Behavioral problems of Dogs
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Every year, as summer celebrations and holiday festivities light up the night sky, countless dogs across the country experience hours of genuine terror. Dogs experience the world primarily through their senses, and their hearing is dramatically more sensitive than ours. What seems like reasonable celebration...
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One of the most important basic obedience exercises is teaching your dog to "come when called". A skill that's essential for their safety, good communication, and harmonious living together. However, it's crucial to practice this command thoroughly if you want your dog to respond reliably whenever you call...
There’s nothing more frustrating than a dog that won’t stop barking when someone knocks at the door. Whether it’s excitement, anxiety, or a protective instinct, constant barking can disrupt your home and stress both you and your pet. But why does your dog bark so much when they hear a knock or the doorbell?...
Known as polydipsia, increased water intake is more than simply being thirsty. Needing to drink all the time is likely the sign of a physical health issue, although environmental and emotional factors may come into play. As with any clinical sign, looking at the context of excessive thirst will help a...
Leaving your dog at home only to hear them barking as you close the door can be stressful for both you and your furry pet. Excessive barking when you're away often signals underlying issues like anxiety, boredom, or even health concerns. Understanding why your dog barks and addressing the root cause...
A dog who's been attacked can suffer more than just physical injuries; the emotional fallout can really affect their behavior and overall well-being.Helping your dog through this difficult time is essential for their recovery. Healing takes a careful mix of patience, understanding, and the right kind of help. As their...
When a dog jumps up on us when they are excited, it can create a conflict. We love to see them happy and feel equally pleased that our beloved canine wants our attention, but the jumping itself can be unpleasant. Their paws can be dirty and stain our clothes. Their claws can be sharp and cause pain. If...
Dog aggression is a multifaceted issue that can be both troubling and challenging for pet owners. When a dog shows aggression towards specific individuals, it can lead to heightened fear, anxiety, and potential danger. Gaining insight into the root causes of this aggression is crucial for effectively addressing...
Has your dog suddenly become reluctant to go outside? This change in behavior can be concerning for any pet owner. Dogs may refuse to venture outdoors for a variety of reasons, ranging from fear and anxiety to physical discomfort. Understanding the root cause of your dog’s hesitation is crucial for finding...
Dogs seem to have a predilection for sleeping on top of our clothes, something which can be frustrating. Whether it's because it leads to wrinkly sweatshirts or dog hair seemingly infused into the fabric, it is a behavior we may want to discourage. Whether they are clean or dirty clothes, it is a common behavior...
When dogs need something, they have a natural way of letting us know. This shouldn't surprise us, considering their social nature and ability to form deep emotional bonds with those around them. Some of the most common — and loud — ways dogs have of communicating with us are through barking. We can expect...
You may be aware that dogs will eat grass from time to time and throw up afterwards. It is a common behavior that can occur in healthy dogs, but it is poorly understood. Some animal behaviorists see it as a form of mild pica, where the eating of grass has no specific purpose. Others believe there are...
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a behavioral disorder which results in a dog carrying out repetitive behaviors which serve no meaningful purpose. These behaviors are known as stereotypies and they can manifest in almost infinite ways. It is not known the extent to which a dog is able to obsess. For...
It can be difficult to tell if your dog has excessive thirst. Many dogs will naturally drink a lot of water or at least lap a lot out of their bowl. When we look at the context, it can help us to know whether their drinking habits are abnormal. If they are drinking a lot of water on a hot day or do so...
Let's face it, dogs are curious creatures. One minute they're chasing squirrels, the next, they're nose-deep in a patch of pebbles, completely entranced. This fascination with stones, while sometimes perplexing, is a common canine quirk. But, what drives this rock obsession? Is it a primal urge for prehistoric...
Various studies have suggested that Chihuahuas show more aggressive traits that other dogs more commonly associated with aggression, such as the Pitbull. Despite these apparent aggressive tendencies, they are not considered potentially dangerous dogs, a categorization which can have legal repercussions...
In spite of the fact that dogs are usually celebrated as loyal companions to humans, some dogs may display aggression towards their guardians or caregivers. This issue shouldn't be underestimated, as it can harm both the dog and the person involved. Understanding the causes of this aggression, which can...
Witnessing our dogs thoroughly enjoy playtime, particularly during their youthful years when they possess boundless energy, brings us immense joy. However, there may be instances when we observe peculiar behaviors in our beloved canines that raise concerns, particularly if they seem linked to complex...
When your dog barks at other dogs, it can be frustrating and stressful for both you and your pet. Dog barking is a normal behavior, but it can become a problem when it occurs excessively or inappropriately. Understanding why your dog is barking at other dogs and how to address the behavior can improve...
In movies, when someone is trying to break into a old warehouse or similar restricted area, it is common to see a scene where they encounter vicious guard dogs. This dog will be portrayed one of only a few breeds, one of which is often the Doberman Pinscher. Certain dog breeds will gain public visibility...
Introducing a new dog to a household can be a big adjustment for both the new dog and the existing dog, and it can often take some time for them to get used to each other's presence. Dogs are social animals and like any other social animal, they have the potential to engage in conflict and aggression....
Just as with human beings, some dogs are more vocal than others. We may have a very chatty friend who can talk competitively. It is only natural we have some dogs that do the same. While breed and genetics will be a factor, there are many other reasons some dogs bark more than others. It is also important...
Generally speaking, it is not a cause for concern if a dog is shy of new things. However, when a dog's behavior becomes excessively fearful, it usually indicates low self-confidence, which should not go unnoticed by its caretakers. This behavioral problem not only shortens the life expectancy of dogs...
Some of us see a dog licking someone's face as a beautiful expression of love for our canine best friends. Others see it as a fast track to intestinal parasites. Whatever we think of this behavior, it is more important to understand what the dog means to convey with it. Since dogs use their body language...
When dogs are in the wild, they have to compete with rival packs over various resources. This can be seen in competition over food, especially during times of scarcity. Domestic dogs which live in homes with their guardians do not have the same competition. Their basic needs are covered, including having...
Dogs use their mouths similarly to how we often use our hands. With an inability to manipulate their environment well with their paws, they use their mouths to explore their environment. For this reason, it is common to see them nibbling on almost anything that cross their path. There is a difference...
Dogs will bite for various reasons, but there is an important distinction to make when determining the cause. Firstly, we have to look at whether the dog has recently been adopted or if they have lived with you for a long time. We also need to look at whether the dog was provoked or if the bite came out of...
When we see the many unsavory places our dog likes to put their tongue, having our hands licked is not always the most pleasant sensation. Some of us find it unhygienic, while others will happily let them lap away to their heart's content. The act of a dog licking our hands is not wrong in and of itself,...
Age affects dogs in various ways, both physically and emotionally. For many of us, the tired old dog is a cliché. Once a canine reaches a certain stage, they will spend all their time lazing around the home and often sleeping for longer periods. Once a dog reaches an advanced age, they will start to sleep...
When we adopt a dog into the family, especially if they are a puppy, we need to expect a certain level of pee. Before they are toilet trained, young dogs will urinate around the home indiscriminately. Sometimes that means while we are playing with them on our lap, on our couch or simply when we are standing...
Our dogs use their mouths to interact with their environment and communicate with those within it. While they use vocalizations to communicate their emotions, wants and intentions, they can also use it in other ways. If a dog bites us when we pet them, it is easy to think they are simply aggressive. Often...
Not all dogs have the same sensitivity to noise. Some can sleep through a storm and others will become agitated at the smallest sound. Their reaction will depend on various factors, but there are some sounds which are more likely to disturb their peace than others. Especially in built-up urban areas,...
When you go for a walk with your dog, their safety is of the utmost importance. This doesn't only mean keeping them safe from traffic or other dangers they may encounter. It also requires us to curtail their behavior if it puts them in jeopardy. One of the most common issues is when our dog encounters...
Any aggressive behavior in a dog needs to be looked at in context. We need to look at the events which have led up to the aggression, the well-being of the dog, their usual personality and any pertinent information which can help us understand the reason for this behavior. Dogs can vocalize through barking and...
When dogs fight, it is not necessarily to do harm, but only to ensure dominance. Whatever the cause, it is always very unpleasant to witness a fight between two or more dogs, especially if your beloved dog is one of the participants. The best way to solve the problem in such cases is to learn to read...
Although domestication has led to companion dogs having a greater sense of security than their wild counterparts, it is important their retain the ability to be scared. When a dangerous or threatening situation arises, dogs use their natural instincts to protect themselves on both physiological and psychological...
Dogs love couches, beds and other soft furniture for the same reason we do. They are comfortable places to rest. If we allow our dog on the furniture, there are few things as cozy as curling up on the couch with a beloved dog. This doesn't explain why some dogs will rub themselves excitedly against...
It has always been believed that rivalry between dogs and cats is a natural thing. Surely you have heard more than once the expression "they quarrel like cats and dogs" to describe two people who fight often. But is it true that these two animals hate each other? When two animals as different as dogs...
Recently adopted puppies or adult dogs may urinate after you scold them for inappropriate behavior, which can be surprising and distressing to their new owners. This behavior is called submissive urination and occurs when a dog pees in response to fear or anxiety. This is more common in puppies that...
Throwing a stick for a dog to retrieve must be one of the earliest games humans played with their canine counterparts. This is because dogs seem to have a natural fascination with wooden sticks and will often search them out on walks. It is common for them to chew on sticks seemingly to pass the time,...
Chasing a ball is one the favorite outdoor activities of dogs. Normally, it is a harmless game that allows them to have fun while exercising their body and senses. Many dog owners might notice their best friends are becoming increasingly obstinate. They never want to stop and seem almost addicted to...
Animals exhibit many behaviors which we know are related to their development. Sexual maturity is an important factor in how an animal behaves, especially since it can affect their hormone levels. One of these behaviors is mounting. As a male dog is reaching sexual maturity, they will start to undergo changes...
Domestication has made it necessary for dogs to adapt to the ways of human existence. Living inside a house is one of the most important adaptations a wild animal can make. To navigate this new environment, they have to interact with various objects humans take for granted. Their understanding of doors is just...
Some guardians decide to neuter their dog as a means to resolve aggression issues. This aggression is often developed over time. Many of these guardians are surprised when the issues are not resolved after the procedure has been carried out. In fact, it is even possible for aggression to develop after...
Cars and vehicles are such a common part of our lives, we often forget we once had to learn how to cross a road. Road safety is important because our streets can be dangerous. When we look at these same streets form a dog's perspective, we might start to understand why they can be such intimidating spaces....
If your dog is pacing and won't lie down, they are agitated for some reason. These reasons can be physical or psychological, as well as acute or chronic. If it is acute, it is likely the dog is restless because they are responding to some specific stimuli in their environment. If they are chronically...
When a dog becomes destructive, there is an obvious problem for the household. Whether they destroy toys, sofa cushions or any other household item, the result can be stuffing or other parts of the object strewn across the home. Not only does this create a mess, but there is always the worry they will...
Does your dog lift their leg and pee inside the house? It could be on any surface, place or object. This means your pet wants to make its presence known and wants to mark its territory. While this may be perfectly normal dog behavior, it is also normal for you to get frustrated and want to change this habit....
From the moment you decide to adopt a pet, it is necessary everyone in the home knows what to expect. Unfortunately, with both puppies and children, it can be difficult for them to understand limits and boundaries. For this reason, it is very important we consider what to do with both parties when the puppy...
It is all too easy for society to consign a dog to a label of ‘aggression’. This can often lead to dogs being taken away from families and even put to sleep. Many of these dogs could live a long and happy life with a loving family if they are provided with understanding and education. To help understand...