Behaviour myths: fact or fiction

Authors: Landsberg G
Publication: Proceedings of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Annual Conferences, Volume 2014 AVA Annual Conference, Perth, Issue Behaviour, May 2014
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

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Abstract: Let sleeping dogs lie Although the phrase appears in Dickens (David Copperfield, 1850), it likely arose with Chaucer in 1374”: It is nought good a slepyng hound to wake”. While many dogs tolerate and some appear to enjoy some human contact when resting, it should not be surprising that dogs might be irritable or aggressive if disturbed while resting. This is especially true if the owner tries to displace the dog from its favoured piece of furniture, in its crate, cornered, under furniture, or in possession of valued resources. Owners must learn to “read” dog communication including body language, facial expressions, vocalizations, and conflict behaviours such as lip licking and yawning that indicate the dog wants to be left alone.

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