog who starts exhibiting aggression towards his/her pack members – family gives an indication of sickness

6. A friendly and socialized dog suddenly starts staying clear of own ones’ touches indicates illness, even though he/she is not showing aggression.

7. Not drinking water as he/she used to drink or over drinking are both indications of serious illness. Adult or aged females drinking more water indicate serious health issues like pyometra.

8. Have your dog suddenly started showing tendencies of licking walls and floors? See a vet

9. Do you notice any difference in his or her tail wagging movement? Even though he is still as happy as he used to be a difference in the movement of tail indicates underlying health issues.

10. Have you start noticing your dog staying aloof most often in a day? See a vet as soon as possible.

11. If a dog who used to enjoy going up and down the stairs several times in a day suddenly starts refusing it should be bought to the vet’s immediate notice, even though he/she is not having problem in normal walking activities.

12. Is chewing toys the favorite pastime for Rex. If he is loath to do that suddenly today, keep an eye on him for a day or two. If he still showing no interest in his chewing toys, it is probably the time to see your vet.

Any change in behavior in your dog – however small or minor it is, gives an indication of internal health problem, which should be addressed without delay. Behavioral changes in your dog are considered as the most important information that your vet will be seeking for. Correctly explaining your dog’s behavioral changes (minor and/or major) to the vet will help him diagnose the health issues correctly. Keeping an eye on your dog’s behavior is what is expected from a responsible owner. It is important NOT to overlook any changes – even the most minor ones until it breaks your nerves.

Check out German shepherd Diseases

Gene’s Role in Dog’s Characteristics

Aug 18th, 2012
by Arings - About German Shepherd Dog Team.
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Gene is actually the basic tool of inheritance for any animal. Canines are of no exception. In canines like for any other animal, gene is the carrier of information in a biological system. However, any particular trait in your dog is actually not determined by any specific gene, but as a matter of fact a single trait in your dogs can be driven by a set of genes. Each single genetic character trait in German Shepherd, as in all other canine breeds is determined by a set of gene. Colors and patterns in dogs can be considered as one of the best instances for the fact that a characteristics can be determined by many genes, and not just only a single gene. German Shepherd Dog has many colors and patterns. This goes beyond all doubts that these entire range of patterns and colors in GSD or in any other dogs is the result of the roles of multiple genes, instead of just one. While a set of genes control the color or patterns in a dog, another set of genes determine the distribution of of the patterns.

Alike almost all higher animals, dogs are also blessed with two sets of chromosomes – one set from the dam’s side and the other set from the sire’s side. Dogs, alike Wolves, have 36 chromosomes in each set, which results an incredibly huge volume of permutation and combination of chromosomes. Hence, possibility of experiencing more than one litter-mates with exactly the same combination of chromosomes is hugely rare. This means two German Shepherds (from same litter) almost cannot have all character traits (behavioral, physiological, and colors) exactly identical.

Trademark Traits of German Shepherd Dog

Jul 8th, 2012
by Arings - About German Shepherd Dog Team.
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German Shepherd is one of the most acclaimed dog breed with a rich working heritage. It is the unparalleled working ability and degree pf intelligence that fetched the dog the highest popularity across the globe. German Shepherds are known for their utility, but the gorgeous appearance with soundness of nerves and unswerving confidence are the main criterion of a well bred specimen.

However, the trademark traits of GSD are as follows:

  • Handsome and well-built structure
  • Royal and smart gait
  • Loyalty and Obedience
  • Strong from within (innate strength) and Powerful
  • Protective
  • Appearance gives an indication of confident
  • Intelligence
  • Eager to go now attitude
  • Hard-working
  • Steady of nerve
  • Fearless and Courageous
  • Easy to train
  • Friendly with kids
  • Best as a companion dog