Animal training
302 articles
It is no accident that the dog is considered the best friend of humans and has become one of the most popular and beloved companion animals in the world. The devotion, loyalty, affection, sensitivity and joy inherent in the way of being of these hairy win any heart. However, when a dog becomes too dependent...
Although it may seem strange, dogs may find it desirable to eat toilet paper. This unusual behavior can be accompanied by ingestion of other inappropriate objects and is usually a concern for their companions. This is because eating toilet paper can lead to health issues.
If you are wondering why your...
Parakeets are social and playful animals that need to be stimulated physically and mentally, either with other parakeets or with toys. If you keep your parakeet in a cage all the time, toys are essential to their well-being. Without the opportunity to explore the outside world, your parakeet will likely...
Generally speaking, it is not a cause for concern if a dog is shy of new things. However, when a dog's behavior becomes excessively fearful, it usually indicates low self-confidence, which should not go unnoticed by its caretakers. This behavioral problem not only shortens the life expectancy of dogs...
Just as with human beings, some dogs are more vocal than others. We may have a very chatty friend who can talk competitively. It is only natural we have some dogs that do the same. While breed and genetics will be a factor, there are many other reasons some dogs bark more than others. It is also important...
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 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...
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,...
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...
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?...
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...
Dogs roll on dead animals and other stinky materials as a part of their territorial behaviors. As with much canine behavior, rolling around in dead animal remains is an activity we may struggle to comprehend. We may think they just enjoy filth, but there are reasons behind this action, some of which...
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...
The act of biting is part of a dog's body language. Although not very pleasant, it is necessary given how much they rely on their mouth to interact with their environment. While we might associate biting with aggression, there are many reasons a dog might use this behavior. Understanding why a dog bites can...
Playing with your cat is just as important as keeping them well fed and offering a comfortable bed to sleep. Without fun the animal will end up suffering from stress, anxiety or depression. To do this, it is advisable to set a schedule of games a day, and always follow the same routine to set a pattern.
If...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The reasons why cats paw at their water before drinking are mostly related to their natural instincts. Despite millennia of domestication, cats maintain many of the instincts of their wild counterparts. This includes how they interpret their environment and providing themselves with feelings of security....
Classical conditioning, also known as respondent conditioning, is a concept that was developed by the Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov while studying digestive processes in dogs. It's a simple and dynamic form of learning, carried out by an intense scientific investigation.
This AnimalWised article...
Scolding a dog refers to the act of reprimanding or chastising a dog for inappropriate behavior. It is a form of verbal correction used by dog owners or trainers to discourage behaviors that are considered undesirable or unacceptable. Scolding typically involves using a firm tone of voice and specific...
Humans have rights according to international human rights law (IHRL), even if they are upheld differently depending on where you live. These rights grant us some basic protections from harm and are useful when making policy decisions on how we are treated. You may not be aware that animals have similar...
Jealousy in dogs is not necessarily an emotion of which dogs are capable. Humanizing a dog is dangerous as it can lead to improper care, even if a guardian is well intentioned. By ascribing human emotions like jealousy, we may mask the true underlying problem and fail to address it. With this context,...
Walking a dog does not just mean taking them down the street and letting them do their business. There is much more to it than that. The walk should be a relaxing time for your animal, by always doing what is best for your dog.
This article will explain 5 things you do wrong when you walk your dog, so...
You will see a dog personality change due to alterations in their behavior. These changes can be brought on by physiological, psychological or environmental factors, but even the passage of time will affect our dog's personality to varying degrees. While we may be concerned if our dog's personality...
Basic dog training commands are the orders which guardians use to ensure that canines and humans can coexist within the family. Some people think that dog training is about teaching our dog tricks, but this is secondary education for dogs. Primary education requires training which will help to establish...
Does your dog misbehave? Do you not know what to do when it doesn't pay attention to you or breaks something?
All these situations are more common than you think, and many people go through the same during their dog's training process. Even though dogs are not always well behaved, telling a dog off...
There are some very clear signs that can tell you that your dog is suffering from stress. Do you know how to spot them?
If you think your best friend might be suffering from stress and anxiety, we suggest that you keep reading this AnimalWised article. We'll go over the 10 signs that your dog is stressed...
We usually think that dogs, being naturally sociable animals, are always going to get along well with other animals. For this very reason, many families decide to welcome another dog into the household.
Just like people, however, dogs can not get along with one another. When this happens, dogs living together...
Many people scour the web for ways to solve problems that arise when training their pets, and this is where positive reinforcement comes into play. This is a fantastic method that aids the dog's learning process. After all, you can't train dogs only when they are puppies; rather, you should continue to...
If you have decided to adopt a German Shepherd dog, you must bear in mind that it will not automatically become your new best friend: you must make an effort to train it so that it becomes a sociable and loving companion.
Puppy and adult German Shepherds have a peculiar temperament, and so they need to...
