Dog Behavior Articles
Why Do Dogs Dig
Why do dogs dig? Digging is a primal behavior for dogs and the amount of digging they do can be influenced by underlying reasons. Dogs are genetically predisposed to dig; it’s a normal behavior for dogs. It’s fun, and nothing feels better on a hot day than laying in cool, freshly unearthed soil. While digging […]
Why Dogs Need Toys
Why dogs need toys: dogs need toys to provide mental stimulation, allow for appropriate chewing, and serve as important tools in behavior modification. Toys are mentally and physically stimulating and assist in fulfilling a dog’s emotional and physical needs. Even though dogs today are primarily bred as companion pets, they still need something to do. In […]
Why Dogs Jump
Why do dog’s jump? You may accidentally be rewarding your pet for these behaviors. When you first brought your puppy home, he probably jumped up on you, scratched at your shins, or performed a similar, 2-paws off the ground maneuver in an attempt to get your attention. If you’re like most pet owners, you probably […]
Why Puppies and Dogs Chew
Puppies and dogs chew because chewing is hard-wired into their genes. Chewing helps them relax, it gives them something to do and it feels good! Puppies chew for the same reasons but also because they are teething and tend to use their mouths to explore their world. Believe it or not, what they chew on […]
How to Select a Dog Trainer- A Guide to Understanding Dog Training Theory and Styles
“The Pack Leader” Philosophy (Domination Theory) The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) has issued a formal Position Statement about Domination Theory. “This type of training assumes that animals misbehave because they are seeking a higher rank in the pack. This often leads trainers to believe that force must be used to modify the […]
Does my dog have Separation Anxiety?
What is dog separation anxiety? Separation anxiety is a debilitating psychological disorder, which produces significant anxiety and/or panic attacks in animals when they are separated from “their person.” Animals afflicted with this disorder suffer considerably when they are left alone and if they have a panic attack, the resulting behaviors can cause significant physical damage to the […]
Puppy Socialization Checklist
Puppy Socialization Checklist Most people know that puppy socialization includes introducing their puppy to other dogs and people. What you might not know is that there are hundreds of other things that puppy needs to be socialized to such as objects, sounds, traffic, crowds, new locations, and even different flooring surfaces. Knowing what to socialize your puppy […]
Dog won’t go to the bathroom in front of you?
Dog won’t go to the bathroom in front of you? If your dog won’t go to the bathroom in front of you outside and then eliminates indoors as soon as you bring him in, the dog has most likely been punished during the house training process. The dog is very willing to go to the […]