Jun 24
Jerry WelshDog Information dog behaviour, Dog Information, dogs, pets, why do dogs lick
Dogs are known to have a loving characteristics. This is one of the reasons why dogs are branded as man’s best friends. Dogs also have the tendency to follow their masters around thus they were given the name Velcro animals. Dogs are hugged and kissed – these animals are indeed well loved pets. Dogs also form close bond with the family thus the pet would bestow their own brand of kiss…licking the face of the master.
Does your dog lick your face too? The dog’s licking habit is ignored by some pet owners. Some would be irked more so if the pet also has the disgusting habit of drinking from the toilet bowl or the habit of eating feces. This behavior can be curbed but dog owners have to understand the reason why the pet has this kind of behavior.
Disgusting or not, licking is believed to be the pet’s way of showing affection. Dogs have learned to lick from their mother dogs. The moment the puppies are born, the mother dog would start using its tongue to clean the afterbirth and also to stimulate circulation and help the puppies to breathe. The bond between mother and puppy is strengthened because of maternal licking. A dog considers the owners as its family. Dogs appreciate the care given by the owners thus the pet would do what it knows best and that is to lick the face of the beloved master.
A dog’s inclination to lick the master’s face is explained by dog behaviorists as a sign of deference or submission. Dogs are pack oriented. It is common for dogs lower in rank to submit to a more aggressive dog which is considered to be the alpha dog. Licking the face of the leader of the pack is done by dogs lower in rank to show submission. Dogs consider the owner and the other family members as higher in rank thus the pet will lick the face to show submission.
Some dog owners would not be mindful of the dog’s licking as the pet is often considered as the baby of the family. Dogs though raid the trash, eat feces and other disgusting things thus licking the face can be an unsanitary habit. Licking faces would be even more dangerous if the pet has turned its attention on children. Kids and dogs form a close bond and the kid will be seen hugging the dog and the dog will be seen licking the kid’s face. The face-licking habit is dangerous if a kid is at the receiving end as the kid can be exposed to the bacteria in the dog’s mouth..
Why do dogs lick your face and feet. Why do they lick their own feet, genitals and possible wounds? These and other dog behaviour questions are answered at Sarah’s Dogs.
Jun 24
Jerry WelshDog Information dog behaviour, dog food, Dog Information, dogs, pets
A dog that eats dirt can be trying to tell the owner something. Good health of the pet is always the objective of pet parents. Pet parents would ensure that the dog is provided with the right amount of high quality foods. A lot of dog owners have taken to giving the dog home cooked meals. A dog owner would therefore feel irritated if the pet is seen eating dirt.
In spite of the long association, dog owners would still be surprised at the weird behaviors of the pet. Dogs would eat just about anything thus owners should not be surprised if the well fed pet would still raid trash cans, dig and eat rotting carcasses of animals. Dogs are even known to eat their own and other animal’s feces! Dogs can suffer from the dangerous effects of this disgusting habit. The dirt eaten by the dog can be tainted with poisonous substances. This behavior can also result to parasite infestation. It is but necessary for a dog owner to understand the reasons behind this bizarre behavior so that this unwanted habit can be stopped.
Hunger can be one of the reasons why the dog eats dirt. The amount of food given to the pet may not be enough thus it is forced to eat dirt to ease the gnawing of the stomach. Eating dirt can be due to the dog’s ultra sensitive scenting ability. The dirt may be laced with the smell of a rotting prey and because of the dog’s ultra sensitive scenting ability, the appetizing smell would be too much for the dog to resist.
Dog have the capability to resolve anything that is abnormal with their system. The habit of eating dirt can be done to correct a nutrient deficiency. Commercial dog food hyped to be of premium quality may not contain the right amount of nutrients necessary to maintain the health of the dog. The dog can have a digestive system disorder that prevents the nutrients from being absorbed by the body and eating dirt can be the dog’s effort to cope with the deficiency.
Dog owners that cannot provide the attention needed by the dog had best take another animal for a pet. Dog owners should be aware that dogs are social animals and as such would thrive if given attention and love by the family. Eating dirt can result from boredom and it can be the dog’s way of telling the owners that it need attention. Excessive barking, destructive chewing and eating dirt are unwanted behaviors that develop if the dog is bored and wanted to gain the attention of the human family.
While it isn’t clean. The topic of why dogs eat dirt is an interesting one and you can read more at Sarah’s Dogs.
Jun 22
Jerry WelshDog Information dog behaviour, dog chewing, Dog Information, dogs, pets
The destructive chewing habit of the pet is a common concern of dog owners. Dog lovers are aware of the fact that puppies chew excessively especially when they are teething. Puppies would incessantly gnaw any object as the action is not unlike massaging that soothes the soreness of gums that results from teething. Additionally, puppies are very inquisitive creatures and in the absence of hands, the mouth and the teeth will be used to investigate things.
At the age of three months, the puppy start chewing excessively because the teeth would start to come out. Puppy owners would have to contend with the pet’s inclination to chew for about ten months. By this time, the permanent teeth have fully come out. In some dogs, the habit to chew will be considerably lessened especially if the owners have tried to establish good chewing habits in the pet. In other dogs, the desire to chew will worsen. The dog will be more destructive as the strong teeth can now chew almost anything.
The propensity of older dogs to chew is attributed to other reasons. Boredom is the most common reason for the dogs destructive chewing behavior. Being social animals, dogs would need interaction with other dogs or attention from the human family. A dog that has nothing to do will become bored and would find anything that can occupy its time and often times, the activity is a destructive one. The dog can develop unwanted habits like excessive barking or peeing and defecating inside the house. Another manifestation of the dog’s boredom is excessive chewing that results to the destruction of the belongings of the family.
Dogs are known to form strong attachments with the owner thus when separated from the family they normally suffer separation anxiety. This condition arises when the family transfers to a new home or when the dog’s favorite person moved out of the home or died. The change in routine can result to the development of destructive chewing habit.
The chewing habit of the pet can be prevented if it was trained since it was a puppy what can be chewed and what cannot be chewed. Dogs are not expected to know the difference between an old shoe that is already discarded and a shoe that is newly bought. Discriminate chewing training is one of the tasks an dog owner has to undertake to prevent the dog from being destructive. The pet must be given chew toys instead of things that are no longer used by the family.
Why do dogs chew? This innate habit can be a real problem. At Sarah’s Dogs however you can learn more about this and other dog behaviours. Like why do dogs do it and what to do when your dog chews.
Jun 18
Jerry WelshDog Information dog behaviour, Dog Information, dogs, pets, why do dogs circle before lying down
Circling around before lying down to sleep is a habit observed in wolves. Scientists believe that this behavior is done primarily for comfort and for safety. Wolves are pack oriented thus they would hunt together and live together. These animals of the wild have the tendency to sleep close together to keep each other warm and safe from predators. To accommodate other members of the pack, wolves would circle several times before lying down to sleep. By circling around before lying down, the wolves are sure that the spot chosen is free from insects and snakes.
Wolves are the ancestors of wolves and as such these animals are 99% similar in genetics. This is the reason why modern day dogs would manifest some of the behaviors of their ancestors. One of the reasons why dogs circle around before lying down is to make the bed more comfortable. Dogs these days are provided with comfortable beds but the way the blankets are arranged may not be to the liking of the pampered pet. Therefore the dog will be seen trampling the bed and the blanket to make it more comfortable.
Dogs that are not allowed to sleep inside the house would sleep anywhere. A dog that sleeps outdoors would find an ideal spot, dig, circle around and lie down to sleep. This behavior is commonly noticed when the day is hot as it is the dog’s way of cooling itself by exposing the cooler layer of the soil. In an effort to be comfortable, the dog would turn around several times to trample grasses and twigs and to remove stones from the spot where it would sleep.
Dogs have another reason for circling around several times before lying down. The habit of circling around to makes sure that the chosen spot to sleep on is safe from snakes and other insects is a trait handed down by the dogs’ ancestors, the wolves.
Dogs are one of the pets considered to be members of the family. Some pet parents consider doggie beds not be good enough for the pet. Dogs are allowed to sleep on the bed of the owners. As such there will be no need to make the bed more comfortable in the same manner that there is no need to ensure that the bed is safe from harmful insects. However, the habit of circling around remain. Dogs have lived with humans for hundreds of years but they still have habits that are perplexing to humans. Dogs though are still the best pets. Dogs are still man’s best friends.
Dogs do many amusing things. One of them is to circle before lying down. Having learnt about this behaviour and why they do it. Wouldn’t it be fun to learn about other curious behaviours like why do dogs howl, pant or eat dirt? At Sarah’s Dogs you can.
Jun 17
Jerry WelshDog Information dog behaviour, Dog Information, dog tail, dogs, pets
Dogs have a lot of peculiar behaviors. Dogs have been kept by humans for thousands of years but in spite of this fact dogs have some behaviors that cannot be understood by humans. Even dog experts find it interesting to delve deeply on the whys and wherefores of dogs’ odd behaviors. The habit of sniffing each others butts, the unaccountable liking for grass are odd behaviors of dogs. Dog owners are amused at the pet’s habit of circling several times before lying down. Another behavior that is mysterious to pet owners is the dog’s tendency to chase its tail .
Dogs are famed for their playful nature. Puppies are more playful than mature dogs and tail chasing is more prevalent in puppies because these young dogs are probably thinking that the tail is another toy and not a body part. Tail chasing is most common in puppies but the tail chasing habit of the dog would eventually diminish as the puppy matures.
Dogs can deal with the discomfort caused by flies by using the tail as a fly swatter. The discomfort caused by these insects would cause the dog to stand up and chase the tail. External parasite infestation will result to the same situation. The itching of the tail caused by flea bites will make a sleeping dog stand up to bite and chase the tail. The itching of the anal area caused by intestinal parasites would make the dog bite and chase the tail in an effort to ease the discomfort.
Dogs are social animals – always wanting interaction with the human family. A dog that has the habit of chasing its tail may be calling the attention of the human family. Bored dogs have the tendency to develop unwanted behaviors. The bored dogs can become an excessive barker, a destructive chewer and also develop the habit to chase its tail.
The dog’s habit of chasing the tail can be associated with a neurological problem. Psychomotor epilepsy that causes the dog to seize is another reason why a dog would chase its tail. Studies on canine behavior have found out that high cholesterol levels of dogs can cause tail chasing. High cholesterol causes humans to manifest obsessive compulsive behaviors and to have panic attacks. In adult dogs, the habit of chasing the tail can be caused by high cholesterol levels.
Dogs have odd behaviors that mystify their human friends. These unusual actions can be due to behavioral or medical reasons. Odd behaviors or not, dogs will always be well loved pets.
Tail chasing. What a curious behaviour. Why do dogs chase their tails is discussed further at Sarah’s Dogs. A site which also answers many other interesting questions about dogs and behaviour.
May 31
Tony KnightDog Information dog anxiety, dog behaviour, dog behaviour problems, Dog Information, dog pooping in house, dog poops in house, Dog Training, dogs, home, leaving dogs, pets, separation anxiety in dogs
As a dog trainer, I’m asked this question time after time “My dog’s pooping in the house, what should I do to stop them?
Tackling the problem needs a step by step approach to first identify why it might be happening. The first question that I would ask an owner is whether it could be a health problem and a trip to the vet would soon set your mind to rest on this score. Equally its worth considering if it might be age related as a puppy might still need some house training, whereas an older dog could simply be getting a bit incontinent and not be able to go so long without access to the garden.
If you’re out at work all day, or even part of it, your next consideration is about how long you are leaving your dog without access to the outside, as you could find that the length of the time is the only issue you have to work on.
If none of these reason sound like the cause for your dog pooping in the house, its time for us to delve a little deeper into some of the other potential reasons.
Other Reasons Your Dog Might Poop in the House
Your dogs behaviour is a way of showing you how they are feeling. They operate on their instincts and this particular bit of behaviour has 3 potential interpretations of what they are trying to work out:
*Will you pay me some attention if I do this?
*Can I prove my status and become leader of the pack with this behaviour?
*Can I keep you safe and show you how to get back home with this behaviour?
Let’s look at this a bit more closely so that we can understand what might be at the bottom of this unwanted behaviour. To understand this one, think about human anti-social behaviour, particularly amongst young people, where they will go to extreme lengths to get attention, even it results in them being in trouble. Your dog could be doing much the same.
Secondly, a dog can uses pooping as a direct challenge to their owner. A bit like saying “I’ll choose where I poop because I’m in charge here”. Dogs have to be clear about leadership, thats part of their make up and this can be just one way they find out. The clearest challenge I’ve ever heard was from a dog owner who told me the dog actually waited until he was watching before pooping on the carpet!
The third reason is slightly related to the second in that separation anxiety is caused when a dog actually believes themselves to be the pack leader. They will generally poop when you have left them home alone or with very anxious dogs it could even be as soon as you are out of sight, like in another room where they can’t see you.
One of the big myths I hear from dog owners frequently is that their dog is pooping in the house on purpose to upset them. A bit like saying ’serves you right for leaving me in the first place’. The one accurate bit about this will be that the dog is actually doing it on purpose and the rest of it is untrue. This behaviour is driven my separation anxiety in dogs which will make them panic while you’re out, and this is the only way they know to try and help you find your way back home.
Naturally, dog have a very highly developed sense of smell which makes this method very effective for letting the rest of the pack know where ‘home’ is. They also use it to mark their boundaries and keep other packs away. They haven’t yet realised that it doesn’t work with us humans!
What to do Next to Stop Your Dog Pooping in the House
Use the information in this article to one by one consider each possible reason for your dog pooping in the house. Observe when it happens, are you in or out? Can your dog see you or not? and whittle down the reasons until you’re left with the most likely one. Get the reason right and you’ve just increased your chances enormously of resolving this problem successfully. Contact a professional trainer or a vet if you’re still not sure before you move on to selecting a solution.
Before you make the next move to stop your dog pooping in the house,grab Tony Knights free report on dog anxiety symptomsand take advantage of over 10 years of his dog training experience successfully putting an end to bad dog behaviour.
Jan 27
David RedmondDog Information dog, dog barking, dog behaviour, dog cage, dog cages, dog crate, Dog Information, Dog Training, dog traveling, home, pet, pet crate, Pet Supplies, pet training
I am always amazed by a friend who has a small dog that she cares for. She treats this little dog as if it were her own child. Through my interactions with her and her dog, I have come to realize a few basic things about dog supplies. Read the helpful hints listed below for more information.
Finding the proper food bowls and plates. Their meal should be prepared like it is with kids. There are cute little utensils for puppies and dogs in pet shops. You should choose either ceramic or metal bowls. Plastic is not a wise choice, even if it is just for little puppies.
Fine Dog Houses. If you are planing on exposing your dog to weather, leaving it outside for any duration of time, they need to have a comfortable shelter provided. Harsh weather can only be dealt with if they are inside a protective house, either yours or their own. This should be the number one item on our list of necessary dog supplies.
Cleaning Stuff. No dog lover would let their dog look dirty and smell bad. Grooming kits are easily found in all the major pet stores so there is no reason for you not to purchase one. Your puppy is a lot like a child, there is something for every need. Toothbrush and toothpaste for tooth and gum health, shampoo for clean hair, nail clippers to trim their nails, first aid kits for emergencies, and much more.
The list of dog supplies both necessities and accessories is extensive. Many people like to take their dogs with them when they go on vacation. These dog owners are concerned with the comfort level of their pet whether in the dog park, the car, or any other vacation destination. Most pet owners buy dog crates in case they are bringing their dogs for miles of road trip and they also get seat covers, linings, and safety harness which can all be found in pet supplies stores.
Purchasing the correct dog food and proper storage. We can’t forget the topic of dog food and the proper method of storage. Canned food is a staple, however there are many dry formulas as well. There are adult dog foods with variations of flavors like chicken, lamb, brown rice etc. Keeping it stored neatly safe should be observed well as well. Pet shops would normally have food dispensers if they sell dog food. You could come up with your own food dispenser if you’d rather not purchase one.
David writes reviews about small dog cages and about the important aspects of new dogs cages to keep your pet safe in the car.
Dec 09
Dean FindersDog Information clicker training, dog, dog behaviour, dog clicker, dog grooming, dog house training, Dog Information, dog obediance, Dog Training, house training, pet training, pets, puppy training, training
Proper grooming is one of the essential aspects in a dog’s health. It is important to maintain the dog’s cleanliness to prevent them from acquiring some sort of diseases such as skin infection. Basic grooming needs of dogs include regular bathing, brushing and trimming of hairs, ear and teeth cleaning and nail clipping.
Most dogs hate the grooming sessions especially bathing, but doing it on a regular basis would make them used to the routine. The good thing about dogs is they don’t need to bathe as often as humans do. It depends on their breed and hair type. It is important to ascertain what sort of cleaning the dog needs and make sure you have the appropriate grooming tools and supplies for your pet.
After you have determined their grooming needs and schedule, having the proper grooming tools are essential. Many grooming tools are available on the market to cater for all your pet’s needs. These examples are the combs or brushes. The brushing needs of dogs depend on their hair type. Comb and brush are appropriate tools to keep their hair shiny and tangle free. For hairy dogs, a pair of scissors is important for trimming. You will also need clippers or trimmers for trimming or cutting the dog’s nails.
In giving the dog a bath, you will need some bathing essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, towel and hair dryer. The shampoo and conditioner must suit with the pet’s skin and fur. Never use shampoo or conditioners that are not intended for pet use because the dog’s skin and hair are sensitive. If the dog is prone to fleas and ticks, you may use a medicated shampoo that is recommended by vets.
As part of bathing, the pet’s ears must also be given attention in cleaning. Leaving them unclean will make the animal susceptible to ear infections. Check the ears and have them cleaned with the use of ear drops and wipes. A proper dental hygiene program is also essential. Brush the dog’s teeth regularly with an appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste.
Taking care of the dog’s health and cleanliness can be tough not only for the pet owners but also for the dogs. Most dogs hate bathing and other grooming sessions. You can tidy up your pet without spending a great deal of money, you just have to ascertain your dog’s cleaning needs and have appropriate grooming tools and supplies to hand.
Dean writes articles on the best dog life jacket and about where to find cheap dog life jackets online.
Dec 08
Jerry WelshDog Information animal, dog, dog behaviour, Dog Information, home, pet, what to do if your dog won't eat
Whenever the eating habits of pets are discussed, dog owners would always brag about the pet’s voracious appetites. Dogs eat very fast so that the food will be gone in a flash. Indiscriminate eating is one of the rather unappealing habits of dogs. Dogs would raid trash cans and feast on spoiled food. Eating feces is another disgusting habit of dogs.
Despite being branded as greedy eaters, some dogs are picky eaters. Some dog owners are concerned about the dog’s poor appetite. This situation is common in one dog households. Lone pets would have no competition for the food and would also get all the attention of the family thus refusal to eat would result to better offerings. Certainly, a dog would refuse to eat dry kibble if the steaming beef roast is on the table. Dog owners exposed to the finicky eating habits of the pet will not be concerned. But what about pets that have suddenly turned off food – what can you do to help a pet that refuses to eat?
There must be something wrong with a pet that would reject the doggie bowl two times in a row. A dog that refused to eat will have an empty stomach thus it will feel queasy and would commonly vomit to expel the bile accumulated in the stomach. A dog that is vomiting yellowish liquid is a sign that the stomach that has been empty for a while is now irritated. A dog that vomits repeatedly can be dehydrated. To be able to help the pet, an owner has to know why the dog is not eating.
The dog’s rejection of the food can be due to the new diet. Dogs would eat anything, even things we humans find disgusting but some dogs would refuse to eat moldy dog food. This case can be easily solved by opening another kibble bag. Although a home cooked meal would take some effort to prepare, the dog will be encouraged to eat the cheaper and more nutritious food. The dog’s non-interest in food can be associated with a medical concern.
The pain caused by periodontal diseases will prevent the dog from enjoying its food. Seriously ill dogs would completely refuse to eat. Dogs have the inclination to hide in dark corners whenever they are ill. A lethargic dog that repeatedly refused to eat must be brought to a veterinary facility at once as for certain the dog’s refusal to eat is not caused by a moldy kibble.
More information on what to do if your dog won’t eat can be found at Sarah’s Dogs.
Dec 05
Jerry WelshDog Information animal, dog, dog behaviour, Dog Information, home, pet, what to do when your dog chews
Dogs chew – and every dog owners are aware of this fact. The smell and the appearance of a shoe, a sock or any other objects on the floor will be very interesting to the dog. A mutilated expensive shoe, a large hole in the carpet or gnawed furniture can be repaired or replaced. Chewing an electric wire or chewing and ingesting a poisonous substance can have dangerous and irreparable consequence like the death of the pet.
Dogs are very curious animals. As they don’t have hands, they love to put things in their mouths to investigate their surroundings. Dog proofing the house is one of the measures a dog owner has to do to ensure the safety of the pet. Due to the discomfort felt from sore gums, teething puppies have the inclination to chew more thus owners can manage the situation by removing belongings out of the dog’s reach.
Keeping belongings off the floor and keeping doors closed is necessary to lessen the potential destruction especially if it is not possible to supervise the dog. Dogs that have not yet learned the house rules must not be left free to roam inside the house. Leave the dog in a crate if you need to be away for a few hours to keep the pet away from trouble. A dog owner has to introduce to the pet the things that can be chewed.
This means that old shoes and cast off socks must not be introduced to dogs as toys. These are intelligent animals but don’t expect them to have the ability to distinguish between his “toy shoe” and your expensive shoes. To entertain himself, encourage the dog to chew safe toys. A Kong toy filled with the dog’s favorite treat will keep the pet entertained for hours .
Loneliness, boredom and separation anxiety can make a dog develop destructive chewing habits. To prevent boredom provide the dog with regular mental and physical opportunities to exercise. As they say, a tired dog is a good dog. Substances such as bitter apple and cayenne can make an objects unappealing but an excessive chewer will turn its attention to other objects. Obedience training is very necessary. Aside from developing good behavior in the pet, the training sessions will be good bonding moments that will enhance owner and pet relationship.
Find out more about what to do when your dog chews at Sarah’s Dogs.
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