Why Dogs Go Wild Shaking Their Heads While Biting
Especially when encountering toys shaped like humans or animals, dogs often become fixated on biting the neck area of the toy, vigorously shaking their heads until, over time, the toy's head is inevitably torn off. But why do dogs甩 their heads so ferociously when they bite things?
Actually, this behavior is deeply rooted in a dog's innate nature. Hunting is an instinctual trait that dogs carry within them, a legacy from their wolf ancestors. When wolves catch their prey, the living creatures tend to struggle fiercely. To prevent the prey from escaping, the wolves bite down hard on the head and shake their heads vigorously until the prey is subdued. This is a natural instinct shared by many animals, and dogs are no exception.
Similar to how lions and tigers tear apart their prey, they do not use their hands but rely on the force of their heads to rip through flesh. This is an instinctive behavior present in many animals, and dogs exhibit it as well.
Beyond their instinctual behavior, there are also specific meanings behind a dog's penchant for biting. Puppies, especially during the teething phase, need to chew on things to relieve the discomfort of growing new teeth. Dogs typically start to grow their 42 permanent teeth between the ages of 4 to 6 months. It's then that pet owners can provide small toys for their dogs to chew on, helping to soothe their oral discomfort.
1. Playfulness is a natural trait: Dogs inherently love to play, and biting things can be a form of entertainment for them. If you reward your dog with treats when it starts to chew on things, it may come to associate biting with playtime.
2. Boredom: Dogs may chew things out of boredom, especially if they are cooped up at home without enough exercise. Chewing serves as a way for them to release energy and express themselves.
3. Anxiety: Some studies suggest that if a dog starts to chew things excessively after you leave, it might be a sign that it's using this behavior to cope with separation anxiety.
While it's inevitable that dogs will chew on things, it's important to be aware of what they can and cannot chew to avoid dangerous situations.
When you see your dog looking innocently at you, can you still scold it? If your dog suddenly starts destroying things with a vengeance, as if on a mission to cause chaos, it's time to pay closer attention to your furry friend.
Are you too busy to notice that your dog is feeling restless? Have you not taken it for a walk in a while, or do you rush it home after a brief stroll? Or perhaps you haven't played with it recently, and it's expressing its discontent through chewing.
Dogs are not just cold objects; they offer companionship when humans seek comfort. Dogs also need their people. If you're quick to blame your dog for the mess at home, you might be inadvertently "shifting the blame." It's crucial to look beyond the surface and understand the underlying reasons for a dog's actions. A truly responsible pet owner is someone who takes the time to analyze the behavior and reflects on their own actions.
