Re: pack animal behavior
Ragman wrote:Sorry that I came into this late. Soooo many funny comments.
Dogs (as opposed to cats) are pack animals. Your doggy, most likely, sees you as part of the pack. They often clean one another after they clean themselves. It's part of their socialization routine - part of animal behavior. Some get fixated or obsessed with it. With some behavior mod the dog will focus elsewhere. I read somewhere that saltiness is more easily sensed on their tongues for dogs than sweet tastes, so it's probably salt that it might like. ..and it might taste some other subtle tastes, perfumes, chemicals, or secretions.
At my sister's kennel if I go there dogs will start licking me and I am not allowed to wear perfume there. She does not allow that because some dogs have allergies or are sensitive to the smell (as well as customers). I normally always wear perfume but not there and it is not on me anymore because I have showered already. She has many dogs of her own. She breeds them and this is a little embarrassing but, I will saw it anyway. There has been 2 males that want to you know what to me. She was mad(no not jealous or maybe she was jealous-I also refer to her as my evil twin). She will tell me that of all the people that have been at her place they have never done it to anyone else, never and it is always me. I do not feel special or should I? No, I do not think I should. That is just weird.
So, I have a smell to me that attracks dogs is what I am getting. I can't be the only one since I would like to think I am normal. There has to be others (maybe they just have not said anything?).
Last night I was outside smoking (yes, I do -marlboro thread) and it was dark. I felt a paw on my lower back. I was sitting forward on the edge of the chair. My yard is fenced and my dog is only inside. So, it startled me but I did not make any sudden movements or anything. I did have the outside light on. I slowly looked to see what it was that was touching me.
It was a big racoon. I am thinking this is not good-sharp claws and teeth.
I was not sure what to do. I have racoons in my yard all the time over the years and they have tried to come close to me (they live in my tree) but, I do not let them. I do not want to try and tame on. I was surprised this one was touching me (it was standing up). I know they do not like it when I look them directly in the eyes, at least that is what I have found, like it is a threat. So, since I did not know what to do I did look at this one in the eyes and with a calm but stern voice told it to get away. It did not at first. I had to say it a second time. Then it pulled away and backed off. They try somtimes like I said to approach me but they normally back off.
When I stand up to go inside they will back up a little but not run away. If I have a scent that attracts dogs is it possible other animals pick up on it?
What you said seems plausible. Ossobuco said the same thing about the salt.
I know now what to do with my dog as far as keep her away from me when I sleep. I was just curious about other animals sensing this. The neighbors tease me I am snow white because the neighborhood dogs and cats come to my yard when I am outside. Not theirs, mine.
