14/03/2024
抽象思考的人類因為善於歸納，也為了讓大腦可以快速決定接下來的因應行為，於是很快地就會為一個狀態或一個對象 #貼標籤 。例如經常對環境中聲音表現警戒吠叫的狗狗，會被視為"敏感"、"膽小"、"兇"或"笨"(無法學習理解並不需要擔心的事物，當然這也是以人的角度認為)；散步到一半突然停下來不願意走，甚至趴或躺下來的狗狗，會被認為"固執"、"懶"、"膽小"，或經常被人提到的"社會化不足"。
但行為的發生有很多需要考量的原因：包括遺傳基因、環境、過度刺激、需求未滿足、情緒狀態、過去的經驗、年齡、疼痛/疾病、飲食(營養)，以及不適當或不一致的訓練等等 (右方圓餅圖下列表：Genetic、Environment、Over stimulation、Unmet need、Emotional state、Past experiences、Age、Pain/illness、Diet、Inappropriate and inconsistent training)。
未進行整體評估考量下就開始進行為了達到人所期待行為的訓練，都可能成為另一種傷害。這裡就不討論以威嚇、恐懼、產生疼痛等處罰式的訓練，因為它就已經直接製造身體或心理的傷害。
警戒吠叫的狗狗可能天生對於特定/不確定的聲音有較高的分辨能力/閾值，可能基本需求不足生活過於單調、營養不良、睡眠不足(是否有安全的睡眠地點與環境可供選擇)，或是環境過度刺激、人無法提供安全感等等原因。而不同原因人所需要了解與處理的方式都不同，這理所說的處理並不是要狗狗"不會或不再"出現警戒吠叫，而是人學會改變環境、滿足需求、提供安全感而讓狗狗盡可能"不需要"警戒環境聲音。而散步到一半坐或趴著不走的狗狗，是否可能因為血糖、血壓、呼吸、關節或肌肉疼痛，或是人所使用的散步工具造成疼痛、強迫狗狗接近不確定的可怕事物呢？當然也可能僅僅是狗狗正在跟另一隻遠處的狗狗講話，所出現的安定訊號。
大部分行為的背後都不是一個人類文字的標籤所能形容，而且某個人所認為的"笨"，對我來說可能是"勇敢"或"溫和"；某隻狗狗的"膽小"，可能是由於我"不夠細心溫柔"。越能理解行為背後可能的因素，就越能貼近狗狗的世界，找到核心的原因或原因s。
Dogs behave the way they do for many reasons. They do NOT do things deliberately to be stubborn or ‘naughty’, nor do they aim to assert control. Outdated mythologies and training methods have detrimental effects on well-being and strain the relationship between a dog and their caregiver.
🧬A dog's breed and genetic makeup can play a significant role in determining certain behavioural traits. Dogs have genetic predispositions and breed-specific tendencies that contribute to their behaviour.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours, such as herding, hunting, or guarding.
The environment in which a dog is raised and lives can profoundly impact their behaviour. Early socialisation, which involves exposing a puppy to a wide range of people, animals, and environments during their critical developmental period, is crucial for building confidence and shaping a dog's social behaviour to reduce fear or aggression.
Overstimulation can cause all kinds of unwanted behaviours as it overwhelms their senses and can lead to hyperactivity or erratic responses. For example, if a dog is exposed to loud noises, multiple people, and various stimuli all at once, or on a daily basis, they might exhibit excessive excitable behaviour, poor impulse control, become agitated and exhibit behaviours like jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash, as their senses are overwhelmed by the excessive input.
Previous experiences and learning consequences can influence a dog's behaviour. Traumatic experiences, in particular, can lead to fear, anxiety, or aggression.
How a dog is trained and educated by their caregiver or handler can significantly affect their behaviour. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training can lead to desired behaviours, while harsh or inconsistent methods can result in confusion or fear.
A dog's health, including their physical and mental well-being, can influence their behaviour. Illness, pain, or discomfort can lead to changes in behaviour.
A dog's emotional state, including fear, anxiety, and excitement, can affect their behaviour. For example, a fearful dog may display unpredictable defensive reactive behaviours or might avoid any encounters and run away trying to hide. While a confident dog may exhibit playfulness and a relaxed demeanour.
A dog can become frustrated and destructive if their mental and physical needs are not met. This dog, full of pent-up energy and boredom, may become frustrated and exhibit poor impulse control. In their frustration, they might resort to destructive behaviours, such as chewing furniture, digging up the garden, or incessant barking. This destructive behaviour is often an expression of their frustration and an attempt to alleviate their built-up energy and mental stress.
The type of diet a dog receives can significantly influence their behaviour, with high-quality nutrition promoting better energy levels, mood, and overall well-being, while poor diet choices can lead to issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or digestive problems.
As dogs age, they may experience canine cognitive decline, which can manifest as changes in memory, learning, and behaviour. This condition can lead to increased confusion, disorientation, and altered social interactions in older dogs.
It is really important to understand that each dog is unique, and their behaviour can vary widely, even within the same breed. Dogs use body language, vocalizations, and other forms of communication to express their needs, emotions, and intentions. Understanding a dog's communication cues is extremely important for interpreting their behaviour.
![[徵求一起工作的伙伴]照片上看起來幸福的他們，將鏡頭拉遠來看其實是個狹小、籠距過近、排水不良的臨時犬舍。由於瑞芳動物之家(後稱瑞動)正在興建新場館，舊犬舍需先拆除，於是狗狗們只好先暫時棲身於容納量體有限的組合式圍欄中，直到預計完工日九月之時...](https://img3.schoolandcollegelistings.com/325/129/526341733251290.jpg)
