Do Dogs Really Want To Please Us?

It is often said by dog lovers and advocates that our dogs just want to please us. All they want is for us to be happy and happy with them. There is a lot more to it than this.

I consider myself to be a practical trainer/behaviorist. I do what I do because of my love for animals with my focus being on the understanding and ever-growing knowledge of canine behavior. Personally, my dogs live a grand life. They have nice beds, they respond to commands, they are all now to a stage of wanting to please me. Why?  Because they know me, and I know them.   It can take years to create this type of relationship. It is worth it.

Pleasing humans is not inherent in a dog’s psyche. Being a member of a pack is. They don’t walk down the street and see a human and think, “oh, there’s a human being, I want them to be pleased with me.” In fact, the opposite may be true!  They may have learned that humans are good and will give them food and affection, or they may have a negative association.

Much as it is with humans, respect of a dog is earned. I like to think the feelings are mutual – they respect me, and I respect them. Gaining a dog’s respect only happens when they know you and what to expect from you (this goes both ways).

Now, back to the question…do dogs really want to please us? Yes. Why? They want food, AND they do enjoy our attention and affection and all of the other experiences we share with them.

You may have a dog that has no interest in pleasing you.  Some dogs act as though they just don’t care what we think and there is not an ounce of the need-to-please in their body. You can’t train that into them. You can accept their nature and look for ways to connect with them using their natural drive and instinct.

So, whether your dog appears to only want to please you or it never does; it is important to understand what makes them who they are and to be patient with the process.