Most owners are unfamiliar with the nature of a typical dog pack. They understand intuitively that canines live, and often migrate and roam, in groups. Many people are also aware there is a social order that prevents discord from festering within the pack. This order is the reason canines can live, work, and defend their homes together for years without significant problems. Owners who want to better understand why their pets behave in certain ways would be well-served by exploring how a dog pack works.

Below, we’ll take a glimpse at life within a typical pack. We’ll start with an overview of how canines interact with each other in such an environment, and explore their motivations for doing so. You’ll also learn how your dog’s behaviors are influenced by their instinctive pack mentality.

The Hierarchy Of A Pack

Most groups are limited to ten or fifteen dogs, and are usually composed of both males and females. Research has suggested that such groups follow a clearly defined dominance hierarchy. That is, there are no true peers in the group. Each canine has more authority than the ones below him, and less than the ones above him. Two animals do not occupy the same position.

In groups of mammals, including humans, this organizational structure has been shown to minimize the level and frequency of conflict among members. This is likely the reason there are few fights among those in the same pack. If a dog that is lower in the hierarchical structure challenges one with a higher status, the former is usually punished or driven away.

Life In The Pack

The canine with the most authority of the group is its leader. While this position comes with advantages, it is also one with important duties. The leader enjoys control of the pack’s resources. For example, he gets to choose the best food for himself; he is able to select where he will sleep; and he gets to pick a mate for himself from among the group. The leader is responsible for organizing and leading the group’s migration in the event moving becomes necessary. He must also guard the home and resources from marauders.

As mentioned earlier, lower-status dogs must concede to those above them. For this reason, life in the pack for them tends to be stressful. Researchers claim, however, these dogs tend to do well during migrations since they have learned to adapt to a constantly changing situation within their group.

How Your Dog Perceives Your Family

While canines realize that people are not dogs, they still perceive them through the lens of their pack mentality. Within your household, this means your family represents his group. Strangers represent potential marauders who come to steal resources. This is an important dynamic for owners to understand, especially when children are involved.

Recall that in the wild, the hierarchy is clearly defined. There is no confusion regarding which dog has more status and authority over another. In a domestic home, however, many canines become confused about the hierarchical structure when young children are present. Some begin to think they have more status than kids. If a child behaves in a way that suggests a challenge to the dog’s perceived authority, the pet may react as he would to a subordinate. This is the reason is it critical to establish your family’s authority over your pet.

When Canines Become Aggressive

Many owners are surprised when they observe their canines becoming increasingly aggressive with them. In a pack, such dogs are usually the beta group members. They rarely assert themselves against higher-status dogs because doing so leads to immediate retribution. Owners, on the other hand, are often loathe to punish their canines when they demonstrate mild aggression toward them. Instead, they wait, and hope the problem resolves itself. The dog predictably becomes more aggressive when it is clear he will not be punished.

The above discussion is useful in the context of understanding why your pet behaves in certain ways. Much can be traced to his instinctive pack mentality.

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Your canine’s nails grow by the same process your own nails grow. Over time, they’ll extend to the point you’ll be able to hear them clicking against the ground. They should be trimmed before this occurs.

Many owners consider nail trimming to be a part of their dogs’ normal grooming routines. It’s important to realize, however, that a periodic trim is essential for your pet’s health. If you allow his claws to become too long, they can break and cause pain and bleeding. In some instances, they can curl under, and put pressure on the soft tissue of your canine’s paws. For this reason, learn to trim your dog’s claws properly; then, trim them on a regular basis.

This article will first explain why trimming your dog’s toenails may be challenging. You’ll also learn the procedure for trimming them as well as a few tips to make the task easier.

The Challenges Of Canine Nail Trimming

Most dogs loathe people handling their paws. They walk on them all day, and are extremely protective of them. In some cases – especially during the summer – their paws may hurt after walking on hot asphalt. As a result, they’re even less inclined to let others touch them. This is one of the reasons trimming your pooch’s claws may be problematic. Unless he is accustomed to your handling his paws, he may show resistance.

The second challenge is that many people who try to trim their canines’ toenails do so incorrectly. This happens because they’re unaware of the nail’s anatomy. There are nerves and veins that course through part of the claw. If they are cut, your pet will experience significant pain (as well as bleeding). A lot of owners make the mistake of cutting too deeply rather than merely trimming off the edge. A single poor experience is enough to make any dog resistant in the future.

With these challenges in mind, we’ll now explain how to do the job properly.

The Procedure: Step By Step

First, collect everything you need prior to beginning. Use toenail clippers that are specifically designed for canines (ask your dog’s veterinarian for recommendations). You should also have styptic powder available to stop bleeding, if doing so becomes necessary.

Second, look at your pet’s paws to determine how much to trim. Plan to take off anything that extends beyond the pad.

Third, while you are positioned to firmly hold your canine and prevent him from moving, use the clippers to trim the claw below the quick. The quick is the light, pinkish part of the toenail where the nerves and blood vessels are located. The cut should be made at a 45-degree angle. If your dog’s claws are long, make several passes to trim off the edges rather than a single large cut.

Fourth, don’t forget about your canine’s dew claws. Unless they were removed, he will have one on each paw. You’ll find them located a few inches higher than the other claws on the inner side of the paw.

Tips To Make Trimming Nails As Easy As Possible

Get into the habit of trimming your canine’s nails frequently – try to do so once a week. Not only does this prevent them from clicking against the ground and curling backward, but it also helps the quick recede. As it recedes, you’ll find it easier to trim the nails shorter without causing pain and bleeding.

Also, spend a few extra dollars to invest in a high-quality pair of clippers. They’ll last longer, and make the job much easier.

If your canine is unaccustomed to having his paws handled, practice with him each day. Do this before attempting to trim his nails. Hold his paws for twenty seconds at a time, and discourage him from biting you. Praise him and give him treats to reward his compliance. Gradually lengthen the amount of time you hold his paws until he is completely comfortable with the experience. Then, trim one or two nails at a time.

Learning to trim your dog’s claws is simple. But it may take time to acclimate him to the process. The benefit is that you’ll help your canine avoid painful problems down the road.

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