Posts Tagged ‘behavior’

Why Dogs Bark: Stop Excessive Barking

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Do you have a dog? Are you feeling exhausted because of his extravagant barking? As much as we love our dogs, excessive barking can be very frustrating. The truth is, excessive barking is a common complaint among dog owners and neighbors. If your dog has barking problems, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will learn why dogs bark excessively and how we can control this issue.

Brief Discussion About Dog Barking

People talk, birds chirp and dogs bark. That is how each of us communicates. It is a normal behavior for dogs to bark. But did you know that dog barks for several reasons. Dog barks because they want attention or they are jaded. Whenever they feel lonely, mad or afraid they also bark. It is how they can get their owner’s interest. The problem arises when dog barks excessively and their owners are not able to cope with the situation.

It is important to know that vocalizing is different for each breed of dog. You will discover that some dogs have loud barks while others have soft barks. According to research, dog breeds that are most likely to bark when they should not be barking are Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, West Highland White Terrier, Fox Terrier and Beagle. That is why, if you are a person who like quiet time at home, you need to research first the type of dog breed you will be adopting. Sadly, not all dog owners are able to cope with the problem and some end up giving their pets to animal shelters.

Why Do Dogs Bark Excessively

Separation Anxiety

This condition not only is apparent to humans but to dogs as well. They are pack animals. It is common for them to feel anxious if left for the first time by their parents or owners.

Terror

Every time they are threatened, dogs bark excessively. Aside from barking they may tremble or wobble because of fear. They often fear people or other animals that will trespass in their territories. They also fear loud and unpredictable noise.

Pain

Again, there are instances wherein dogs are like humans. They too have feelings. Whenever they are in pain, they bark. That is how they communicate what they are feeling. You will notice that some dogs when they are sick and distressed, they becomes aggressive and they bark excessively.

Aside from separation anxiety, terror and pain, dogs can bark excessively when they are jaded and need your attention.

How To Deal With The Barking Problem

Identify The Problem

To be effective in your intervention, you need to discover the problem. Know what is triggering the barking. Check if your dog is in pain or if there are other animals or people near your house that your dog feels threatened of.

Do Not Allow The Barking To be Habitual

You need to train from day one, the ground rules. Let him know the things you allow and the things you don’t authorize. Some instances will actually come naturally. Let your pet know what you mean by “No Barking” or “Enough”. Reward your dog if he listens and understands your command.

Communicate With Your Dog

Your dog needs care and attention. Talk to your dog. Show him that he is loved. Also, through communication, you can easily assess the problem with your dog.

Excessive dog barking can be worrying. However, be patient and be a responsible pet owner and learn how to train your dog. Observe for signs and cues. As mentioned, many owners abandon their dogs because they are not able to handle very well their dog’s barking problem. To avoid such pitiful scene, you need to be one hundred percent sure that you want a dog. Owning a dog requires maturity from the dog owner. Continue to be patient because excessive dog barking is still manageable.

Stop dog from chewing? Check out the site and discover the causes and treatment of aggressive behavior like dog chewing problems.

How to Educate Your Dog to Fetch

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Dogs like most mammals are trained to do certain task by means of mental conditioning. They have a tendency to respond to things according to an associated (positive/negative) experience (Reward and Punishment). Evidently, these two are essential tools for a trainer to handle the dog.

Reward – Dog treats, a toy, or a low rub under its chin accompanied by a sincere praise and cuddling.

Punishment – A firm and emphatic ‘No’ accompanied by a quick downward tug of its leash or choke collar.

NOTE: It is very important that the dog be rewarded for obedience and punished for disobedience IMMEDIATELY after a certain deed is done so that the dog will learn to associate the experience as a consequence of its action.

Basic Commands

Some dog breeds are more genetically predisposed to ‘retrieve’ due to selective breeding, most dogs can learn to accomplish this challenging task through patient and habitual training.

Tools needed:

- Rolled up newspaper (taped on both ends)

- Leash and a choke collar (retractable leash is best)

The “Fetch” Command

Find a place where there is no distraction for the training meeting. With your dog on a restraint held by your left hand, draw him with your rolled up newspaper by waving it playfully with your right hand. He will naturally want to grab it with its mouth but don’t let him have it yet. Say the word “fetch” then toss the newspaper a few feet away for him to go after it. Once the dog grabs the paper pull the leash so he comes back to you. Repeat the whole process over and over until the dog gets the idea that the command ‘fetch’ means going after the newspaper, picking it up and coming back to you. Reward accordingly. Repeat until he becomes consistent in doing the task. End each the training lesson with praises and take the rolled up newspaper away and let the dog play with his favorite toy instead. After each session, you can reward your dog with treats

Note: It is critical that you end the session with a satisfactory performance from your dog. So that you can reward him at the end of the session. This way he will learn to associate training session with positive experience.

The “Drop” Command

The dog may be inclined to go after the newspaper but will naturally want to play with it rather than give it you. Therefore, you should be firm in training him to submit the article to you. Reward and punishment is critical at this moment. Here’s what you should do:

The dog should consistently come to you with the newspaper on his mouth, say the word “drop” then attempt to take the article from his mouth. If he refuses to submit, give a quick downward tug with its choke collar, say ‘drop’ then remove the newspaper from his mouth. This tugging of the collar should be uncomfortable enough for the dog so that he will get the idea that he needs to drop the article from his mouth. Repeat this process until the dog learns to submit the article upon the command ‘drop’. Once he does it willingly, praise him profusely and give him treats. Repeat until he performs consistently. End session by giving him his favorite toy to play soon after accomplishing the task.

Conclusion

As mentioned, genetics play an important factor in training. There are dogs too that simply do not have an inclination to fetch which makes training almost useless. Nonetheless, success in this endeavor also depends on the skill of the instructor.

What are the signs of aggression in puppies? Visit the website and learn the signs, causes and management for dog aggression.

How To Present A New Dog To Your Other Dogs

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

Possibly you have heard of children fighting over the attention of their parents or a toddler developing sibling rivalry with the new baby on the way. Conflicts and competition between siblings is referred to as sibling rivalry. It can be very annoying to watch. If you’re a parent, seeing your children fight with one another over small things can be very worrying. Did you know that this kind of competition can also happen between dogs? This frequently happens when you bring home a new puppy. Your will notice your old dog becoming jealous over your new pet. Having that said, it is important to introduce properly the new dog to your old dog or packs. How? Here’s how you can make the transition easier for you and your pets.

Take Your Dog To A Park With The Other Dogs

Go out and take your old dog with you. Go to a nearby playground where the other dogs are hanging out. Observe how your dogs gets along with the other packs. Take note and address any belligerent behaviors that your dogs are showing. If there are, it may not be the best time to present a new pet in the family. You may want to address first your old dogs’ aggressive behavior problems. If your dog is able to relate well with the other dogs, it shows that they are ready ready for the new addition to the family.

Prepare For The Arrival Of The New Dog

Arrange and prepare the things that your new pet will need like a bed, crate, food and chew toys. During the first weeks at home, you cannot expect your resident dogs to share what they have with the new dog.

Before Taking Home The New Pet

Before you bring home a new pet, be sure to visit the new dog at least daily in the center. You can bring something with you like an old blanket from home. This will acquaint your new pet with the odors of his new life with you. Take the item back to your home and let your old dogs smell the blanket. This will give them an idea about the smell of the new dog.

Arrival Of The New Dog

On the day of pick up, connect with your resident dogs. Embrace your dogs, feed them, and talk to them. When picking up your new pet, wear identical clothes that you wear when you bond with your old dogs. The new dog will smell the scent of your other dogs on your clothes. This will give him an idea of what is in store for him. If possible, have another person drive you home. Do not bring your old packs with you too. This will allow you to bond more with your new dog.

Find A Neutral Location To Introduce Your Dogs

Based on studies, dogs are territorial animals. Ensure that you introduce the dogs in a neutral location like a park or neighbor’s front yard so that the new dog will not look like an invader. Each dog must be on leashes and if possible, must be handled by a separate person.

Observe The Dogs When Being Introduced

Briefly, let the dogs sniff each other. This is a normal dog greeting habits. As they are exploring the new dog, introduce the dogs using a happy and friendly inflection. Do not allow them to sniff too long since it can escalate an aggressive behavior. Give positive remarks to your resident dogs if they show good behavior.

Taking The Dogs Home

Once you observe them tolerating one another, you can take them home. Depending on the size of the dogs, you can take them in one car or separate cars. Be sure that you have other people accompanying you if you will drive them in one car.

Above are easy ways to introduce a new pet to your old packs. Indeed, introducing a dog to your resident dogs is not an easy task. Just be patient and don’t give up. If you have problem introducing your dogs, you can contact a licensed animal behaviorist for help.

How to manage aggressive dogs? Visit the website and find out training techniques, methods and aggressive dog training approaches.

Methods On Keeping Your Pets Out Of The Garden

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Do you have dogs at your home? Would you like your dogs to stay off from your garden? Most dogs enjoy running and playing with the dirt particularly in the backyard or in the backyard. Some even eat dirt. Experts say because of their curiousness, they exhibit such behavior. Yes, as much as we love our dogs, we do not like them to ruin our precious flowers and plants or worse our neighbor’s garden. If you are experiencing such ordeal and also you want your puppy to remain away from your garden or perhaps your neighbor’s, following are simple tips.

Give Proper Nutrition

Being a responsible pet owner, you have to ensure that you are feeding your dog with all the right nutrition. Dogs when not given enough food may be forced to eat dirt just to satisfy their hunger. This is fairly common for pets that are only eating one meal per day. Whenever you will look around most stray dogs are digging dirt to look for leftover food. Moreover, you have to provide adequate nutrition to your dog because anemia is associated with eating dirt. Ensure that the dog food you are giving is filled with important nourishment needed by your pet to grow healthy and strong.

Safe Method to Dog-Proof Your Garden

Indeed, we don’t want our garden to get ruined by our pet dogs. Though, moth balls may help eliminate dogs, it is hazardous for their health. There are safe ways to dog proof the yard. One is to picking the suitable materials. Driftwood can discourage dogs from entering planted areas. To construct path ways, you can use mulch, wood planks or smooth flagstone too. These kinds of materials are harmless and easier on your dog’s feet.

One other way to dog-proof your garden would be to install a safe fencing system around your garden. Make use of a deep-seated fencing solution because dogs love to dig. When installing the fence, take into consideration the height as well. Think twice when installing electric fencing because these are dangerous to children and pets.

Designate A Certain Area Where Your Dog Can Play

Truly, dogs are very playful. Designate a particular area around your house where your puppy can dig. Fill it with soft materials like sand or garden soil. This will discourage your pet from ruining your outdoor areas.

Remove Temptation

Dogs love freshly tilled earth. You should immediately cover or remove fresh dirt in case you are working in your garden because you dog might easily reach it. Also, attempt not to work around the garden when your dog is around. Do not allow your puppy watch you when you are tilling or digging the earth since it will only confuse your puppy and may even look to him as a positive reinforcement.

Exercise Your Dog

One possible reason your puppy is out in your garden, digging and eating dirt is because he is bored. Find time to walk him or her for exercise. This activity permits you to bond together with your pet as well. Moreover, you could have the opportunity to perform on your training commands.

It is truly hard task to keep away your puppy from your garden. You must be very patient in case your plan will not succeed at the initial try. It is equally important to note that there are dog breeds that naturally dig earth not because of boredom or any other reasons. Dog breeds including the Australian Cattle Dogs and the Portuguese Podengo Medio are typically the types that enjoy digging earth. In case you cannot stand dog digging, you need to look for a dog that is suitable ?on your lifestyle.

My dog bites me! Looking for tips and strategies? Go to the links and discover how to stop dog bite and other aggressive behavior in dogs.

How To Manage Your Puppy’s Chewing Habit

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Puppies are adorable. But outside their cute facade, they are definitely very annoying and they can start chewing on things at your home. Among the list of basic dog training tips that pet owners should be able to master is how to keep the cute little pups from chewing. Yes, as much we love our pet, we don’t want them messing our personal belongings and chewing away our expensive fixtures. Should you have puppies at home and you want to know how to stop them from chewing away your furniture, here are a few tips:

Identify The Reasons For Your Dog’s Chewing Problems

There are quite a few reasons why dogs tend to chew furniture. Your dog can show such behavior when he is curious, fearful, hungry and lonely. Several other causes of their chewing behavior are teething and boredom. Identifying the reason for the chewing behavior of your pup will help you come up with the plan to stop him from eating away the furniture.

When You’re Away Designate A Special Place For Your Pup

Think of a space at your home, where your pet can easily be restricted and far from all furnishings in case you are not around. Perhaps one of the reasons for why dogs usually tend to chew things at home is due to boredom. Always keep in mind that puppies are lively and full of energy and they may take it out on basically everything when their owners are away.

Remedies For Teething

Teething troubles are common for puppies. One way to alleviate the pain during teething, dogs chew on toys and furniture. If you suspect that your puppy is teething, tend not to provide your dog objects to chew on which are similar to objects you do not want him to chew on similar to a piece of wood. Instead of giving wood or cloth, your pup will truly appreciate puppy teething rings, frozen dog treats and hard rubber balls. But, take your dog to the veterinarian if ever you suspect your puppy have a dental disease.

Give Your Dog Proper Diet

To deal with inappropriate chewing, you can provide your dog together with the proper nutrition and diet. But if your dog is not really receiving proper nutrition, he might seek for what exactly is missing in his diet and chew on inappropriate objects like your living room fixtures. Additionally, your puppy may turn its attention on chewing you household objects to satisfy its cravings and to stimulate healthy teeth and gums

Dog Obedience Training

You should patient and spend a lot of time in obedience training if you need your dog to obey you. It should help create a strong bond between you and your puppy. Be firm but fair. During training, you can see your dog to his favorite fixture throughout the house and bring several appropriate toys to chew on. Each and every time your puppy comes near your good toys and ignores the furniture, reward him. However, if your puppy walked to the wrong item, you could firmly give a “NO” directive to your training. Other than the “No” command you could use other alternatives like “Leave It” or “Stop”. It is also important not to ever reprimand your puppy if you don’t actually catch him in the act of chewing the furniture because it will only confuse the pup.

Owning a puppy is like experiencing a kid or a toddler at your home. They are often lovely and at the same time be mischievous. As a dog owner, you have to control your dog’s inappropriate chewing habit by being consistent in the above training methods. Lastly, be patient? because your puppy’s chewing problem is not permanent.

Want assistance with dog biting? Check out the links and discover the causes and treatment of dogs biting and other aggressive behavior in dogs.

Reality Bites – How To Deal With Jealous Dogs

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Do you ever wonder why some dogs act negatively whenever an owner brings home a new baby or another dog? If you think that dogs do not get possessive, think again. Like man, dogs can feel too. They feel excited, happy, sad, fearful and covetous. Some people do not believe that dogs get jealous. Conversely, there are instances when dogs feel abandoned and left out. They refuse to eat and to interact. You may call it jealousy or something else, but the behavior and actions of the dog must not be ignored and must be addressed promptly as not to make the situation worse. If you own a dog and you think that he or she might be feeling possessive over something or someone, consider the following tips.

Determine The Signs That Your Dog Is Jealous

Before you can intervene, you need to understand the different signs that occur when a dog becomes overprotective.

A dog may bark at the new baby or new pet that’s hanging around the house. You will know that your dog is barking out of jealousy, if you notice your dog barking at you when you are giving attention to another person, pet or toy. It is their way of saying, “Hey, look at me.” Moreover, your dog will want to be always at your side. He never wants to be in a room that is not the same room that you are in.

Another sign that your dog is jealous is if he starts licking himself far more than usual. He is diverting his interest to himself because he is not getting much attention from his master. In addition, observe your dog’s eating habits. Under eating or overeating can be signs that your dog is jealous.

Things You Can Do To Handle A Jealous Dog

Once you established that your dog is jealous, you need to do something to reduce the problems at home. Following are things that you can do about a jealous dog:

Tender Loving Care (TLC)

Your dog is jealous because you are giving more care and attention to another person or pet. Possibly, if you can give more time for your dog and show him that you still care. You can walk him in the park during breaks. Embrace your dog just like you used to. Do not make him feel left out. If you can keep your routine as regular as possible, then better. Certainly, this may not be easy if you have a new baby because having a newborn babe is more delicate. Just try to keep your dog’s activities such as feeding or walks on the standard schedule. A break in the usual schedule can be very taxing for your dog.

Think Of The Possible Things That Can Upset Your Pet And Try To Reduce Them

If your cat loves to play with your dog’s toys, keep them in a place where the cat won’t see them. Dogs get upset when another pet is playing with their stuff. Say, your dog is aggrieved because the new cat is hanging out in his part of the house, do not let the new cat stay there because dogs are territorial animals and they want to have their own space.

Dogs are considered man’s best friends. They are endearing and they will look after their masters. However, they too have feelings and at times get jealous especially if there is a new pet or new baby around. Take responsibility and supervise your dog during the transition. See to it that you are around when you bring home a new baby or a new pet. That is responsible ownership.

How to break dog bad habits? Go to the website and learn training techniques and dog training approaches for puppy biting and other aggressive behaviors.

4 Ways To Deal With Dog Chewing Problems

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

All dogs chew. It is a normal canine behavior. But, when does chewing becomes a concern? Chewing or mastication becomes a problem when the dog starts to become pernicious, chewing away everything from old rugs to shoes and timber sofa set. It can be scary to see your adorable dog turning into a monster muncher. If you are concern about your dog’s chewing problems, following are effective tips on how to solve the issue.

Determine The Root Of The Problem

Similar to any problems concerning your pets, you need to identify the factors causing the chewing problem. Dogs munch for various reasons. Some dogs chew because they are in pain. Teething puppies are in extreme pain because their teeth are “erupting”. In addition, their gums are very inflamed and raw. To relieve the pain, they find hard stuff to chew on like a hard piece of wood or leather lying around the house. Other dogs chew simply because they are jaded and they are looking for ways to satisfy their natural instinct. It is vital to know the main cause of the problem to better intervene and deal with the condition.

Relieve Teething

Aloe vera and chamomile are two natural therapies for teething pups. Buy some aloe vera juice from your local grocery and freeze it in a small paper cup. Once the aloe vera juice is frozen, you can peel back the paper cup and rub down the frozen treat on your dog’s gums. To use chamomile as a teething therapy, make an herbal tea of chamomile. Simply add a tablespoon of dried chamomile to a cup full of hot water. Let it cool. Get a syringe and spray some of the tea into your dog’s mouth. Make sure that you remove the needle. Another effective treatment for teething is to give something cold to chew on. Soak a toy rope in water and place it inside the freezer.

Find the Appropriate Toys For Your Pet

Dogs are not the same. Some are aggressive chewers like the Terriers and the Rottweiler. They must be given indestructible toys like rubber and nylon toys. They are very resilient. For non-aggressive chewers they can benefit from vinyl and latex toys. Pick a toy that has a squeaker for added interest. Once you have chosen the right toy for your dog, observe how your dog plays with the toy. See if the toy still breaks. If it does, your dog may need a sturdier toy.

Dog Obedience Command Exercise

Observe your dog. Once you catch him chewing on something inappropriate, say ‘NO’. Remove the object and then hand over a suitable toy. When your dog starts to bite on the toy, reward your pet or give good remarks. Some dogs chew on anything that have their master’s scent on it like a shirt or an old shoe lying around the house. Do not let your dog chew on them because they will outgrow the habit and they will think that it is right.

Dogs are like children. They need to be trained in order to learn. Do not give up easily on your dog. If you have a dog that has a chewing problem, consider the tips above. When teaching your dog obedience commands, be firm and at the same time tolerant. Never hit your dog or else, he can be aggressive and the chewing problem will just get worse.

Dog to dog aggression is a serious canine behavior problem. Go to the website and learn the causes and treatment for an aggressive puppy.

Signs And Symptoms Of Stress In Dogs

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Dogs like an ordinary man can also feel stressed once in awhile. They also have varying degrees of anxiety levels. Some dogs can easily get restless and nervous with simple things like a car horn or a loud knock on the door. In order to solve the issue, it is important for dog owners to determine the factors causing the dogs to be alarmed. By carefully examining the dog’s body language, one can easily recognize if there is something wrong. In this article, we will discuss the different warning signs that will tell you that your dog is indeed stressed.

Dog’s Eyes

Look at your dog’s eyes from a distance. It is normal to see the white part of the dog’s eyes. On the other hand, if you cannot see the white anymore and you observe that the eyes of your pet are bloodshot red, then you can tell that your dog is indeed stressed. In canine, the adrenaline reflex shows in red eyes. It is part of the reflex known as the fight or flight reaction. Also, dogs that blink and squint deliberately may signal that they are mildly stressed.

Ear Carriage

Observe your dog’s ears. Know what is normal and abnormal. A dog may be experiencing mild stress if his ear’s carriage is higher than normal. On the other hand, this is not applicable to Low ear floppy-eared dogs because their ears are always carried low.

Excessive shedding

Similar to snakes, dogs can shed as well. In most breeds, shedding is normal. According to research, practically every breed shed their puppy coat. It usually takes place before they grow their adult double coat. Though, shedding is a natural process, many dogs also shed because of stress. If you want to adopt a dog, make sure that your home is a stress free locale because tension and stress can also cause unhealthy shedding.

Moist Paw Prints

Many people when they are fidgety experience sweaty hands. This is also evident with dogs. If they get anxious and nervous, they can have damp paw prints. This is unhealthy.

Genital Licking

Some people find it amusing whenever they see dogs licking their genitals. Dogs lick their reasons for various reasons. Of course, they lick it for sanitary purposes. Aside from that, the behavior can turn up as a defense mechanism known as displacement. The dog takes out the frustration and anxiety to a less threatening object like a body part.

Growling

Do not think of a growl as something negative. Not all growls are bad. We have this notion that bad dogs growl. Perhaps, it is because of the terrifying experience we associate with growling. Did you know that your dog may growl because he is actually warning you? Your dog can be very uncomfortable or probably he is feeling threatened, the only way he can tell you his sentiment is by growling.

Loss Of Appetite

Disinterest to food can signify dismay. Monitor your dog’s eating habit. Also, consider the recent events that took place, for example, an arrival of a new pup or baby. These incidents can cause the dog’s appetite to subside. Aside from loss of appetite, observe your dogs for symptoms like laziness and queasiness. It is best to seek medical attention because your dog may not be receiving adequate nutrition and it detrimental for your dog’s health.

Dogs have feelings. They feel stressed and frightened too. It is important that we know the different warning signs that will tell us that dogs are experiencing stress. At times, after the dog has given us several warnings, a bite is imminent. Therefore, these warning signs should not be ignored.

Want help with dog housebreaking? Check out the site and learn training techniques and dog training approaches for dog chewing and dog housebreaking.

Discovering Your Dog’s Behavior – Basic Types of Aggression

Sunday, April 1st, 2012

Are you captivated by Cesar Millan’s talent to tame dogs? Cesar Millan is a Mexican-American dog trainer who is well regarded for his hit tv series, Dog Whisperer. One of the most difficult challenges that he has encountered is dog aggression. It often requires urgent solution because if left unsolved, can put the dog, but as well as the people around in imminent danger. Chow Chows, Old English Sheepdogs, Rottweilers, Toy Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are said to be the most aggressive dogs based on research. Before it is too late, owners should see if their dogs are demonstrating indications of aggression. To learn more on this condition, let us discuss the several types of dog aggression.

Dominate Aggression

This is the very dangerous type and can be very unpredictable type of dog aggression. This dog can be friendly at times, but most of the time, he’s a big bully. Normally, there is just one person in a family which the dog trusts. A dominate aggressive type dog usually does not discriminate strangers.

Fear Aggression

Dogs can also have fears very much like the humans. It could be triggered by noise, an image or maybe an idea. Fear aggression is characterized by nervousness, insecurity and fright. With this particular kind of aggression, dogs often have panic behaviors. Reactions may vary from aggressive barking, growling, gnawing of teeth, biting and attacking. Dog owners must identify the various factors which can cause the dog to be aggressive. It’s not something that can be outgrown.

Punishment Aggression

This is one type of dog aggression caused by abusive and overly dominant dog owners. There are reported cases wherein dog owners relentlessly punish their dog as being the way to correct their pets. Unfortunately, they are doing an unsuitable kinds of punishment. Dogs can be affected by brutal beating. Some acquire bruises and broken legs. Others lead to dying. Dogs tend to be aggressive at some point towards their owners or to some individuals with this particular kind of punishment .

Pain Aggression

Dogs can also feel pain. Pain tolerance might also depend on the variety. Dogs can become aggressive when they are experiencing pain. This type of aggression often occurs during grooming or when the dog is given injection therapy. Dogs can snap or bite you when they are in pain.

Maternal Aggression

Female dog that is nursing puppies usually have maternal aggression. It is important that people should learn how to demonstrate distance especially when the mother is feeding her little ones. Just like with humans, it is an instinctive reaction for dog mothers to be over protective of her young. The mother dog can bite, growl or snap. When the puppies are weaned, the mother’s behavior returns to normal.

Territorial Aggression

Dogs with this type of aggression, often have a low degree dominance. Symptoms may vary from growling, lifting the upper lip, aggressive barking, snapping and extreme reaction whenever the doorbell rings or someone approaches the home. People who own aggressive dogs should make sure that the doors are secured so that no one is able to enter the premises out of the blue.

Often, the problem with dog aggression is that you may never tell if it is safe to approach the dog. It is essential to understand how to properly connect with your dog. Do not forget that the longer that the condition continues, the more aggressive your dog can become. You could speak to your vet in case you realize that your dog is showing aggressive behavior. Note the triggering factors for the condition. Your dog is depended on you to be in control, so never quit and be patient.

How to deal with aggression in dogs? Visit the website and learn training techniques for aggressive dog, methods and dog training strategies.

4 Common Dog Behavior Problems And Solutions

Sunday, April 1st, 2012

Dogs are lovely creatures. According to studies, dogs are excellent pets because they can help reduce stress and they can lower your risks for high blood pressure. That is one good reason dogs are adopted in hospitals and nursing homes for pet rehabilitation. However, dogs are not perfect creatures. Even the most commendable dog breeds have their share of temper and behavior problems. If you are a pet owner, it is just logical that you familiarize yourself with the following dog behavior problems.

Chewing

It is normal for a dog to masticate. However, it becomes a problem if the dog becomes pernicious, ripping and shredding everything. Imagine coming home and seeing your whole sofa set torn apart? How about wearing the same shirt every day because most of your clothes have holes because of dog bites? Dog owners solve such dilemma by giving their dogs a special chewing toy. Nowadays, there are so many exciting dog toys that you can give your pet. Choose from a wide array of rawhide, marrow bones, and snack balls. Also, it is best that you dog-proof your home by moving destructive items like wires and power cords out of your dog’s reach.

Biting

Based on research, biting is a common friendly play between animals. However, it is not a healthy puppy play with his owner. Moreover, owners should determine the cause of the biting problem. It can result from pain, fear and territorial instincts. Learning the root of the problem is vital to ensure that the right care and interventions are given to your dog. As not to worsen the problem, proper training, socialization and breeding practices are to be taught at a young age.

Digging

Dogs love to dig. Certainly, you have read or seen a movie of a dog digging for a dry bone. Digging is a natural dog activity. Digging becomes a problem when your dog becomes a destructive digger, completely destroying your garden, plants and other things growing in your backyard. If your pet loves to dig you can provide his own digging pit. It is almost the same as the regular sand box. You can take a couple of his favorite dog toys. Observe your dog. Every time he gets close to your plants and flowers, be firm and warn him by saying ‘Stop.’ If he stays away, praise your dog or give him some treats.

Hostility

Dogs like man can become aggressive from time to time. Dog aggression is characterized by gnawing of teeth, growling and snarling. An aggressive dog can also bite a person or an animal. There are many reasons for dog aggression. One is because they are in deep pain. Two is because they feel threatened. Three is because they are abused. If your dog has aggressive tendencies, you need to talk to your dog’s vet. The vet can give you a couple of tips on how to approach your dog. You may want to hire an experienced dog trainer as well. It is important to address this problem right away because it is dangerous for your dog to interact with other people and animals if they are aggressive.

Above are some of the most common behavior problems that dogs can have. These problems can cause an owner to give up their pet and leave the dog in care of shelters. Identifying the problem right away can help solve the issue. Be patient and do not lose hope because your dog relies on you.

Want help with aggressive puppy problems? Visit the website and discover the causes and treatment for puppy aggression.