Normal and Abnormal Behaviours

 

Definition of behaviour: the way in which an animal acts in response to a particular situation or stimulus

 

Behaviours can be classified as either normal or abnormal. Normal behaviours occur when the dog is in a positive mental state and are appropriate for the situation a dog is in. Abnormal behaviours occur when an animals' mental or physical welfare is compromised.

Dogs are able to communicate their mental state through behaviours and through their body posture and facial expressions. When assessing the dogs mental state consider the following:

1. Fur: flat or hackles raised.

2. Head: raised or lowered. Turned away

3. Ears: raised or lowered.

4. Eyes: avoiding eye contact, closed

5. Mouth: teeth showing, teeth covered

6. Tail: raised, lowered, between the legs, wagging.

7. Body: Lowered to ground, front end low, rear end raised, tense & relaxed.

8. Movement: Slow, fast

9. Vocalisation: Whining, growling, whimpering

 

Generally, body postures and facial expressions which involve the lowering of body parts indicate fear or submission. Body postures and facial expressions which involve erect and enhanced displays indicate challange and aggression.

 

It is possible for a normal behaviour to be abnormal depending on the situation e.g. growling and snapping to fend off an other aggressive dog is normal and acceptable, growling and snapping at strangers walking by is not.