The problem is that people do not understand a dog’s need to know his place in the hierarchy. A dog does not understand the term parity. They look at an owner who doesn’t dominate as an alpha dog who might be sick or dying. A chance to become the new alpha dog.
Just watch what a dog does when you stop and get gas, for example. The first thing a dog does, when you exit the vehicle, is sit in the driver’s seat. They aren’t doing that because you kept the seat warm or that they wanted to get closer to you. They did it because you vacated your alpha position and they saw a need to fill it.
It’s funny, but true.
I wonder what would happen if you came back and got in the passenger seat and the dog realized it couldn’t drive ?
:)
Post 15 - Do you concur?
“They did it because you vacated your alpha position and they saw a need to fill it.”
My black lab did it to lean on the horn if I took too long. Yes, I had witnesses to the fact.
Miss Daisy would argue just where the alpha position is located in an automobile...