Why Do Dogs Follow Their Guardians?
That dogs follow their guardians everywhere is something we humans take for granted. Anyone who lives with a dog in the home will not hesitate to affirm that the dog is almost an extension of itself, since it accompanies it everywhere and seeks its approval and affection multiple times a day.
Still, ethology is not content with observing animal behaviors and accepting them, since understanding why they happen is key to defining species and our relationships with them. Therefore, in this space we try to explain why dogs follow their guardians unconditionally.
Question of genes?
According to various experts, the main reason why dogs unconditionally follow their guardians is due to genetics. Being direct descendants of the mammal Canis lupus (the wolf), it is assumed that domestic dogs also have a predisposition to aggregate in packs.
This idea is not without controversy, since most detailed ethological studies regarding wolves have been recorded in captive environments. Many of these behaviors seen in confined spaces may be different in a 100% natural environment. If we are not sure of the behavior of these wild canids in the wild, how is it possible that we also apply it to dogs?
Other people argue that the dog associates his guardian as the leading element of his pack. This idea, again, is open to debate, as various studies show us that dogs are capable of understanding, recognizing and discriminating human characteristics. It is clear that, as much as they respect and adore us, dogs know that we are not just another member of their species.
It cannot be denied that there is some kind of intricate hierarchy between the dog and the guardian, but it is not clear that it responds to an inherited behavior of staying in a pack. Since genetics doesn’t seem to be the definitive answer, let’s explore other possible explanations.
Emotional factors
There are other possible characteristics that can promote continuous follow-up by the dog towards the guardian. Some of them are the following:
- Positive reinforcement: a dog that is well treated will see his guardian as a source of positive encouragement. These can come in the form of food, games, caresses, or various interactions. Animals naturally seek what increases their survival and well-being, and in this case it is the person responsible for them.
- Breed: depending on the breed, some dogs are more predisposed than others to follow their owners. These are known as “velcro dogs”, and it has been observed that the longer they have been working with humans, the more this characteristic develops.
- Company: Over the years, humans have selected the dogs that are genetically most predisposed to interact with our species. Therefore, it is not strange that they seek human company with no greater pretense than being with us.
- Separation anxiety: in this case, we are facing an emotional disorder caused by mismanagement by the tutor. Dogs can associate moments of loneliness with stress, discomfort, and even agony. This is not a natural behavior by itself.
As we can see, there are multiple reasons why dogs have a predilection for not abandoning their guardian at any time. Beyond affection and affection, this promotes their own survival as individuals.
As discussed in previously cited studies, dogs are capable of understanding our gestures, language and tone. The longer they stay with their tutor, the better they will be able to identify beneficial times, such as providing food or a walk. Yes, dogs watch and follow us, in part, because this promotes their own well-being and survival.
A behavior fruit of years of interaction
As we have seen, genetics is not always the best answer for everything. Dogs have been domesticated and in interaction with humans for so long that many behaviors that seem counterproductive or atypical in the natural world are continually exhibited by them.
Of course, one thing is clear: dogs admire and adore us, not only because we provide them with food and shelter, but because we are a reference and a basic pillar in their routine. Therefore, respecting them and accepting their company is something that every tutor should do.
