Things You Should Know About Dog Part 10

Dogs are social animals. This means that they like to live with other animals, or humans. In the wild, a group of dogs usually has a leader the "top dog". The top dog decides what thegroup will do, and the "underdogs" follow his, or her, lead. Pet dogs treat their owners as if they are the "top dogs" of the pack, and that's why they can be trained to be obidient.

Dogs show how they are feeling using their mouths, ears and tails. Frightened dogs will put their tails between their legs. They flatten their ears against their heads and may even roll over onto their backs. This is a dog's way of showing that it does not want to fight.

Growling, barking and howling are a dog's way of sending messages to other animals. Wolves howl and dogs growl to warn other animals to stay away. Barking is a dog's way of telling other members of its pack that something strange is happening, and to be alert and on guard.

Young puppies do not wag their tails. Dogs usually start tail-wagging when they are four to six weeks old, normally when they are feeding on theirmother's milk. Older dogs often wag their tails when they are excited about seeing another friendly dog or a person that they know.

An angry, aggressive dog will bare its teeth in a menacing way, while growling. If it can prick its ears they will be erect and pointed forward and its tail will be held out straight or arched up behind. This shows the enemy animal or person that the dogs is alert and ready for action.