Dogs and people are different.

I know this is an obvious statement, but sometimes it can be easy to blur the lines when we live so closely together, and sometimes it is easy to forget that dogs have their own set of needs and values.

We as people have worked hard to incorporate dogs into every aspect of our lives, and it is a beautiful thing that allows people like me to have a profession in the pet industry. We teach dogs to be companions, playmates, workers, medical advisors, and so much more, and through selective breeding, training, and the wonderful acumen dogs are known for, they have adapted nicely.

But what about all of the things that make dogs dogs? What about all of the things we find less than desirable? The poop-eating? The barking? The chasing, hunting, and guarding?

While they may seem out of place to us, they are perfectly natural behaviors for dogs. No different than our laughs and cries. All are fundamental expressions of what make dogs tick.

When we share our lives with dogs, it’s easy to view their butt-sniffing as gross and our hand-shaking as acceptable, but in reality, we’re all doing exactly the same thing. We’re greeting one another. Neither is right or wrong. Neither is better or worse. They are simply different.

If we attempt to label our dogs as human beings, they seem to fall short of expectations. We see pictures and videos portraying dogs in a very human way, but because they are dogs, they still chew up their new beds, chase the cat, drag us down the street on walks, and it is harder for us to see things from the viewpoint of the dog.

When we embrace dogs for the species they are, they shine. The poop-eating and butt-sniffing become less disturbing and more understandable. We connect with them better, and in turn, help them to find balance between our human tendencies and their dog tendencies.

The human/dog relationship has traveled light years in the last few decades, and with the proper mindset, we have the ability to do the same over those coming. Take time to learn what makes your dog tick. Not only will this help you make sense of your dog, but it will give you the tools necessary to help them be the best dogs they can be.

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Stephanie Vichinsky is the owner/head trainer of Method K9 in Post Falls.