At 62% Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with almost two-thirds of households having at least one pet.
So it’s no surprise that a study conducted by Rufus & Coco shows indicates that 91% of pet owners consider their pet to be their best friend.
In the lead up to Word Friendship Day (July 30th) Anneke van den Broek, founder and CEO of Rufus & Coco, shares with us when and why our pooch is communicating with us, so we can better understand them, and be a better friend back in return!
3 Things your dog is telling you
Weeing in the House:
Does your little mate like to leave ‘surprises’ around the house for you, even after being well and truly potty trained? You’re not alone! This is a common, and smelly, problem. If you’ve had your pet checked for health issues, then the two most common behavioural causes are:
- Attention Seeking – it’s a sure fire way to get a response from you! Don’t let your pet see you cleaning up the mess, and don’t react when you find the mess. Simply quietly remove them from the area while you clean up.
- Scent Trigger – the lingering odour from last time is a trigger for your pet to re-offend in the same spot. Even if you can’t smell anything, your dog’s amazing olfactory powers will have them sniffing it out and they just can’t resist weeing there again! Use an enzyme based odour and stain remover like Rufus & Coco Wee Away, which will completely remove the uric acid crystals and odour to help prevent re-offending.
Destructive Behaviour:
Does your dog like to undo your gardening efforts, digging holes, destroying plants or chewing up everything in sight? Boredom is a key factor in destructive behaviour. It seems like common sense, but giving your pet more exercise, and varied types of exercise is one of the best ways to combat this! Pet parents tend to have a very different perception to their pets on how much exercise is enough. Active dogs generally require walking twice a day, and rain, cold or dark may make you want to stay inside, but not your dog! Just like humans, dogs will be calmer, happier and much more cooperative if their physical and mental energy is directed into getting out and about. If that energy is pent up, it will be let loose on your belongings! So get out there, visit different dog parks on weekends, wear your pooch out and watch their behaviour improve in no time.
Bringing you Gifts:
Does your pooch greet you at the door with his favourite toy? Or bring you items from around the house and lay them at your feet? This behaviour can be very sweet, but sometimes a little puzzling when they bring you a dirty sock from the laundry basket!
Dogs have a natural retrieval instinct, honed through centuries of carrying food back to their pups, or carrying their prey back to a safe place to store for later. This instinct has been intentionally bred into many domestic dog breeds, such as terriers bred to act as hunting and retrieval dogs.
On a human note, your dog is probably bringing you objects because you’re unconsciously rewarding him. The tone of your voice, the enthusiasm, perhaps a scratch on the head lead your pet to believe he is doing something great, and at the end of the day he just wants to make you happy! So enjoy being showered with gifts and attention, and show extra enthusiasm if your pooch brings you something helpful- like your slippers – and he just might do it again!
