Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Sudden feline aggression is frightening and can result in significant injury to everyone involved, including you or other family members. Consider the circumstances of Fluffy and Rover's altercation, and you'll probably identify the underlying cause of the cat's temper burst. You can then take steps to restoring a happy home with companionable pets.
Although most of the things your pooch does may seem totally adorable and irresistible to you, not all actions fall into that category, unfortunately. Nibbling on your hands -- and perhaps even those of others -- probably isn't too endearing a behavior, especially in dogs beyond the puppy stage.
Canines in the wild spend much of their days hunting or scavenging. They chew on plenty of stuff as a matter of survival. If your domestic dog chews inappropriately, he needs to spend more time doing things with you. If he gets enough time on the right activities, his need for attention -- his chewing -- will probably subside.
Getting your pooch to bark on command calls for a little training with a verbal cue first. After you teach your pup to bark consistently when you tell him to, you can transition into training him to sound off when he sees a hand signal. No set hand signal for the Speak command exists, which means you have freedom to create one of your own.
Dogs bark and howl to communicate -- right, you knew that. Howling, specifically, is more of a long-distance method of communication. Your pup may use it to call for you when he's alone or in response to a stimulus like an ambulance siren. If your dog's howling is driving you up a wall and causing you to lose sleep, train Fido to stay quiet.
Teaching a dog to chase balls is something that the dog will instinctively know how to do. Teach a dog to chase balls with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video clip.
A cooling vest for dogs is a great idea, especially during walks on those warm summer days. Use a cooling vest for dogs with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video clip.
Teaching a dog not to bite kids is all about building your dog's patience. Teach dogs not to bite kids with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this free video clip.
Dogs don't really need to wear coats as they already have everything they need. Find out why dogs don't need to wear coats with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this free video clip.
Free to roam in your yard, your dog has license to dig up your garden and turn the lush lawn to a brown-spotted potty area. He's also at risk of danger in the form of the backyard pool and other furnishings. You'll protect your pup and your yard by blocking off a dog-specific area.
If you're planning on opening a dog walking business you're definitely going to need to get dog walking insurance. Get dog walking insurance with help from a full-time insurance professional in this free video clip.
Dog agility games remind you of jumping courses you see in horse shows for a reason: The dog courses were inspired by the horses. Training your dog in agility games will keep him mentally stimulated as well as physically fit. It's also an opportunity for the two of you to spend quality time together. Rufus could even be good enough to end up reigning as champion in regional or national dog agility games.
Teaching a dog not to guard against other dogs can help turn your pet into a more social creature. Teach a dog not to guard against other dogs with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video clip.
Crate training any kind of dog takes a whole lot of one specific thing: patience. Crate train a boxer dog with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video clip.
If your dog goes crazy when your phone rings -- barking, jumping around or running from it, he probably views it as something scary or awful. Not only does your phone's ring sound intimidating to your pup, but he probably also associates the phone itself with something that takes your attention away from him. Train Fido to view your phone and its ring as something to look forward to instead.
While it’s true that dogs don’t understand language in the same way as humans, this doesn’t mean they’re not capable of learning a large number of words and commands. With the right approach, a little patience and a lot of enthusiasm, you can teach your pup specific words for each of his toys. Adding words to a dog’s vocabulary is a powerful training exercise that keeps his mind engaged and provides unlimited new challenges.
Deprived of opposable thumbs and with poor manual dexterity, dogs cannot turn a doorknob or open or close doors as effectively as humans do. Though with proper training and the right incentives, these smart fellows can be trained to push a door open and close with the touch of a paw. Teaching Scruffy to push doors isn't that hard; all you need is a pinch of patience and a load of treats.
If your sweet new puppy spends the bulk of his day sleeping, don't be alarmed. Similarly to "people" babies, young puppies are asleep more often than they're not. Don't compare a puppy's sleeping schedule to that of a fully mature dog, because their requirements aren't the same, plain and simple.
It can be very frustrating when you just want your dog to "do his thing already," but all he does is sniff the ground. This is especially aggravating when it's raining, cold or hot outside. Dogs sniff the ground because they are checking their "pee mail." Dogs have a powerful sense of smell and they can gather a lot of information by sniffing the ground.
Fear aggression describes the behavior of dogs acting aggressively or defensively when they are afraid or anxious. Fear-aggressive dogs are uncertain and may feel threatened when encountering a dog or human they do not know or with whom they may have had a negative experience. Dogs suffering from fear aggression may bark, growl, snarl or lunge at approaching people or animals in an attempt to control the frightening situation and to make the perceived threat go away.
Just because your dog can't actually talk, it does not mean he cannot communicate with you. Most people know enough about basic dog communication to understand a wagging tail is normally a sign of happiness, while growling or baring teeth is a sign of canine aggression. Nudging is a more subtle means of communication that dogs use. Nudges can have several meanings.
Just like with humans, exercise is critical to the well being of a dog. Find out about the psychological importance of dog walking with help from a partner in the Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic in this free video clip.
You can tell if your dog is dehydrated by watching out for a few key things. Learn how to know if your dog is dehydrated with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
Your dog is a faithful companion who depends on you to provide the healthiest, happiest life possible. Although it might be tempting to feed your furry friend the same foods you enjoy, it's important to know the dietary needs of your dog. Like humans, dogs need a combination of nutrients to maintain good health. Talk to your veterinarian about your companion's nutritional needs.
While kerosene is not one of the leading causes of poisoning in dogs, the flammable liquid can cause significant illness or lead to death when a canine ingests it in a large enough amount. Because kerosene is one of the lighter fuel grades, it absorbs quickly on skin and in the intestinal tract. Dog owners suspecting this type of poisoning should not ignore this type of incident but rather act quickly to get necessary medical care.
Most of the time, discolored teats appear on a dog that has recently whelped. Puppies can be very industrious when nursing and can scratch the breast tissue. Bacteria from whelping can find its way onto the scratches, infecting them and thereby infecting the milk in the mammary glands. According to Dr. Douglas Brum of Pet Place, “If you are breeding your pet, make sure that the bedding and surroundings are routinely kept clean. If your pet is lactating, observe the teats daily for any signs of redness, pain or abnormal swellings and discharge.” This will decrease the chance of a…
Dogs by nature lead with their noses. Their sense of smell is as much as 1,000 times as strong as that of humans, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension. It's no wonder just about about they know about the world comes through their noses. Sniffing is what they do, so it's not uncommon for one to inhale foreign substances, outdoors or indoors, that can be cause for concern. Some of these substances can cause serious reactions that require immediate medical treatment.
Keeping your dog inside your home with you offers many benefits in terms of your pet's mental and physical health. Indoor dogs tend to be happier, have more interaction with their human families and are less likely to be injured due to accidents or become ill due to exposure to the elements and diseases carried by other animals.
A dog's mouth is typically composed of four types of teeth: incisor, canine, premolar and molar, for a total of 42 teeth. In certain breeds, however, there may be a slight variation in the number of teeth. The front teeth include a total of 12 incisors and four large canine teeth. In a normal scissor bite, the upper incisors overlap the lower incisors, while the lower canines lie comfortably between the upper lateral incisors and upper canines. Incisor and canine teeth are generally present in all dogs regardless of breed because they help carry out a vast array of tasks…
It's a terrible realization when you walk into a room and see your prescription medication bottle on the floor and your dog licking his or her lips. Many human medications will not harm a dog in small doses. However, because a dog's body weight is typically much less than that of a human, a normal human dose of any medication may be an overdose for a dog. If your dog has eaten dexedrine, get immediate veterinary attention.
Teaching a group of fourth graders the seventh commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," may give you pause. The thought of introducing a commandment dealing with sex to 10-year-olds could make sweat break out on your forehead. Teaching this commandment is not as difficult as you think, however. Many children today understand the concept of a broken home all too well. Concentrate on the broken promise and not the physical relationship for kids this age.
Tumblr is different from other blogging host sites because instead of being used for online journaling, its purpose is typically for microblogging. Microblogging is a term used to describe short posts, pictures and links rather than lengthy posts. One way that Tumblr helps users grow their connections and garner followers is through reblogging trains. A reblog train offers credit to an original post while allowing other Tumblrs to post the same material on their blogs.
Many dogs begin jumping as puppies. While better to train them not to jump on anyone or anything as young pups, it is never too late to teach your dog proper manners. Dogs may jump on the cabinets because they smell food or they want to be close to you while you're in the kitchen. This can be a disturbing habit, especially if your dog is scratching at your cabinets and causing damage. With a few training techniques, you can safely and gently curb this bad habit in your dog and bring peace back to your kitchen.
Runners are a tough group. They can withstand everything from scorching weather to rocky trails. Unfortunately, they may also have to cope with the unwanted presence of chasing dogs. Though many dogs may attempt to play with runners, some see runners as prey and attempt to attack. The key to preventing such attacks is to be alert. The key to avoiding injury when an attack happens is to know and remember how to protect yourself.
One of the joys of dog ownership is teaching your pet new tricks. Not only does this help create interaction and bonding between the dog and his owner, but it also keeps the dog entertained and helps develop his intellectual capacities. One of the most entertaining tricks to teach your dog is "peek-a-boo," with the dog holding his paws over his eyes. It takes time for the dog to master this trick, but it helps if he already knows the basic "sit" and "down" commands.
Drawing a person lying down is fairly easy once you get the hang of it. Learn how to draw someone lying down with help from an artist who teaches art to children and adults in this free video clip.
A mixed-breed dog with one Labrador and one heeler parent is likely to be an intelligent pet, because both parents are considered to be from intelligent breeds. Labradors and heelers, or Australian cattle dogs, are highly trainable pets that will be eager to please their owners. One downside of this intelligent dog breed, though, can be boredom; a bored dog can be destructive if left alone for long periods of time. Both dog breeds are receptive to a variety of training methods--use of a clicker, treat rewards or positive reinforcement--and a dog of these two breeds should respond to these…
When dogs whimper or whine, it is considered a form of barking and is the animal's main way of communicating. Yorkshire terriers ("Yorkies") whimper as puppies and transition to whining as they grow into adults. They do this when they are in distress, hurt or lonely and need your attention. Always check to make sure they are okay when they whine. In addition, you can take preventative measures to eliminate or reduce the whimpering.
Dog runs provide a way for your dog to get the exercise it needs in a small, fenced-in portion of your yard. If your dog run has a simple grass or gravel floor, weeds may start to sprout, which look unsightly. Certain weeds can also be toxic to dogs, if the dog ingests the plants, as can some commercially available weed killers. To kill any weeds growing in your dog run, use pet-safe, nontoxic methods to get rid of them.
Runners and joggers navigating through residential areas often encounter excited, barking dogs. Some dogs only bark and then lose interest, but a few of them will run after the exerciser, and the encounter may end in an attack. An attacking dog can seriously injure you and possibly pass on rabies, which is a fatal disease. You should do everything possible to avoid being attacked by a dog.
Having a dog when living in a condo or apartment can be inconvenient, especially if the apartment is above the ground floor. A small potty area can be designed and installed on a balcony, offering the dog a place to go when the owner does not want to, or cannot, take it for a walk. Dogs that are getting older and can no longer climb up and down a flight of stairs will also benefit from having a small place to go potty on the balcony.
Heeler dogs are descended from Australian cattle dogs and belong to the American Kennel Club's Herding Group. These dogs are bred to herd and will instinctively herd livestock, other animals and people. The heeler got his name because his primary method of encouraging livestock to move was to nip at the heels of the flock. Since this behavior is instinctive, training your dog not to nip is a challenging job that requires persistence.
Miniature French Bulldogs, while cute, have garnered the reputation of being smart but stubborn creatures with an aversion to training. It is, however, possible to train the miniature pet, provided you take the time to be consistent, firm and friendly. With some repetition, lots of praise, and a fair amount of patience, you can have a mini French bulldog behaving like a model pet, and maybe even showing off a few tricks too.
Chihuahuas are sensitive, intelligent dogs who are fast learners, but can be stubborn. This breed does not respond well to punishment or negative reinforcement and tends to shut down when it is used. Train your Chihuahua with positive methods. Praise and affection, combined with short training sessions, will result in an eager, happy pet.
When teaching your dog to look when heeling, it's important to build the exercise in steps. When a dog “heels,” its position is up against your leg, moving in concert with you. To do this, the dog needs to concentrate on your body language for commands, and when it heels, it will take commands from your left hand. You can teach the dog to look at your hand for its signals. This is a gradual process, but if you work in short training sessions using repetition, your dog will learn quickly.
Maltipoos are a cross between Maltese and poodle breeds. They were originally bred to be hypoallergenic dogs, since both poodles and Maltese are non-shedding and considered to be good pets for people with allergies. Small in size, these dogs weigh from five to 20 pounds and stand about 12 inches tall. The maltipoo's adult size depends on the lineage of the parent poodle, and whether it was standard size or toy size. Maltipoos are intelligent and lively, and make good family pets.
“With nothing to do, dogs and cats are forced to find ways to entertain themselves,” says ASPCA Animal Trainer Kristen Collins. No matter your dog’s age, if the animal is bored, it can become angry and frustrated and engage in destructive behaviors that disappoint you. However, dogs that receive ample opportunities to exercise their bodies and minds are less likely to wreak havoc around the house.
Playing fetch allows dogs to enact their natural instincts of pursuing and retrieving prey. Calm energetic dogs and give your pet some healthy exercise by playing a game of fetch. Training your dog to chase balls makes playing fetch less frustrating, as you eliminate behaviors such as refusing to return the ball or disobeying your commands. Start with simple games and teach your dog to respect your authority and retrieve and release the ball, and soon you will have developed a life-long skill you can use together.
Puppies are cute, but come with a lot of problems such as whining when left alone. Puppies whine, cry or even howl when alone because they are lonely, explains Liz Palika, author of “Puppy Love.” Young puppies that have just been weaned have never been alone. Puppies whine in order to bring others to them. Over time, this whining can develop into a life-long habit. The more times a puppy can get through periods of being alone, the more confident it will get.
Training a dog to track involves directing long-ingrained instincts once used by dogs to hunt in packs. Tracking involves combining several kinds of scents to develop a path toward a goal or object. While tracking is easiest to teach when a dog is a puppy, older dogs can still learn this skill with a little extra time and practice.
