Читать книгу Collins Good Dog Behaviour: An Owner’s Guide - Gwen Bailey - Страница 17

Again, it may seem obvious, but dogs have no opposable thumb. This means that they cannot pick up objects easily with their paws and, instead, will often use their mouths in situations where we would use our hands. Dogs do not hit people when upset but bite instead. They can learn to be very accurate with their mouths and, once experienced, will only rarely make unintentional contact with their teeth on human skin. In other words, if a dog snaps, but misses, he probably meant to! Dogs will also explore using their mouths in the same way as we will touch unusual objects. Since their mouths are full of teeth that can cause damage, this exploratory behaviour often gets them into trouble, particularly when they are puppies.

The need to explore new objects with their mouths can often get dogs into trouble.

Another striking difference between our species is that, as primates, we like to touch, hold, hug and cuddle to express affection. However, dogs rarely do this to each other unless they are fighting or mating. This accounts for why some dogs will bite when hugged or stroked, especially by children. In order for dogs to accept our loving behaviour, they need to become accustomed to it gradually, preferably during puppyhood.