Animal training

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Many of us love to give our dog belly rubs. Their skin is often softer and their hair is fluffier. It might remind us of when we tickle a baby or some other cute activity which shows intimacy between us. The action can elicit powerful feelings of tenderness and affection. Some dogs will roll over and expose...

If we love cats, the idea of having many in our home might seem like a dream. However, overcrowding of pets is a problem for everyone involved, especially the animals. The problem is not only to do with the number of animals in a home. We also need to consider space, resources, hygiene and more. Even if...

There are many reasons we adopt a cat into our family. Reciprocating affection with a beautiful animal is just one of them. One of our favorite ways to show our love is to pick up the cat and hold them in our arms. It brings us closer literally and metaphorically. Some cats really love being cradled in...

While many of us think that breed is the most important determinant in a cat's personality, experience and environment are much more influential. The cat's socialization is of particular importance, with the period of 2 to 7 weeks of age being incredibly impactful on their adult personality. This determines...

Some people love to see a cat resting on the back of their couch. They look adorable in repose and they are close enough to keep us company. However, a cat's nature can often lead them to causing damage to the furniture with scratching, kneading the fabric of leaving their fur everywhere. While we may...

Cats are very clean animals that easily learn to use the litter box from a young age. That's why a cat pooping on the bed will surprise their companions. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain why your cat is pooping on your bed and the main causes and solutions to this behavioural problem....

There are so many factors which influence a cat's personality. Many of these most cutely affect them when they are young. This is the reason we see some kittens be shy and fearful, while others are curious and adventurous. But nothing is written stone. As cats develop and age physically, their experiences...

While dogs will lick you as a sign of love and affection, a dog that won't stop licking you all of a sudden might have an ulterior motive. Even when the purpose is affection, it can be a sign the dog is insecure and needs more reassurance than normal. Such insecurity can stem from various factors in their...

Dogs communicate with us in many ways, one of them is by whining or crying. This behaviour usually indicates that something is wrong. However, what does it mean when a dog cries and whines at night? And, what can you do to help? In this AnimalWised article we're going to go through the different reasons...

Is your cat hissing and attacking your dog? Getting a cat and a dog to be friends can be tricky at first, but it isn't impossible. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain what you can do to help if your cat hates your dog.

Dogs communicate in many ways, dog wagging, whining, barking and even growling. These behaviours have different meaning as they try to communicate their different emotions to their caregiver. In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about why your dog is growling at you, the meaning and how to stop...

You may have observed your cat hiding, freezing at a certain spot or scrambling around to escape a certain situation. These are all common signs that your cat is feeling scared. So, what can you do as their caregiver to make them calm down and feel safe again? In this AnimalWised article we're going to...

The process of educating animals is a difficult one. It requires a lot of patience and remaining calm can be difficult when we factor in our daily stresses. Even with a companion animal we love dearly, it can be all too easy to lose our temper. Even though dogs are generally obedient animals, we can...

Thunder storms 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...

Having your cat meow at night isn't uncommon, however it can be very troublesome for caregivers that need a good night sleep. There's a number of reasons why your cat won't stop meowing at night. Thankfully, there are also a number of solutions. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the reasons...

It can often happen that some of us decide to adopt a dog as a precursor to having a larger family. Although having a dog is a rewarding experience in itself, some may see it as helpful preparation for the responsibility of having a child. However, they may not always think of how the dynamic might change once...

Rabbits are popular domestic pets thanks to their docile and playful nature. However, in certain situations, these little animals may become aggressive. When they are truly distressed they may even bite their caregivers. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain the causes and solutions as...

When we adopt a dog we should know the responsibilities required of us. This does include food, shelter and monitoring for health problems. However, too many animal guardians are still unaware of how much attention, bonding and cognitive stimulation is required to maintain a dog's health and well-being....

Cats can also be very affectionate, but they're known for being very playful. This is usually one of our favourite things about adopting a cat. However, if our cat suddenly stops playing, it's understandable that we begin to worry. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain why your cat won't...

One of the most troublesome behavior that a dog can do is urinating where they shouldn't. This situation is usually quite stressful for many companions. However, there are ways to train your dog to stop urinating at home. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain why you're dog may be urinating...

Rabbits are very sociable and playful animals. For this reason, these sweet animals need care, love and environmental enrichment from their caretaker in order to stay well stimulated and entertained. With all these needs being met, they are bound to be happy and healthy rabbits! In this AnimalWised...

If you decide to adopt a bird as a pet, you will need to except some level of noise. Parrots in particular are vociferous animals. They will create levels of background noise as they try to communicate with others in their environment. Even birds which live alone will call to birds a distance away or...

Dog bite levels can cause varying degrees of damage to a person or animal. Our puppies will often nip at us playfully as they are exploring their environment and testing their boundaries. This is a normal part of canine development and something we often find amusing. Compare this to a vicious attack...

Dogs defecate. It is a fact of dog nature and something we need to be very considerate of as a canine guardian. Since humans have domesticated dogs, the responsibility of cleaning up their feces is firmly on us. Picking up their poop is not always the most pleasant part of caring for dogs, but it has various...

Most dogs will bound at the door when the slightest possibility of going for a walk presents itself. If the word ‘walk’ is mentioned or you pick up their leash, the dog often becomes very excited. This is because dogs want to explore their environment, smell new scents, mark their territory and meet...

Rabbits are not an animal which stands out for being talkative. This is especially the case when we compare them with other companion animals such as cats and dogs. However, if you share your home with a rabbit, you will no they aren't exactly silent animals either. Rabbits do make sounds. Rabbit noises...

While all dogs will have their own personalities, it is not uncommon for dogs to ignore people. With strangers, many dogs are reserved or are simply so strongly bonded to their guardian that they do not have interest in other humans. However, a dog ignoring their owner completely is not common and likely...

Anyone who has lived with a cat knows how extremely affectionate they can be as companions. They may also know that they can sometimes seem to give mixed signals. One minute you are enjoying a pleasant nuzzle, the next they are biting your hand and kicking you with their back legs. They may even wrap...

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....

Humans have different customs and personal preferences when it comes to interacting with others. Dogs are also individuals and will have certain quirks which make them unique. However, there are some basic behaviors which all able-bodied dogs should display. Smelling each other's butts is one such behavior....

Parrots are very intelligent and curious animals. They need to discover their environment and mentally challenge themselves. This is one of many reasons you may find them playing with different objects and making noise. However, what does it mean when they suddenly begin to bite you? In this AnimalWised...

When we first invite an animal into our home, it is understandable it will take a while for them to adjust. While many people don't think rabbits can be trained, this is not the case. Litter training is possible and rabbits will go out of their way to pee in the same place if it is suitable for them. However,...

A dog biting our feet is something we hope will stop when they are a puppy. It is a very common occurrence when the dog is young. Even though nipping at our feet while we walk can provide a tripping hazard, there are important reasons why they bite us. Most dogs will be educated to stop inappropriate...

Although phrases such as ‘fighting like cats and dogs’ remain in our modern vernacular, cats and dogs can truly live in harmony. However, if we want to share our home with a cat and dog at the same time, certain guidelines need to be followed. Much of this has to do with socialization and the personal...

The hedgehog has gained much popularity as a pet, owed in part to their undoubtedly cute features. They are also relatively small, making them suitable for those who live in apartments. However, this doesn't mean they don't require an appropriate level of care. As with any companion animal, adopting a...

It's quite common to see a puppy or dog bite and chew their leash when you take them out for a walk. However this behavior may surprise you and leave you wondering why. It can also be quite uncomfortable when taking them out on a walk. For this reason, in this article of AnimalWised, we are going to...

Perhaps you have just welcomed a new dog to your home and they are afraid of you. Or maybe this behavior presented itself all out of a sudden. It's clear that having a scared and unhappy dog is not ideal for anyone in the household. This is why in this article from AnimalWised, we are going to help you...

Nowadays, there are many families that decide to adopt a rabbit as a pet. It's not surprising as these sweet and intelligent animals make the perfect housemates. However, to achieve a peaceful and harmonious coexistence, it's best to train and educate your rabbit using positive reinforcement. In this...

If you have just adopted a cat, knowing whether they will like you is a concern. A cat rejecting you means you will have difficulty forming a bond. Both the cat's well-being and our own can be seriously affected, making it difficult for them to remain in the home. What can be even more confusing is...