Animal training
271 articles
![My Cat Nibbles Me a Lot - Cat Love Bites](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/2/1/my_cat_nibbles_me_a_lot_cat_love_bites_4126_300_150.jpg)
There are many ostensibly odd behaviors cats make which have important reasons behind them. We may think a cat biting us is a sign of aggression, but it will depend on the context and how they bite. When a cat is hissing at us, batting at us with their paws and then bites us, we can assume this is problematic....
![My Neutered Cat Is Spraying Everywhere](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/1/1/my_neutered_cat_is_spraying_everywhere_4112_300_150.jpg)
The reason why we neuter our cats is primarily for the benefit of both the individual cat and the larger feline population. In addition, there are certain benefits to us as cat guardians. Stopping spraying, marking and urinating outside of the litter box is one of the most practically beneficial in terms...
![My Dog Rubs Against the Couch](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/0/1/my_dog_rubs_against_the_couch_4105_300_150.jpg)
Dogs love couches, beds and other soft furniture for the same reason we do. They are comfortable places to rest. If we allow our dog on the furniture, there are few things as cozy as curling up on the couch with a beloved dog. This doesn't explain why some dogs will rub themselves excitedly against...
![My Dog Is Scared of Water](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/4/5/my_dog_is_scared_of_water_546_300_150.jpg)
A dog's approach to water is as variable as our own. Some will bound in to any body of water with glee, others will only cautious approach a lapping wave and others still are acutely frightened of rivers, lakes and oceans. The reasons some dogs are scared of water and others not are also varied. Many...
![Why Does My Dog Nibble on Me With Its Front Teeth?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/7/0/why_does_my_dog_nibble_on_me_with_its_front_teeth_4078_300_150.jpg)
Those who have owned or been around dogs for a long time know that dogs, especially puppies and those going through puberty, sometimes nibble on their guardians or objects without apparent reason. This behavior is also referred to by some pet owners as "cobbing" or "corn on the cob" and consists of small,...
![How to Build a Playpen for Dogs?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/7/0/how_to_build_a_playpen_for_dogs_4072_300_150.jpg)
One of the main advantages of having a dog house or a dog pen in the house or garden is that they are very versatile. Among other things, it can be used to educate your puppy, control its space and protect it from danger. In addition, many of them can be folded and easily transported, making them ideal...
![How to Potty Train your Puppy to Use a Disposable pad](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/6/0/how_to_potty_train_your_puppy_to_use_a_disposable_pad_4068_300_150.jpg)
Puppies are not allowed outside until they have received their first vaccinations. One of the most common concerns of puppy owners who bring a puppy home is teaching the puppy to go potty in a specific place so owners do not have to constantly clean up the whole house after the puppy. Some prefer newspaper...
![Negative Effects of Dog Punishment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/6/0/negative_effects_of_dog_punishment_4067_300_150.jpg)
There are things our dog can do which are frustrating. As animals, they interact with their environment in different ways and do not always understand the boundaries of human society. This is why it is so important to socialize and educate dogs from a young age. Eventually they will learn what is appropriate...
![Games to Stimulate Your Cat Mentally at Home](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/6/0/games_to_stimulate_your_cat_mentally_at_home_4066_300_150.jpg)
Cats are extremely intelligent and sensitive animals that have an active and curious nature. Even if your cat seems like a lazybones when it is taking a nap, just show them their favorite toy. You'll see that your cat enjoys challenging its senses and using its intelligence to achieve goals. Nowadays,...
![Why Do Horses Eat Their Own Manure?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/5/0/why_do_horses_eat_their_own_manure_4058_300_150.jpg)
Although horses are great animals and it is inspiring to watch them gallop, there are some behaviors that are unpleasant to watch, such as eating their feces, which some horses practice. This behavior is not only unpleasant, but can also promote the development of diseases caused by intestinal parasites....
![Why Does My Dog Hate Cats?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/4/0/why_does_my_dog_hate_cats_4043_300_150.jpg)
It has always been believed that rivalry between dogs and cats is a natural thing. Surely you have heard more than once the expression "they quarrel like cats and dogs" to describe two people who fight often. But is it true that these two animals hate each other? When two animals as different as dogs...
![How to Easily Teach Your Dog to Play Dead Step by Step](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/2/0/how_to_easily_teach_your_dog_to_play_dead_step_by_step_4027_300_150.jpg)
You can teach your dog new tricks and skills to strengthen your bond with them, but also to stimulate them mentally. Done correctly, this type of training can improve the dog's attention span, encourage them to use his cognitive and decision-making functions, and increase their motivation. The dog must...
![Why Does My Dog Pee When Is Scared?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/2/0/why_does_my_dog_pee_when_is_scared_4025_300_150.jpg)
Recently adopted puppies or adult dogs may urinate after you scold them for inappropriate behavior, which can be surprising and distressing to their new owners. This behavior is called submissive urination and occurs when a dog pees in response to fear or anxiety. This is more common in puppies that...
![Improve Your Pet Rat’s Cage by Adding Some Homemade Accessories](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/2/0/improve_your_pet_rat_s_cage_by_adding_some_homemade_accessories_4022_300_150.jpg)
Although rats may be scary to some people, they are increasingly popular pets, especially among children. They easily adapt to small spaces and do not demand as much from their caretakers as dogs and cats do. However, rats do require some dedication and commitment if you decide to keep them as pets....
![How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Dog](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/0/0/how_to_introduce_your_dog_to_a_new_dog_4002_300_150.jpg)
Although dogs are social creatures, that does not necessarily mean they get along with every member of their species. Sometimes conflicts can arise, especially when two or more dogs are first introduced. These problems are often caused by a lack of social skills, difficulty sending or interpreting communication...
![Why Does My Rabbit Run In Circles? Possible Causes and Solutions](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/8/9/why_does_my_rabbit_run_in_circles_possible_causes_and_solutions_3988_300_150.jpg)
Even though rabbits make fantastic pets, their behavior can sometimes be confusing to new owners. If you have ever had a rabbit as a pet at home, you have probably seen it running in circles around you, tracing a path between your legs. This behavior, also known as circling, is common in domestic rabbits.
In...
![My Dog Is Eating Sticks](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/7/9/my_dog_is_eating_sticks_3973_300_150.jpg)
Throwing a stick for a dog to retrieve must be one of the earliest games humans played with their canine counterparts. This is because dogs seem to have a natural fascination with wooden sticks and will often search them out on walks. It is common for them to chew on sticks seemingly to pass the time,...
![Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Their Ball?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/4/9/why_is_my_dog_obsessed_with_their_ball_3942_300_150.jpg)
Chasing a ball is one the favorite outdoor activities of dogs. Normally, it is a harmless game that allows them to have fun while exercising their body and senses. Many dog owners might notice their best friends are becoming increasingly obstinate. They never want to stop and seem almost addicted to...
![How to Socialize a Kitten With Other Cats](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/6/0/how_to_socialize_a_kitten_with_other_cats_2069_300_150.jpg)
When a kitten arrives in our home, we hope to give them the best start in life. We want to do what we can to ensure their health and happiness, something for which proper socialization is essential. However, not all cats come from ideal situations. Adopting a cat from a shelter or even bringing a feral...
![My Female Dog Humps a Stuffed Animal](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/7/6/my_female_dog_humps_a_stuffed_animal_676_300_150.jpg)
Animals exhibit many behaviors which we know are related to their development. Sexual maturity is an important factor in how an animal behaves, especially since it can affect their hormone levels. One of these behaviors is mounting. As a male dog is reaching sexual maturity, they will start to undergo changes...
![My Dog Plays Too Rough - Stop Aggressive Play](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/2/9/my_dog_plays_too_rough_stop_aggressive_play_3922_300_150.jpg)
It is a mistake to treat dogs as if they were humans. They do have their own personalities and we can love them like family, but they have canine needs and behaviors which shouldn't be contradicted. For some, this leads people to believe dogs can be aggressive when playing and it doesn't mean anything. While...
![My Dog Is Freaking Out for No Reason](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/1/9/my_dog_is_freaking_out_for_no_reason_3916_300_150.jpg)
Every dog has their own personality which is molded by many factors. While genetics will play some part, their experiences, health and training will be the most important factors in how they behave. Puppies will generally be more boisterous than their adult counterparts, but some dogs will maintain a hyperactive...
![My Dog Keeps Scratching at the Door](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/0/9/my_dog_keeps_scratching_at_the_door_3905_300_150.jpg)
Domestication has made it necessary for dogs to adapt to the ways of human existence. Living inside a house is one of the most important adaptations a wild animal can make. To navigate this new environment, they have to interact with various objects humans take for granted. Their understanding of doors is just...
![Common Puppy Training Mistakes](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/1/7/common_puppy_training_mistakes_1711_300_150.jpg)
Any dog guardian should understand the responsibility of a dog's care long before they have made the step to adopt one. The care needs of each dog varies according to their individual circumstance. Importantly, a puppy will have different training needs compared to educating an adult dog. With the best...
![My Cat Likes Being Slapped](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/5/8/my_cat_likes_being_slapped_3856_300_150.jpg)
Anyone who has been fortunate enough to have lived with more than one cat will know that no two cats are the same. While there are general traits common to all felines, each one is an individual with their own personal behaviors and characteristics. They vary widely in their food preference, energy levels,...
![My Dog Is Aggressive After Neutering](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/4/8/my_dog_is_aggressive_after_neutering_3840_300_150.jpg)
Some guardians decide to neuter their dog as a means to resolve aggression issues. This aggression is often developed over time. Many of these guardians are surprised when the issues are not resolved after the procedure has been carried out. In fact, it is even possible for aggression to develop after...
![The Best Treats and Snacks for Rabbits](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/0/8/the_best_treats_and_snacks_for_rabbits_3807_300_150.jpg)
Since we don't train and educate rabbits in the same way as we do dogs, many people think bunnies don't need treats. This couldn't be further from the truth. Not only do treats reward rabbits for good behavior, they can be used to both calm them down when they are scared and simply provide them with the...
![My Dog is Scared of Cars and Traffic](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/4/7/my_dog_is_scared_of_cars_and_traffic_3744_300_150.jpg)
Cars and vehicles are such a common part of our lives, we often forget we once had to learn how to cross a road. Road safety is important because our streets can be dangerous. When we look at these same streets form a dog's perspective, we might start to understand why they can be such intimidating spaces....
![My Cat Is Chewing on Clothes](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/0/8/my_cat_is_chewing_on_clothes_3801_300_150.jpg)
Cats are multifaceted animals which is part of the reason we love them so much. Their idiosyncratic behavior makes them cute, fascinating and confusing in various measures. However, some behaviors might seem funny to us, but there may be a more serious reason behind them. Others are a means of feline...
![My Cat Bites and Scratches Me](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/9/8/my_cat_bites_and_scratches_me_1892_300_150.jpg)
When your cat bites and scratches you, do you take it personally? Since our forms of communication with our cats are limited by our difference in species, it can be difficult to know what this behavior means. For many of us, the first thing we think might be they are angry or have a problem with us. At...
![Why Does My Cat Attack Me?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/2/9/why_does_my_cat_attack_me_1921_300_150.jpg)
All cat guardians will need to calm down their cat from time to time. They can get excited easily thanks to their drive to play, but we can get confused if they turn aggressive towards us. Even if we have a good relationship with our cat, it is not uncommon for them to scratch or bite us, seemingly...
![My Dog is Restless and Won't Sit Still](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/8/7/my_dog_is_restless_and_won_t_sit_still_3784_300_150.jpg)
If your dog is pacing and won't lie down, they are agitated for some reason. These reasons can be physical or psychological, as well as acute or chronic. If it is acute, it is likely the dog is restless because they are responding to some specific stimuli in their environment. If they are chronically...
![My Cat is Antisocial - Tips to Make Cats More Sociable](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/5/9/my_cat_is_antisocial_tips_to_make_cats_more_sociable_1957_300_150.jpg)
Is your cat endearing and affectionate with you, but becomes either shy or even grumpy when other people are around? It is a myth that cats are completely independent. A healthy cat with their care needs met should form strong bonds with their human family. Some cats, however, have problems being sociable....
![My Cat Bites Me When I Sleep](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/7/7/my_cat_bites_me_when_i_sleep_3779_300_150.jpg)
A common issue for many cat guardians is the risk of being disturbed while we sleep. Especially if we want to let our cats have free reign of the home, it is fairly common for our feline to wake us when we sleep. Many cats can be active throughout the night and, even if they have good intentions, they...
![My Dog Destroys Their Toys](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/3/9/my_dog_destroys_their_toys_1930_300_150.jpg)
When a dog becomes destructive, there is an obvious problem for the household. Whether they destroy toys, sofa cushions or any other household item, the result can be stuffing or other parts of the object strewn across the home. Not only does this create a mess, but there is always the worry they will...
![My Cat Is Climbing the Furniture](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/6/7/my_cat_is_climbing_the_furniture_3768_300_150.jpg)
Those of us who share our home with one or more cats probably know that coexistence can raise some issues. Although capable of showing us immense affection and being true companions, there are some basic feline behaviors which can be a little frustrating. While they may simply think they are playing, they...
![My Dog is Marking in the House](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/7/7/my_dog_is_marking_in_the_house_3774_300_150.jpg)
Does your dog lift their leg and pee inside the house? It could be on any surface, place or object. This means your pet wants to make its presence known and wants to mark its territory. While this may be perfectly normal dog behavior, it is also normal for you to get frustrated and want to change this habit....
![My Puppy Bit My Child](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/9/0/my_puppy_bit_my_child_2092_300_150.jpg)
From the moment you decide to adopt a pet, it is necessary everyone in the home knows what to expect. Unfortunately, with both puppies and children, it can be difficult for them to understand limits and boundaries. For this reason, it is very important we consider what to do with both parties when the puppy...
![My Cat Steals Food From My Other Cat](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/5/7/my_cat_steals_food_from_my_other_cat_3756_300_150.jpg)
If you have two or more cats, it is not always easy to get them to share. Even if you share the food evenly, you may find one cat gets greedy and eats the food of another cat in the home. Since cats oftenself-regulate how much they eat, this can become a tricky problem and you don't want to end up with...
![Best Way to Discipline a Puppy for Biting or Bad Behaviour](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/4/7/best_way_to_discipline_a_puppy_for_biting_or_bad_behaviour_3741_300_150.jpg)
Puppies are adorable and lovely to care for. However, they can also be quite naughty, biting and misbehaving at times. It is our responsibility as their caregiver to discipline them from a young age so they are well-behaved and have a balanced temperament as adults. With that being said, we mustn't do this...
![Do Guinea Pigs Recognize Their Owners?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/3/7/do_guinea_pigs_recognize_their_owners_3735_300_150.jpg)
Too many think of guinea pigs as mere playthings without individual personality or any real cognitive ability. Fortunately, more and more animal guardians are adopting guinea pigs into their family and developing the kind of bonds that show us why they can make such rewarding companions. However, there are...
![How to Stop a Cat Climbing Curtains, Walls and More](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/3/7/how_to_stop_a_cat_climbing_curtains_walls_and_more_3734_300_150.jpg)
It is in a cat's nature to like heights. They love to climb up on furniture, curtains and even climb up walls. While this might be exploratory and fun for a cat, it can be disruptive and destructive for others in the home. Understanding why cats like to climb will help us to prevent them from climbing...
![My Rabbit Is Biting Their Cage](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/2/7/my_rabbit_is_biting_their_cage_3726_300_150.jpg)
The noise of a rabbit chewing on their cage bars is common to most every rabbit guardian. It is a very common behavior which doesn't necessarily pose a threat to their health. However, as with practically any behavior in rabbits, if we see them enacting a habit compulsively, it may mean there is a problem....
![Why Do Cats Not Like Their Tail to Be Touched?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/1/7/why_do_cats_not_like_their_tail_to_be_touched_3710_300_150.jpg)
Petting a cat provides various benefits for both the cat and their guardian. It can be used as a reward for good behavior, it helps both parties relax and it builds the strong and necessary bond we need to live together harmoniously. But not all petting is the same. How and where we pet a cat is very important...
![12 Types of Dog Aggression](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/4/9/12_types_of_dog_aggression_1942_300_150.jpg)
It is all too easy for society to consign a dog to a label of ‘aggression’. This can often lead to dogs being taken away from families and even put to sleep. Many of these dogs could live a long and happy life with a loving family if they are provided with understanding and education. To help understand...
![My Dog Keeps Getting in the Trash](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/3/0/my_dog_keeps_getting_in_the_trash_2031_300_150.jpg)
It may provide a laugh on YouTube videos, but when we come home and see our dog has strewn garbage all over the floor, it can be a real pain. Not only do we have to clean up a mess, but it also leaves us with a worrying doubt. Since the garbage contains spoiled food and inedible objects, we should wonder...
![My Dog Is Overprotective of Me](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/5/0/my_dog_is_overprotective_of_me_2059_300_150.jpg)
Walking our dog is not only important for exercise. It is a vital opportunity to meet and interact with other dogs and people. Proper socialization is necessary for young dogs to be able to interact in a healthy way later in life. Just as important is the fact that dogs enjoy being around others, it is often...
![Why Is My Dog Aggressive Towards Other Dogs?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/8/6/why_is_my_dog_aggressive_towards_other_dogs_3682_300_150.jpg)
As Konrad Lorenz, an Austrian zoologist and ethologist, once said, aggression in itself is just one more drive that an individual presents and that helps him survive. However, when a dog is aggressive with another dog this creates a poor quality of life and stress for the dog. Consequently, it is considered...
![Why Does My Dog Stare at Me When I Sleep?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/8/6/why_does_my_dog_stare_at_me_when_i_sleep_3681_300_150.jpg)
Have you ever woken up to your dog staring at you? Most guardians won't be worried. In fact, we might feel protected to have our faithful canine stand vigil as we sleep. There might be some who are confused by this behavior or may even think it is strange. Some may even wonder if a dog staring them as they...
![Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/7/6/why_do_dogs_lick_your_feet_3678_300_150.jpg)
We may have understanding of why a dog licks their own feet. Licking helps to keep clean their paws, one of the dirtiest parts of their body. This might lead some to feeling a little offended since dogs are also known to enjoy licking human feet. If we assume this means we have dirty feet, we need to...