Dogs are naturally social animals, looking comfort and companionship in the presence of humans or other canines. This social inclination aligns them with pack animals like wolves. Through centuries of selective breeding, dogs have become uniquely attuned to living alongside humans. However, dogs raised without early human interaction maintain their genetic instincts, often prioritizing relationships with fellow dogs over interactions with people.

1. Territory and range

Both dogs and wolves exhibit territorial behaviours, but their methods and motivations differ. Wolf packs establish large territories necessary for hunting, while dogs’ territories are typically defined by the boundaries set by their owners. Male individuals of both species mark their territories with urine and scent rubbing to signal their presence to others.

In neutral territory, where neither dogs nor wolves consider it their own, encounters between strangers involve formal rituals such as sniffing, marking, tail wagging, and posturing. These interactions typically conclude with each party going their separate ways, unless they are competing for the same prey or pursuing the same mate. Females, especially when protecting their offspring, may display aggression towards strangers in neutral territory.

2. Barking

Barking is one of communication system for dogs. Both dogs and wolves possess a range of vocalizations including barks, growls, and howls, which serve as forms of communication within their respective groups and can be understood by humans familiar with their vocal repertoire. Dog owners often interpret their pet’s sounds to discern playfulness, warnings of nearby strangers, fear, or distress. In puppyhood, playful yips and barks signal the development of social and independent behaviours within the litter. Unlike wolves, dogs may growl when feeling cornered or frightened. Certain dog breeds, like hounds, have been selectively bred to amplify their howling instinct, particularly when tracking prey. Northern breeds such as the Siberian Husky are known to howl rather than bark, while the Basenji emits a distinctive yodeling sound as an expression of happiness, rather than barking.

3. Behavioural development

Canine behaviour results from a blend of instinctual traits and environmental influences. From birth, dogs exhibit innate characteristics, being born blind and deaf, relying entirely on their mother for warmth and sustenance. The mother dog instinctively cares for her offspring, guarding them closely from other dogs and most people.

Between 10 to 14 days, puppies’ eyes and ears open, and they become more active in exploring their surroundings. As they grow, their curiosity expands, and they start to venture out independently. During this phase, they develop strong bonds with their littermates and mother, feeling uneasy when separated from their familiar environment, lasting about 20 days, marking the first of four crucial developmental stages.

Around three weeks old, more adventurous puppies begin to explore beyond their whelping box, becoming receptive to human interaction, crucial for future bonding with humans. Puppies not exposed to human contact by four weeks may struggle with training and socialization.

Between three and seven weeks, puppies should socialize with their littermates and mother while being weaned onto solid food. Individual socialization efforts can commence at six weeks, as puppies become more responsive to handling and attention.

The third critical stage, from 7 to 12 weeks, is ideal for forming human-dog relationships, with attachments influencing the dog’s attitude towards humans and its ability to learn and take direction. During this phase, a dog’s pack instinct can be transferred to humans, making it receptive to human leadership and training.

Between 12 and 16 weeks, puppies assert independence from their mother and embark on exploratory ventures. This period is ideal for starting puppy training, despite the challenges of teething. Dogs continue to develop emotionally and sexually, with personality evolving more slowly than physical maturity, unlike wolves.

Around seven to eight months, some puppies may experience anxiety, appearing timid and wary of strangers. While inherited traits may contribute to this, it often dissipates over time, though it may persist and intensify in some cases.

4. Breed behaviour

Distinctive breed-typical personalities have evolved over generations through selective breeding for specific traits. Grouping dogs based on their intended work provides insight into their mature temperament. These differences are often apparent from an early age.

Sporting dogs typically display adventurous traits, eagerly following scents while remaining responsive to familiar humans. In contrast, hounds tend to be more independent and aloof, preferring to explore territories on their own and pursue scents rather than seeking human interaction.

Working and herding dogs exhibit a more task-oriented demeanor, evaluating situations and fulfilling their duties. Collie puppies, for example, instinctively engage in herding behavior from a young age, demonstrating their innate instincts.

Guarding dogs show early signs of protectiveness over their territory. Breeds like the Maremma and Kuvasz, bred for flock protection, are exposed to their duties from puppyhood to reinforce their protective instincts.

Loyalty is a hallmark of breeds like Collies and Akitas. Terriers, bred for hunting rodents, tend to be energetic and feisty, traits that persist into adulthood. Newfoundlands are renowned for their innate lifesaving instincts. Each breed’s unique traits also influence their adaptability to new environments and owners. These characteristics are innate and often breed-specific, although mixed breeds may also exhibit distinct instincts