Online Class: Dog Psychology 101

What Is Dog Psychology?

If you are familiar with what psychology is, then you have a basic understanding of what dog psychology is. Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Millions of people study psychology as a way to gain a better understanding into the minds of people. Dog psychology merely applies that information, where appropriate, to the mind of the dog. 

It is important to note that the study of psychology and applying what you have learned about how the mind works does not mean you necessarily condone it or the resulting behavior. It merely means that you understand it because you have an idea of what may have caused the behavior in the first place. This is an important idea to grasp because you will begin to understand why your pet does something, but it does not mean that you are giving approval for it or condoning it. 

Why Study Dog Psychology?

There is no doubt that you have your own reasons for deciding to take this course to study dog psychology. Whatever they are, they have to be good. There is no wrong answer for choosing to learn more about the topic. However, there are some benefits that you may not have thought of before, including: 

• being able to understand a dog's sense and personality;
• having a better understanding of a dog's social behavior mentality, including such things as separation anxiety, pack mentality, and establishing dominance;
• being able to identify the signs of aggression and how to help prevent and address it;
• knowing how to best go about training and teaching your dog, as well as handling discipline;
• having a better understanding of your dog and how to meet its needs and get the most out of the mutual relationship. 

People love dogs, which probably comes as no surprise to you. Did you know, though, that there are more than 72 million dogs just in America alone? It is true. We are a nation that loves our pets and often considers dogs to be our best friend. Others consider their dogs to be their "other" children and an engrained and important part of the family. These reasons alone make studying dog psychology worthwhile. It is always beneficial to be able to understand more about our canine family members and best friends. 

Using Dog Psychology

As mentioned, there are many ways that you can use the knowledge you will gain from understanding dog psychology. When you understand how dogs think, you will be more effective in choosing a dog to fit your family if you do not already have one, as well as interacting and communicating with your dog on a regular basis.  

If you have ever wondered what your dog was thinking when it moved its ears a particular way, or when the dog stood in a certain position, then you will not have to wonder anymore. Once you have finished this dog psychology course, you will understand basic dog body language and be able to apply it to your situation, as well as gain a better understanding in a wide variety of situations involving your own dog or other dogs. 

Shelters and Adoption

Understanding dog psychology may also be an important tool in helping to keep more dogs alive. Although so many people have dog companions in the home today across the country, there are millions euthanized each year. Shelters across the country take in an average of 6 million to 8 million cats and dogs each year. Records also indicate that around 3 million to 4 million of them are euthanized each year.  

Adopting a dog from an animal shelter literally saves a life. Most people who adopt from shelters are every bit as happy with their pets as those who pay top dollar for dogs from breeders. Also, many pets that are purchased for high rates on the open market or from pet stores have been bred from what are called "puppy mills" that mass produce the dogs and keep them living in cramped, poor conditions. 

All of this is important to understand as it relates to dog psychology. The more you understand dogs and the way they think, the more comfortable you will be visiting a shelter to get to know the dogs, adopt one, and even help friends and family understand more about a pet they are considering bringing into their home. If you work around dogs, whether in a shelter or veterinarian's office, or you walk dogs for a living, you will also be able to use this information to help others understand their dogs better. 

Looking Ahead

Now that you have a good understanding of the many reasons why knowing dog psychology can be beneficial, it is time to start delving into the canine mind. In the next lesson, we will begin to look at the mind of the dog, including learning more about the animal's history, intelligence, and even working habits.