Animal training
302 articles
You'll find a wide range of toys and accessories in specialist pet product shops, among which you will find the Kong - a very special dog product that every owner should know about.
It can be used by both adult dogs and puppies, and is a really useful tool for dogs with special needs.
Do you want to know...
Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave them home alone. Such anxiety can cause dogs to bark endlessly, urinate, and even wreck the entire home.
This AnimalWised article talks about using the Kong for separation anxiety.
However, remember that you should go to an ethologist...
Do you know what it means for a dog to be humanized? Well, it is a phenomenon that has lately become more frequent and popular. This concept revolves around humans transcending our way of seeing the world to our animals. Treating dogs like children, dressing them up in costumes and celebrating their...
When we talk about Roborovski hamsters, we all think of their tiny size and cute appearance. Many people adopt this little rodent without being well informed, taking it home without having done any research.
For this reason, it is not surprising that many people receive a small bite if they are not well...
Introducing our dog to friends and family is something that every owner should be able to do; however, some dogs can show insecurity and even fear when they approach unknown people and even people they have previously seen.
If this is your case, it will be important to consider going to a specialist...
Did you know that in the wild cats spend 40% of their time hunting? For this reason, it is so important to dedicate hours of play and fun to our cat, since it is the only way they have to express their natural instinct. Thus, toys allow us to keep the animal entertained and busy for hours, decreasing...
A fairly common problem that dog owners need to resolve is pica: the consumption of things that aren't part of a dog's diet. For example, it's not uncommon to see a dog eating socks, shoes, or plastic toys.
Pica is a compulsive disorder that not only ruins your possessions but can also endanger your dog:...
Canine ethology is the branch of behavioral biology that studies the natural behavior of dogs, focusing mainly on instinctive attitudes and actions. An ethologist is a qualified veterinary professional who has expert knowledge of dog behavior, communication, and requirements.
It is highly recommended...
Do you feel a sudden prodding on your face or wake up ten minutes before the alarm clock rings? If it's your favorite furry friend that's waking you up every single morning and won't let you rest the amount of time you'd like to, you may be asking yourself why this may be, if you should worry or not, and...
If you are fortunate enough to share your life with a dog and you want to offer them the best in life, you will need to get clued up on all their needs. For example, we always enjoy playing with our dogs, but are we aware of what things we can give them to play and which we cannot? Just as there are...
Lovebirds (Agapornis) are very popular pets that are native of Africa. Many people decide to adopt a lovebird, whether for their vivid colors or for their happy and playful personality.
As their name suggests, lovebirds are very sociable and loving birds who famously enjoy being surrounded by members...
Dogs are active animals that need two to three walks a day, but do you know why?
In this AnimalWised article, we will explain why it is so important to take your dog out for walks, and why letting it out to the garden is no substitute for a walk, along with many other aspects about dogs, their needs,...
Many people love Yorkshire Terriers but prefer to have another breed, as it's often said that Yorkies are very loud dogs who bark all day long. While it's true that Yorkshire Terriers are excitable dogs with a tendency to express their emotions by barking, it doesn't mean that their image is accurate.
Yorkshire...
Is your dog scared of other dogs? When it sees other dogs, do its ears go down? Does its tail go between its legs? Does it cower and want to run away, or growl at the other dog to try and intimidate it?
Fear is a necessary and vital emotion: It allows animals to react in the face of danger, but if fear...
The American Bully is an impressive dog that adapts very well to family life. Before adopting one, you must also be aware that they are very active dogs. Therefore, you should consider whether you have time to provide the exercise they require.
If you have recently adopted this dog, you'll know that...
It is one of the most common canine behavioral problems, especially in the case of puppies - although it does happen in adult dogs too. Maybe you don't mind when your dog bites an old shoe or a rag, but what about when it's obsessed with your PlayStation controller or a nice bag or accessory? You might...
Dog training is more than just a learning process for your pet. Rather, it's the practice or phase which allows both of you to strengthen your mutual bond. You will get to know your pet and interact with it, and the other way around. Training your dog properly will also allow you to give clearer orders;...
Before you start training your dog, you should know that experts strongly advise to make a canine ethogram to know their innate behavior and any conducts learnt up to that point.
An ethogram is simply a behavioral study that you can carry out yourself over an established time period. To do this, it's...
A cat can flop down at our feet as soon as they see us. Laying down in the middle of the floor can seem like odd behavior, especially if they get in our way. As with any behavior in felines, we need to look at its context. Flopping down when they see us can be related to feelings of joy, trust, fear or...
Vehicle chasing ranks among the most dangerous and frustrating behaviors dogs develop, and one of the hardest to break. It happens to devoted owners with otherwise well-trained dogs, crossing breed and age boundaries with frustrating consistency. However, this isn't just about disobedience. Your dog isn't...
Is your dog not playing like they used to? Understanding why your dog won't play is the first step toward helping them enjoy this essential activity again. Because yes, play is vital for a dog's wellbeing. In fact, experts recommend that dogs enjoy a rewarding play session with their owner every day.
In...
There's something magical about hitting the pavement or trail with your dog friend trotting happily beside you. Whether you're an experienced runner looking to bring your pup along or a dog parent hoping that a running routine might burn off some of your energetic companion's enthusiasm, this guide will...
Finding little "surprises" outside your cat's litter box is frustrating, isn't it? Don't worry – you're not alone. Countless cat owners have walked in your shoes, wondering why their normally clean pet has suddenly decided the corner of the bedroom makes a better bathroom. If your cat is pooping outside...
Every year, as summer celebrations and holiday festivities light up the night sky, countless dogs across the country experience hours of genuine terror. Dogs experience the world primarily through their senses, and their hearing is dramatically more sensitive than ours. What seems like reasonable celebration...
One of the most important basic obedience exercises is teaching your dog to "come when called". A skill that's essential for their safety, good communication, and harmonious living together. However, it's crucial to practice this command thoroughly if you want your dog to respond reliably whenever you call...
How much exercise should a puppy get? If you're a new puppy parent, you've probably asked yourself this more than once. Puppies are full of energy, but just like kids, they need the right amount of activity, not too much, and definitely not too little. The tricky part? The answer depends on your pup's...
When understanding what a cat's meow means, we need to look at the context. Each meow will have its own meaning depending on factors such as health, well-being, presence of other animals or even the person to whom the meow is directed. Sometimes these meows can be questions, others they are statements....
There’s nothing more frustrating than a dog that won’t stop barking when someone knocks at the door. Whether it’s excitement, anxiety, or a protective instinct, constant barking can disrupt your home and stress both you and your pet. But why does your dog bark so much when they hear a knock or the doorbell?...
When your cat stands by a door and meows and meows, they're trying to tell you something important. This is a common thing cats do, and it can be for all sorts of reasons, from just wanting something simple to more complicated feelings. To help your cat and understand why they're meowing at the door, it's...
Ever wondered why your dog chooses that spot to pee? It's a question every dog owner asks, and the answer lies in their incredible sense of smell. Dogs experience the world through their noses, in fact, they can detect scents up to 100,000 times better than we can. Their nose that contains up to 300...
Cat fights can be tough on everyone, both you and your furry friends. But don't worry, with a little patience and the right approach, you can help your cats get along better. While the occasional spat is normal, constant fighting isn't. The trick is to break those bad habits and create a calm and secure...
Rottweilers are powerful, intelligent dogs, and their exercise needs change dramatically as they grow. From rambunctious puppies to strong adults and then dignified seniors, each stage of life requires a different approach to exercise to ensure healthy development, maintain fitness, and protect their joints.While...
Known as polydipsia, increased water intake is more than simply being thirsty. Needing to drink all the time is likely the sign of a physical health issue, although environmental and emotional factors may come into play. As with any clinical sign, looking at the context of excessive thirst will help a...
Teaching your cat to walk on a leash can open up a world of safe outdoor adventures for your feline friend. While cats aren't natural leash-walkers like dogs, most can learn to enjoy controlled outdoor exploration with proper training and patience. This practice can open up a whole new world of enrichment for...
Leaving your dog at home only to hear them barking as you close the door can be stressful for both you and your furry pet. Excessive barking when you're away often signals underlying issues like anxiety, boredom, or even health concerns. Understanding why your dog barks and addressing the root cause...
A dog who's been attacked can suffer more than just physical injuries; the emotional fallout can really affect their behavior and overall well-being.Helping your dog through this difficult time is essential for their recovery. Healing takes a careful mix of patience, understanding, and the right kind of help. As their...
Teaching your rabbit to use a litter box can transform your experience as a pet owner. Not only does it make cleaning up after your furry friend much easier, but it also allows your rabbit to enjoy more freedom around your home. While many people don't realize it, rabbits are naturally clean animals and...
Ever gazed into your dog's eyes and planted a loving kiss on their head, only to wonder if they actually enjoy it? While humans express love through kisses, our canine companions might view this gesture quite differently. Some dogs learn to accept or even welcome kisses, while others prefer alternative...
When a cat bites another cat's neck, we might first think they are attacking the animal. While this is indeed possible, the reasons why a cat will bite the neck of another are not always negative. The impetus behind biting behavior in cats is dependent on context, with the age and sex of the cat being...
If you're wondering "do guinea pigs bite humans?" you'll be happy to know that these small pets rarely show aggressive behavior. Guinea pigs are known for their gentle and friendly nature, but even the sweetest pets may bite under certain circumstances. Guinea pig biting isn't common, but understanding...
Understanding dog body language is key to building a stronger, more trusting bond with your four legged friend. Dogs are really good at communicating through body signals, which are subtle cues that reveal their emotions, intentions, and even health. From wagging tails to perked ears or yawning, each movement...
Cats are often thought of as aloof and independent, but anyone who’s shared a home with one knows they can be quite sensitive to changes around them. One question that often arises among cat owners is whether cats can feel jealousy. Like humans, cats have complex emotional needs, and shifts in attention,...
When a dog jumps up on us when they are excited, it can create a conflict. We love to see them happy and feel equally pleased that our beloved canine wants our attention, but the jumping itself can be unpleasant. Their paws can be dirty and stain our clothes. Their claws can be sharp and cause pain. If...
Cats are known for being independent, intelligent, and sometimes a bit mischievous, which can make disciplining them seem like a challenge. Unlike dogs, cats don’t respond well to the more traditional training methods, so understanding how to guide their behavior requires a different approach. Effective...
Cats should urinate in their litter box. These are specially designed receptables to mimic outdoor terrain where a cat would naturally relieve themselves and then bury their waste. While they will need some training to do so, it is also a behavior which comes naturally to them. Peeing outside of their...
Discovering cat urine on your floors, carpets, or furniture can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience. While it's natural to feel upset or frustrated, resorting to punishment is not the most effective or humane solution. Instead of focusing on punishment, it's essential to understand the underlying...
Dog aggression is a multifaceted issue that can be both troubling and challenging for pet owners. When a dog shows aggression towards specific individuals, it can lead to heightened fear, anxiety, and potential danger. Gaining insight into the root causes of this aggression is crucial for effectively addressing...
Has your dog suddenly become reluctant to go outside? This change in behavior can be concerning for any pet owner. Dogs may refuse to venture outdoors for a variety of reasons, ranging from fear and anxiety to physical discomfort. Understanding the root cause of your dog’s hesitation is crucial for finding...
When dogs need something, they have a natural way of letting us know. This shouldn't surprise us, considering their social nature and ability to form deep emotional bonds with those around them. Some of the most common — and loud — ways dogs have of communicating with us are through barking. We can expect...
A dog will bring a toy to greet you as a way to show you love, but also as a request for engagement. Generally speaking, it is a very positive behavior which indicates a strong bond between dog and guardian. In saying this, each dog has their own unique personality and set of behaviors. When a dog brings...
