True Dog Needs

Since the eight PIBs are important behaviors dogs exhibit instinctively, these are the behaviors we have to make adjustments for in a human domestic setting. These PIBs describe the environmental and behavioral needs of domestic dogs. The PIBs themselves are needs, and each PIB creates a subset of needs that are derived from it. So by examining them, it’s possible to list the needs that people must address for dogs to be comfortable in their homes.

1) Assess, classify and respond- Dogs need a reliable source of information to simplify their lives. The instinctive knowledge data base provided for this PIB is one such source, a list of learned responses could be another and a recognized human authority figure could be yet another.
2) Obsessed attention- Dogs need human guidance and control to prevent their instinctive behaviors from allowing them to harm others or themselves in a human environment.
3) Join a pack- Dogs require social structure, which creates a need for:
a) Sharing risk, responsibilities and rewards. To do this, dogs need:
1) Companionship
2) Behavioral consistency in the pack.
3) Peer approval.
b) Environmental familiarity. To obtain this in a human environment dogs need:
1) Common language.
2) Knowledge of social rules.
3) Knowledge of geographical boundaries.
4) Packs must have leaders- an instinctive need that creates a need for:
a) A higher authority to set behavioral standards.
b) A higher authority to settle internal disputes.
c) A higher authority to enforce status.
d) A source of behavioral consistency.
5) Follow a leader- A hierarchy of leaders and followers creates a need for:
a) A set of responses for leadership qualifications, including:
1) Willingness and ability to set and reinforce boundaries (geographical
and behavioral).
2) Consistency.
3) Guidance in a common language.
b) A set of responses for follower behaviors (passive acceptance).
6) Life is earned- Dogs need a source of self-esteem, which creates a need for:
a) A clear understanding of their status.
b) A clear understanding of their tasks.
c) Participation in daily survival activities.
d) Guidance in a common language.
7) Constant testing- Dogs need to know that the pack and its members are
strong.
8) Life is motion- Dogs need to be in motion, which creates a need for:
a) Physically challenging activities.
b) Mentally challenging activities.
From this list of canine needs, it’s possible to determine what a dog owner should provide for their pet in order for a dog to be safe, secure and happy in a human environment. There is only one critical need that encompasses all of the others, and it is frequently the one owners fail to provide: TIME. It’s impossible to provide for the needs of a dog if an owner is too busy with their own lives to interact with the dog. All too often people claim to love their dogs but don’t have time to share with their pet. A dog in this situation is merely being kept in captivity, and is not enjoying a good and healthy life for a dog. People who lack time to share should consider getting something other than a dog for a pet.
The needs of dogs create the guidelines for what a dog owner needs to be and provide:
1) A dominant leader. To be this we must provide:
a) The willingness to be a source of information about behavioral and
geographical boundaries that will allow the dog to be safe and secure in
a human environment.
b) The control that prevents the dog’s instinctive responses from allowing
it to be a danger to itself or others in an environment it can’t
understand.
c) The willingness and ability to control ourselves, the dog and the
situation.
2) The willingness and ability to provide a structure the dog can understand and feel
secure in. To do this we must provide:
a) The consistency of behavior that creates effective communication with
the dog.
b) The willingness to use methods of communication and guidance the
dog can understand.
c) The willingness to learn what is necessary to understand what the dog is
telling its owner.
d) The patience to allow the dog to challenge, and the assertiveness to
insist the dog must follow the rules anyway.
e) The willingness to provide physical, mental and social challenges for
the dog.

Summarizing this list is easy. Owners should willingly assume the position of dominant pack leader according to their dog’s definition and understanding of that social position. By assuming the role of dominant leader according to canine standards an owner will fulfill all of the needs of their dog, allowing their pets to be safe, secure and happy in a human environment while still being a dog.