Originally Posted by Roody
I bet if I ran up to strangers and sniffed their crotches, or humped their legs, they'd put a leash on me too.
Dogs ate not free spirits. They are domesticated animals. In return for free food and A/C in the kennel, they are expected to mind their manners and conform to human social expectations.
Definitely agree!
Dogs are not even "free spirits" in their WILD version (wolves). Wolves are pack animals who instinctively form a pack social structure with leaders that call the shots, get to eat first, and get the best mates. Dogs were the first animals to be domesticated because they learned to behave as part of the human "pack", with the dogs as the SUBSERVIENT animals.
A properly socialized dog always sees his human master as the alpha male/female, and defers to them accordingly. This doesn't mean that dogs don't have other instincts and desires, but you've got to make sure your dog always knows that you're the boss.