Animal training

When we see the many unsavory places our dog likes to put their tongue, having our hands licked is not always the most pleasant sensation. Some of us find it unhygienic, while others will happily let them lap away to their heart's content. The act of a dog licking our hands is not wrong in and of itself,...

The best guide dog breeds have certain qualities which make them better able to assist those who have trouble navigating their daily lives. Specifically, guide dogs are used to assist people with vision loss, not all of whom are completely blind. There are other types of assistance dogs which are employed...

As a new puppy owner, you'll soon discover the joy of your lively puppy's energy and playfulness. To ensure their well-being, it's important to offer the right toys. Toys are vital for your puppy's development, fulfilling their natural instincts for chewing, exploring, and staying active. The right toys...

In spite of the fact that dogs are usually celebrated as loyal companions to humans, some dogs may display aggression towards their guardians or caregivers. This issue shouldn't be underestimated, as it can harm both the dog and the person involved. Understanding the causes of this aggression, which can...

Witnessing our dogs thoroughly enjoy playtime, particularly during their youthful years when they possess boundless energy, brings us immense joy. However, there may be instances when we observe peculiar behaviors in our beloved canines that raise concerns, particularly if they seem linked to complex...

It is common for cats to become scared at a loud noise, especially if they are not expecting it. For some, this may mean climbing up the curtains or retreating to their safest hiding spot. The hair dryer provides a particularly fearful stimuli since its noise can fill up a room. Some cats will have no problem...

Introducing a new dog to a household can be a big adjustment for both the new dog and the existing dog, and it can often take some time for them to get used to each other's presence. Dogs are social animals and like any other social animal, they have the potential to engage in conflict and aggression....

It is common for many of us to assume a cat biting a guardian is a sign of aggression. As with all feline communication, we need to look at the context of the situation to understand what they are trying to say with their actions. The reasons a cat bites our hand or any part of our body will depend...

Dogs use their mouths similarly to how we often use our hands. With an inability to manipulate their environment well with their paws, they use their mouths to explore their environment. For this reason, it is common to see them nibbling on almost anything that crosses their path. There is a difference...

While this breed is generally a sweetheart which can bond well with many types of family, Shiba Inu biting is a relatively common problem. If you have recently adopted a Shiba Inu and have noticed some biting issues, you will want to know how to stop my Shiba Inu biting me. In order to explain how to...

Cats don't tend to have the same gluttonous reputation as dogs. Although it will all depend on the individual animal, they will often be satisfied with their regular diet. They will meow when it is time to be fed and can come running at the sound of a rustling treat packet, but they will also leave food in...

When dogs fight, it is not necessarily to do harm, but only to ensure dominance. Whatever the cause, it is always very unpleasant to witness a fight between two or more dogs, especially if your beloved dog is one of the participants. The best way to solve the problem in such cases is to learn to read...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

Thunderstorms can be scary for anyone. It's raining but every now and then we hear a loud sound of thunder, and sometimes we can really feel it too. For dogs, this sensation is even stronger as they are very sensitive to sounds and even the static buildup in their environment. If your dog is scared...

Rabbits are sensitive animals, but this doesn't prevent them from being loving companions. As long as we provide the right level of care, we should provide the possibility of a happy and healthy life. If the relationship between a rabbit and a human does degenerate, we are often alerted by signs of aggression....

Certain dog breeds such as Border Collies or German Shepherds need mental stimulation to be happily relaxed. In fact, many problems such as anxiety and stress can be solved with the use of intelligence toys. Any dog can benefit from this type of game because it stimulates them mentally and is also...

Dogs express their emotions, moods, and thoughts through bodily expression. In fact, when communicating with humans and other dogs, canine body language is key to understanding them. However, just as dogs use their tails to express joy, they also use certain parts of their bodies to express discomfort and/or...

The gluttonous behavior of dogs can, at times, be funny. However, when it comes to a dog eating rocks, this is a serious and dangerous problem which needs to be addressed accordingly. If your dog appears to be eating everything and anything, it can easily ingest toxic chemical substances, excrement or...

Bonding with your bunny is not always easy. There are so many different factors which lead to how secure your rabbit feels and how much affection they are willing to show you. Not least of these is your bunny's personality. Getting to know the personality of your rabbit is one of the most rewarding experiences...

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...

Cats are social creatures. They are active and curious (there's even a saying about it). Unless there is something medically wrong with them, this activeness needs to be expressed on a daily basis. Having an active and energetic daily routine which promotes health and happiness is necessary for a happy...

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,...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...