A Salute

The human ego influences our perception of the world, including how we interpret our pet dog’s behavior.

One of my biggest pet peeves (no pun intended) is the act of SHAMING a dog. You’ve seen it. Rob comes home to a dog that has destroyed a pillow and there’s stuffing all over the room. Rob stands at the door wagging his finger and proclaiming in a very shaming tone, “Buster????? WHO DID THIS? Did you destroy my pillow? BAAAAD DOG, Buster. Buster is a BAAD dog.”

In response, Buster lowers his head, averts his eyes, pins back his ears but remains present in front of his person. Buster probably lacks the ability to perceive that he’s done anything wrong. His leader (regardless of whether Rob truly deserves that title) has returned after an absence. It’s the canine dutiful, reverent and polite thing to do to welcome him home, even if he still has a tuft of pillow stuffing stuck to his lip.

Buster senses his person is suffering from some unrest. In response, his natural inclination is to remind his respected one, “I’m with you. I honor you and hold you in the greatest regard. I mean you no harm or discontent,” and who knows, it’s possible he even has the ability to sense and try to communicate, “I’m sorry you had a bad day.”

Submissive behaviors are, in my opinion, a SALUTE to a (most typically well-regarded) higher ranking member of the society. Submission is not a manifestation of fear, shyness or shame. That is not to say that dogs don’t present timidity at times or become fearful. All animals are designed to experience fear. It serves as an impetus to self-preserving behavior.

Submission is observed in social species. It supports the hierarchy found in well-structured family units. It helps individuals understand the boundaries of the society and their relationships with others in the family unit. Our job is to become the best leader for our dog, so that his salute is not offered in vain.