When you notice your dog limping, it’s natural to wonder what’s wrong. So when Billy, a Lurcher, began limping, his parents took him to the vet right away. However, it turned out that Billy was perfectly healthy.
He’d just decided to imitate his father, who’d recently received crutches. Although Billy’s owners were upset about their $400 medical bill, they eventually laughed it off. Dogs sometimes pick up the mannerisms of their owners.
If you have a limp, your dog may eventually start limping as well. Some dog owners might see it as offensive and feel that it is a sign of mockery or disrespect. But really, it’s not.
Dogs don’t know that their actions make us feel sad, anxious, or angry. They can’t understand how we feel, so they may act in ways that hurt us without intending to do so. If your dog imitates your limping, remember that it doesn’t mean to offend you.
Your dog is a social animal. The dog wants to be one of your family and looks to you for guidance. He’s eager to please you and follows your lead just like a good follower should.
However, when the dog’s behavior is unempathetic, it’s probably trying to get your attention and play with you. Another reason dogs mimic their owners’ behavior is that they learn to associate certain actions with rewards. For example, if you give your dog a treat every time he sits, he will eventually learn that sitting gets him a reward.
So, although dogs seem to mimic our actions to please us, they’re usually doing so for a reward. To avoid this problem, you need to learn your pet’s body language. Be kind and always respond appropriately to help make your pet feel better.
You’ll simply have to work a little to get the result you want, but the outcome will be worth the effort.
Credit: billy_limping_lurcher
