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Understanding Your Dog
Dr Gautam Unny

Ever wondered why your dog howls while sleeping? Or why he seems to enjoy urinating at different spots all along the walk?

Canine behaviour is a very vast branch of science that is still being understood. But it's very interesting to understand how a dog actually thinks, or what their seemingly funny antics signify.

Wolfing Down Food
For instance, why do dogs still gulp down food without chewing even though they are assured three full meals a day?
The answer lies in their past when they had to compete for food and were not sure when or where the next meal would come from. To ensure their well being they therefore gulped down every morsel they could get. This habit persists to date. It is because of this that present day vets do not recommend giving chicken or fish bones to dogs, as these can be swallowed without chewing, leading to the pet getting choked.

That Special Doogy Bed
Similarly, most owners would have seen that no matter how clean they leave their pet's bed, the dogs eventually roll all over making it into a ball and then sleeps in it! This habit also originates from their past history. To protect themselves from the harsh climatic conditions, their ancestors would dig up lots of mud and leaves to make a bed comfortable and cosy enough to sleep, and also to reduce the effects of cold weather.

Sleep And Dreams
As far as the howling in their sleep or their barking at night during sleep is concerned, dogs actually dream! They could well be dreaming of catching a cat or a mouse and hence the excited barking, and if they are terrorized by a nightmare wherein they are being attacked, they howl!

Lastly most owners always express doubts on their pet's sleep cycles. As dogs are polyphasic sleepers, which means they sleep in more than one round of sleep they are rarely fatigued. Since they had to be alert of dangers in the wild in the past, they could not afford to sleep for many hours at a stretch as humans do. Therefore, at the least bit of noise or most minimal scent they are up and back to business!
NEXT PAGE: Mama Doggy - The Best Trainer >>

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Don't wait for evolution. Get with

This article was a good one.Generally this article is true.But my dog which is 2yrs old labrador does not eat properly. Igive him nonveg once in 10 days which it has very happily. But when it comes to veg food ie chapati etc. it doen not eat we have to feed it ...- praveen_pd
Now I understood why my lab pup keeps following me around and keeps looking upto me....- sdmoray
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Dr. Gautum Unny is one of Delhi's leading veterinary practitioners
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