My Pets: dog behavior

Showing posts with label dog behavior. Show all posts

How Dog Training Helps Your Dog to Behave in a Manner You Require

If you are owner of a dog or planning to own a one, you must understand the need of giving it proper training. It is difficult to live with untrained dog. It can bite you or your family members. So if you want your pet to behave according to your requirement, you must give it proper training. You can enroll your dog in dog training academy. Midway Dog Training Academy is one reliable academy. It has experience of over 30 years in giving training to dogs.

First step in dog training is behavior training. In this process the pet learns how to behave with people and other dogs. It is taught good manners.The pet learns how to behave with you in your house. Next step after behavior training is obedience training. In this process pet learns to respond when called. The pet may respond to a particular name or tone of voice. The words of command should be clear so that the pet understands what it has to do. The presence of owner is must as the dog has to finally live with the owner.

Another important part of training process is activity training. In this type of training process the pet learns to perform various tasks on the commands given to it. The tasks include herding, hunting, searching, rescuing etc. The dogs usually enjoy this type of training. Clicker training is also vital part of training. In this part of training the dog is given some eatables whenever it performs a certain task. The pet performs a task on hearing a clicker sound. Consistency is required in this process. If the dog is rewarded once but ignored next time, it will get confused what it has to do. Praise must be given to dogs each time it performs a certain task.

There are different breed of dogs. Some dogs learn easily while others are slow to learn. Midway Dog Training Academy is expert in giving training to almost any type of dog. Patience is required in giving training to different breeds of dogs. Punishment can be given to dog if it does not perform a certain task. But punishment should not be so vigorous that it scares the pet. You should not shout or yell at the dog. Generally people keep dog at their house to protect them and their surroundings from any criminal activity. So the dogs are taught how to distinguish between guests and criminals entering your house. Dogs are taught how to behave with criminals and prevent any criminal activity.

Dogs Eating Poop (Coprophagia) - Why Do They Do It?

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Poop eating in dogs is definitely a behavior problem. According to experts there are a few reasons for poop eating in dogs.

It occurs mostly in puppies. It might be a behavioral problem or even an underlying medical problem. If this occurs excessively, the responsible thing to do would be to take your dog to your vet to have him checked out.

Although this is a possibility, it is mostly a behavioral problem. So when all medical problems are eliminated, it is time to look at the other reason why this happens. It is important for your dog to have his vaccinations regularly. Diseases can also be spread through poop eating.

Why does your dog eat poop?

Hiding evidence.

Your dog might know that this is unacceptable bad behaviour. So he might eat it after having to go in the house for fear of the consequences. Your puppy might even be confused about it. If he was punished for doing it inside, he might think he was punished for doing it. So he might eat it even if he does it outside, because he thinks he should not do it at all.

Likes the taste.

Your puppy might simply just love the taste of the poop.

Dog might be bored.

Your dog might be bored and have nothing to do. Get your dog a few toys or even a friend. Dogs learn to socialize while interacting with other dogs. He needs to come into contact with others like him. If you grew up among dogs and never came into contact with humans like you, you might think you are a dog, right? And you might not know how to interact with others like you.

Copying other dogs

If you have more than one dog, there is a possibility that one of your dogs might copy another. Especially the younger ones.

Hungry Dog.

This can occur in dogs that get fed once a day. They get hungry and the poop is the closest thing to supper.

Overfed Dog.

An overfed dog can digest his food too quickly resulting in the poop still smelling like his supper. And if it smells like supper, then it must be supper, right? Well for a dog it might be.

Protecting against predators.

This is protective behaviour. When a bitch eats her puppies poop, one dog eats another (sick) dogs poop in an attempt to protect him against predators. After all, dogs are wild animals... and they have protective instincts.

Dog Cleaning House

Your dog will eat his poop if things get too much. If you take too long to clean his house out, he might just take the initiative to spring clean his house. There are quite a few theories on how to stop your dog from eating poop. However I have found a few that is quite useful. Clean up as soon as possible. Your dog will not eat poop right after he had a meal.

If possible try to clean as soon as possible. Try feeding him twice a day to avoid him getting too hungry. If he is not hungry, there is a good chance that he will not eat his poop. Mix pineapple or garlic into his food. Apparently it tastes awful in the poop, but I will not be able to verify it as I have not tried it before. Try to keep your dog stimulated. If he does not get bored too often, he might not see an opportunity to eat his poop. Happy Puppy Training...

dog anxiety dog behavior

3 Ways to Help Your Dog Overcome Stress and Anxiety

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Like humans, our dear pets can experience anxiety that can affect their behavior. As a pet owner, what can you do to help your pet overcome the stress or anxiety? Consider these three stress management tips for pet owners:

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Know the cause of anxiety.

There are many possible reasons why dogs and cats get stressed out. It can be the presence of an unfamiliar object or another animal, loud noises, or an unfamiliar situation. Find out what’s causing your pet to be stressed out or agitated and do something about it. If it’s an object that’s inducing stress, get it out from your pet’s sight. If it’s the surrounding, take your dog or cat to another area where it can feel safer, more calm.

If it’s not possible to remove your dog or change the situation, give it a place to hide like a crate or shelter, and make it as comfortable as possible by providing cushion, toys, or treats.

Don’t add up to your pet’s agitation.

A pet owner’s initial reaction might be to take it into his or her arms to cuddle it and give it assurance. However, such action would only strengthen the fear that your dog or cat feels. It sends out the wrong message that there is a reason to be afraid, and will only encourage panic.

The best way to react when a pet is agitated is to not to show any sign of concern. Just treat your pet as you usually does. Talk to it in a calm voice and praise it if it’s showing good behavior.

Try a natural stress reliever.

If agitation continues and it seems that your pet’s anxiety is getting out of control, herbal products that offer stress relief for pets could help. For instance, certain flower essences have a calming effect for pets, such as dogs and cats. Flower essences are commonly used on pets that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety.

For example, giving your pet a small amount before a thunderstorm can help it to calm down. As the pet uses the product, behavioral issues should lessen or completely go away. When the pet fully overcomes anxiety, you can wean it off of the essences. Other pets like birds, horses and hamsters can also benefit from herbal anti-stress products.

It is also good news for people who have just brought home a pet or adopted a pet. Anti-stress products can help pets get adjusted to their new surroundings more quickly. The essences are ideal for dogs and cats who show signs of separation anxiety or depression. People who have several dogs and cats at home can also use herbal essences that promote calmness to avoid fights between pets.

You can check out such products that will help here. However, when considering products for dog anxiety, remember to do your research and make sure that the product is safe for pets.

Train My Dog - How To House Train Your Dog

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This article shall give a few pointers on the fundamentals of house training your dog. House training your dog can be achieved surprisingly quickly if you follow a few simple steps and take the time to be consistent.

Make sure to give your dog a routine. Always be sure to take them outside first thing in the morning, straight after meals and just before bedtime, these times are crucial.

Also within that routine you should take some time to take your dog outside every two hours, every one hour for puppies, this ensures that the message is repetitive as to where you want them to go. Routine works well with dogs, it serves two purposes, it reinforces where you expect them to go and also helps to establish you as their pack leader.

Accidents will happen, do not under any circumstances chastise your dog for this. You will only succeed in confusing them and breaching the bond between you. Make no fuss and clean up in silence. However hard you may find this.

Some think it is a good idea to lay paper down close to door to the garden. I personally have never been a great fan of this idea. I think this sends a mixed message to your dog. If you want them to go outside make the effort to take them outside regularly. If you lay paper down you are saying â€œI want you to go outside but here is also OK. A mixed message that will confuse you dog.

Punishment following an accident will certainly set the toilet training process back and may well lead to behavioural problems further down the line. Accidents are not a personal attack on you.

Keep a watchful eye on your dog, do not expect them to tell you when they need to go outside. Do not let your dog wander all around the house unsupervised, watch for your dogs excessive sniffing or circling, if you notice this take them out immediately.

Successful toilet training for your dog depends on your good timing so the more effort you make the quicker your dog will get the message as to where it is you expect them to go.

Dogs like to have a routine they respond well to it, they are also keen to please if you set them up to succeed and fulfil your end of the bargain you will be amazed at how quickly your dog responds.

In this article we have covered some of the basics things you can do to house train your dog, whether a puppy or an adult dog. Remember the dog doesn't know where it is expected to go, that is your job description to make that clear.

When you take on a dog you take on a huge amount of responsibility, be your dogs pack leader and your dog will reward you with unconditional love, affection and respect for life. Take a little time, be patient with your dog, and your dog will be clean very quickly.

House training or toilet training your dog is just one aspect of having a well trained, relaxed and balanced dog. It is amazing how many people tolerate a dog chewing up the house, constantly barking or pulling them down the street on the lead.

How To Stop Your Dog Digging

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Dogs have a natural inclination to dig holes. It is instinctive behavior, but can be extremely destructive and inappropriate for dogs that spend a great deal of time in yards. A digging dog can ruin a great landscaping job, creating both great annoyance and expense for his owner. If your dog is a problem digger, there are three effective means by which to combat this frustrating behavior. These three guidelines, used in concert, will often eliminate digging behavior in dogs.

Address Your Dogs Comfort

First, it is important to realize one of the most common motivations for digging. Dogs often dig holes as a means of personal climate control. On hot days a dog may dig himself a cooling well. His newly dug hole will be a place for him to rest on a surface that is cooler than the rest of the ground.

If your dog's digging habits seem to be related to heat, it is easy to solve the problem simply by addressing his needs. By providing a cool, shaded location in the yard, your dog may no longer feel a need to dig. Many have found that the use of a kiddy pool or other larger tub containing some water may also be of use in this endeavor. By making the dog's surroundings cooler, you can easily eliminate his need to remove chunks of the yard to relax.

Likewise, dogs will sometimes dig to create a warm space during cold weather. By digging a small pit in which they can rest, the dog creates a space removed from brisk winds. Again, it is relatively easy to address the situation. Providing a warm space, such as a well-insulated doghouse can reduce the dog's need to dig holes throughout your lawn.

By tending to their comfort, one can reduce a prime motivator of digging behavior. Keeping a pet adequately cooled during the summer and sufficiently warm in the winter is one of the most simple, yet effective, means of eliminating digging.

Exercise Your Dog Adequately

Dogs will also dig when they are inadequately exercised or are overly confined. A dog with excess energy to burn may turn to digging as a means of release. A dog who feels confined in his yard and yearns to run free will be likewise attracted to the prospect of digging those annoying holes.

This cause for digging can be addressed simply by making sure your dog is adequately exercised. Regular walks, play opportunities and other exercise outlets will leave your dog better rested and less inclined to dig. The value of exercising a dog is immeasurable. It produces a happier, calmer dog who is more receptive to training and who is likely to be considerably more healthy than his under-exercised brethren. Thus, exercise should be pursued in all cases with all dogs. However, it brings with it the additional advantage of decreasing the level of interest the dog will show in digging.

Keep Your Dog Entertained

Digging can also be symptomatic of boredom. A dog with little to do may find the instinctive behavior of digging holes to be a great way to occupy his time. The bored dog is more likely to seek solace in the instinctive act of digging holes than is the appropriately engaged pet.

As such, one can combat digging simply by making sure the dog has sufficient alternative sources of entertainment. As previously mentioned, regular exercise and activity offers hope in reducing digging behavior. Additionally, the presence of attractive and entertaining toys can provide a dog with other ways to spend his time and can reduce the likelihood that he will dig holes.

Dogs who are simply left alone in a yard with little else to do are, not surprisingly, apt to invent their own diversions. As digging is an instinctive activity, it is often latched upon as something to do for an otherwise bored dog. By providing more attractive play activities, one can remove this frequent cause of destructive digging behavior.

There are certainly other reasons why dogs dig and there are certainly problem dogs whose digging behavior will not immediately cease simply by following the three rules covered here. However, most dogs will curtail their destructive digging if their climate is appropriately managed, they are adequately exercised and they are provided with alternative diversions.

Though instinctive, digging is not necessarily inevitable. By tending to needs of the dog, one can reduce instances of inappropriate digging.

Feeding Aggression on Dogs

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A lot of dog owners really love feeding time. Dogs know when feeding time is, and they are very demonstrative about how happy they are when feeding time comes around. While all dogs are happy about the prospect of being fed though, some dogs tend to behave quite aggressively once their food has been served. Some dogs growl if someone is too near them while they eat, worse still, some dogs go to the extent of snapping at anyone they perceive as "too close" while they are feeding. This type of aggression in dogs is quite common, but it should not go uncurbed, as it could deteriorate into other forms of aggression if simply left unchecked.

The key to checking such aggression early is in showing your dog who the boss is. You don't need to actually punish your dog to get that message across. The best way to demonstrate you are the boss is by establishing a consistent feeding schedule. Feed your dog only at certain preset times, don't deviate from your routine. Don't feed your dog anything in between meals, and get the cooperation of other household members who interact with your dog. In the event that your dog is too full to eat during mealtime, don't leave the food out, feed your pet again only at the next scheduled mealtime.

Establishing a rigid schedule will give your dog a clear picture of who dictates when and how much he or she eats. This is essential if you want to curb your dog's aggression while eating. A second important thing to establish is the order of importance; always feed your dog after your family and not before. If your dog begs at the table, don't allow him or her to be fed. Feed your dog after your family is finished eating. That way, the dog will understand his or her rank in terms of superiority in the house. This again will go a long way towards toning down your dog's aggression.

Giving table scraps is never a good practice for many reasons: First of all, it's unsanitary, your dog will probably end up taking the food away and trying to eat it somewhere else and wherever he or she does eat, it will be a mess after. Secondly, dog food is nutritionally balanced to be ideal for dogs, and scraps from the table will upset that balance. Third, it is disastrous from a behavioral standpoint, your dog will feel that you can be manipulated and this will upset your established schedule and undermine your credibility as the master. When feeding time does come around though, make sure that while training your dog, someone is there to watch him or her eat, this will also help drive home the point that people will not try to take away their food.

With young dogs the tips we've given should be enough to eventually eliminate this sort of aggression early. If however, you are trying to train an older dog, you may need to use and additional method: that of not giving the food all at once. Let your dog have a small amount, and when he or she finishes, give more, repeat until your dog has eaten the correct amount as prescribed by your vet, or the packaging of your dog food; that way your dog is more likely to deduce that you are a giver of food, not somebody who takes it away.

Aggression at feeding time is a primal instinct, after all, in the wild, dogs are largely predators, and their instinct is to defend their food against other predators. With patience and consistency though, your dog can be taught that he or she shouldn't misbehave at feeding time.