Dog Family Would Not Leave The Place Where They Were Abandoned Until They Met Their Rescuers

Seeing a family of abandoned doggos on a street is a sorrowful sight. Left all alone, with only the company of each other, many pups end up in terrible conditions, completely cut off from basic supplies.

One such story comes from Southern California, where a trio of pups was dumped next to the Magic Johnson park in Los Angeles. The puppies were found huddled together on the sidewalk, refusing to leave the spot where they last saw their family.

Their situation seemed like a lost cause until a group of giant-hearted rescuers received a call that would change everything – for the better!

Waiting For Their Family To Return

Local residents spotted three canines – a dog girl and her two brothers standing on the sidewalk with their backs glued to each other. According to them, the pups were abandoned by their family who dumped them out of their car and drove away.

At first, the trio refused to leave the sidewalk, waiting for the car to drive back, but no person ever came back. After a while, as the temperature rose, they searched for shelter under a nearby car.

Even then, all three of them stuck together, curling up against each other and, in a way, having each other’s back.

Logan’s Legacy Team To The Rescue

The neighbours called Suzette Hall, of Logan’s Legacy rescue, from Irvine, California, but she was unable to drive to the spot at the time. Instead, she sent two of her colleagues who found the puppies right where they were told they’d be.

They were all covered in ticks and their fur was completely matted. The canines were in terrible condition and they needed help as soon as possible.

“Dumped at a park together. Covered in ticks, matted so bad they couldn’t even poop, and tons of creepy-crawling ticks. They stayed right where they were left and stuck together,” Suzette wrote on her Facebook page.

Hall and her other volunteers usually use a humane trap to lure dogs to a van, but that was not the case today. The female doggo went straight to her rescuers after she was offered some food, and two of her brothers followed. 

Suzette Hall:

“These sweet babies will never, ever have to wait again. They are rescued.”

Even in the van, the fantastic trio refused to leave each other’s side. They stayed next to each other throughout the whole ride to a volunteer’s home.

Doggos Waiting For Someone To Adopt Them

Once they got to the temporary home, Arturo Flores, one of the volunteers, spent two hours shaving them down to free them from the ticks. It was a complex process, but eventually, the pups felt much better!

They were named Damien, Polly, and Barkley right before they were moved to a foster home. According to Hall, these canines were special due to the amazing bond they had the entire time.

Even after they were saved, they refused to separate from each other, which is generally not the case with other dogs.

That’s why she hopes that when the time comes, they will have the opportunity to go to a furever home as a group. 

But, at least until then – they will surely spend all of their time together, guarding each other like they used to do on the street!

If you’ve ever observed a group of dogs interacting, you may have noticed a peculiar behavior – the act of one dog licking another’s ears. This seemingly innocent gesture holds more significance in the canine world than meets the eye. It’s a behavior that goes beyond mere grooming; it’s a form of communication and social bonding among our furry friends. As a seasoned dog trainer, you understand that these actions are not random but serve a purpose in the intricate language of dogs.

When dogs engage in ear licking, it’s not just about cleanliness; it’s a way for them to convey messages, establish trust, and reinforce their social hierarchy. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of canine relationships. So, the next time you witness this behavior, remember that it’s not just a simple lick – it’s a form of canine communication that speaks volumes in the silent language of dogs.

Understanding the Behavior: Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other’s Ears

The Social Dynamics of Dogs

Dogs licking each other’s ears is a common behavior that reflects the intricate social dynamics within a canine pack. When one dog licks another dog’s ears, it’s a form of social bonding and communication. This act helps strengthen the bond between dogs and promotes a sense of unity within the pack.

Ear Licking as Communication

When dogs lick each other’s ears, they are communicating in their unique way. Ear licking can convey various messages such as showing affection, respect, or simply wanting to establish a closer connection with another dog. It’s a way for dogs to express themselves and reinforce their social hierarchy within the pack.

Health Implications of Ear Licking in Dogs

Identifying Ear Infections

If you notice that one dog is constantly licking another’s ears, it could be a sign of an underlying ear issue. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and they can detect subtle changes in each other’s health. Excessive ear licking may indicate ear infections, allergies, or even ear mites. It’s essential to monitor the licked dog for any signs of discomfort, such as shaking their head, scratching their ears, or redness and swelling in the ear canal. Consulting a veterinarian is crucial to diagnose and treat any potential ear problems promptly.

The Role of Ear Licking in Hygiene

Ear licking also plays a role in maintaining hygiene among dogs. The saliva of dogs contains enzymes and antibacterial properties that can help clean the ears of their packmates. By licking each other’s ears, dogs assist in removing dirt, debris, and excess wax, promoting ear health within the group. This behavior mimics grooming practices observed in the wild among pack members, where mutual grooming strengthens social bonds and ensures the overall well-being of the group.

Remember, while occasional ear licking is normal and serves various purposes in the canine world, excessive licking warrants attention to rule out any medical issues or discomfort. By staying observant and proactive, you can ensure the health and happiness of your furry companions.

Interpreting the Behavioral Signs

Affection and Bonding

When dogs lick each other’s ears, it’s a display of affection and a way to strengthen their bond. It’s their way of showing love and care for one another. By licking ears, dogs convey a sense of closeness and trust in their relationship.

Submission and Hierarchies in Dog Packs

Ear licking in dogs also signifies submission and the maintenance of hierarchy within a pack. It’s a form of communication where the licking dog acknowledges the other’s higher status or authority. This behavior helps establish order and harmony within the group dynamic.

Remember, understanding why dogs lick each other’s ears can give you insight into their social interactions and emotional connections. It’s a natural behavior that plays a significant role in their communication and relationships.

Expert Opinions on Ear Licking

Veterinarian Insights

When it comes to dogs licking each other’s ears, veterinarians often attribute this behavior to grooming and social bonding instincts. It’s a way for them to show care and affection. Dogs have scent glands in their ears, and licking each other’s ears might be a way to help spread their scent, marking each other as part of the same group. Additionally, it’s believed that ear licking can be a sign of trust and submission in the dog pack hierarchy. Veterinarians consider this behavior a healthy display of social interaction among dogs, reinforcing their bonds and maintaining harmony within the group.

Animal Behaviorists’ Perspectives

Animal behaviorists shed light on the evolutionary aspect of ear licking among dogs. They often view this behavior as a residual instinct from when dogs lived in the wild. Through ear licking, dogs are engaging in a form of social communication that dates back to their ancestry. It’s a way for them to maintain social structures within their pack, showing submission, respect, and cooperation. By observing this behavior, animal behaviorists can better understand the intricate dynamics of dog communities and how they rely on such gestures to convey emotions and strengthen their social connections.

Veterinarians and animal behaviorists agree that dogs licking each other’s ears is a natural and meaningful form of communication and social bonding among these animals. It serves as a way for them to express care, affection, trust, and submission within their pack, reinforcing their social hierarchy and maintaining harmony in their group dynamics.

Management and Training for Ear Licking

When to Intervene in Ear Licking

If you notice excessive ear licking between your dogs, it could indicate an underlying issue such as ear infections, allergies, or skin irritation. In such cases, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems. Additionally, if ear licking escalates into aggression or discomfort for one of the dogs involved, it’s crucial to intervene to prevent potential conflicts. Monitoring the frequency and intensity of ear licking can help you determine when intervention is necessary to ensure the well-being of your furry friends.

Training Alternatives to Ear Licking

To redirect your dogs’ behavior away from ear licking, you can implement positive reinforcement training techniques. Teach your dogs alternative behaviors such as sitting, fetching, or playing with toys to replace the urge to lick each other’s ears. Rewarding them for engaging in these activities and redirecting their attention can help diminish the frequency of ear licking episodes. Consistency in training and positive reinforcement methods can effectively encourage desirable behaviors and reduce unwanted ear licking behavior between your dogs.

Conclusion

Understanding why dogs lick each other’s ears goes beyond a simple gesture. It’s a vital component of their social interaction, reflecting bonds, hierarchy, and communication within the pack. Experts shed light on this behavior, linking it to grooming, bonding, and group dynamics. Managing excessive ear licking involves intervention and positive reinforcement training. By addressing underlying issues and redirecting the behavior, you can foster a harmonious pack dynamic. Remember, each lick tells a story in the intricate language of canine communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do dogs lick each other’s ears?

Dogs lick each other’s ears to communicate affection, respect, and reinforce social bonds within their pack. This behavior also helps in grooming, social bonding, and scent-marking for group recognition.

Is ear licking a normal behavior for dogs?

Yes, ear licking is a normal behavior for dogs and serves various social and instinctual purposes like conveying trust, submission, and cooperation within the pack dynamic.

When should I be concerned about ear licking in dogs?

You should be concerned about ear licking in dogs when it becomes excessive, indicating potential underlying issues like infections or allergies that may require veterinary intervention.

How can I manage and train dogs to reduce ear licking?

You can manage and train dogs to reduce ear licking through positive reinforcement techniques, redirecting the behavior to alternate activities such as playing, fetching, or sitting to promote desirable behaviors within the pack.

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