Animal training

Although there are many dog training techniques, all of them can be classified into two broad categories: techniques based on learning theories and dog training techniques based on canine ethology. AnimalWised will detail what they are and how to apply them. Techniques based on learning theories centre...

Training a dog looks easy when you see a skilled and experienced trainer. However, not all trainers have the same skills and the same experience, and mistakes in dog training are more common than one might think. If you are planning to become a trainer or going to start training your dog on your own, it...

Teaching your dog to lie down with a command will help it develop self-control and will be very useful for you in your everyday life with your pet. Note that it is an exercise that is not easy to teach all dogs, because it puts them in a vulnerable position. Therefore, you have to be very patient to train...

For some people, travelling by car is an integral part of their daily routine. So, we must accustom our dog to this properly, in order to continue life as normal. It is vital to ensure that travelling with pets is not a problem. But what happens if your dog cries in the car or is too scared to get into it? In...

Socialization is the process by which dogs learn to relate to other dogs, animals and humans. Through socialization, dogs learn to get along with other pets and to differentiate adults from children. Habituation, on the other hand, is the process by which dogs learn to ignore environmental elements that...

Advice to prevent a dog from pulling the leash will depend on the specific case of each dog. This is not a widespread problem or down to a lack of understanding. It is, in most cases, a problem directly related to the dog's well being. In this AnimalWised article we will give you the key to finding good...

Having your dog feel comfortable in a travel cage or carrier is one of the most important things you will have to teach them. It is very useful to prevent them from being uncomfortable, stressed or trying to escape. Note that the travel carrier need not be a prison for a dog. It should be their den, the...

Do you have a destructive dog that chews on everything or digs up your garden? Well, in this AnimalWised article we will give you 8 tips for destructive dogs that are useful or perhaps essential to help your dog reduce their anxiety. An anxious dog can often turn into a destructive one. If your dog has...

To a cat, a hanging cable or wire is an enticing toy. The same goes for cords, rubber bands, ropes and ribbons - any hanging household item! For your cat it is the best distraction to play and do its thing with them. Your cat is probably a specialist in munching through electrical cords. They will have...

We know that cats are independent creatures. Yet, studies from experts in feline behavior have suggested that cats can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. And although it is not known for sure what can cause it, some say that it may be due to genetic and environmental factors. Cats with separation...

Stress is an adaptive mechanism intended to ensure survival in dangerous situations. However, it can also be a disease with serious physical and behavioral repercussions. The cat is especially susceptible to pathological stress. This is because they feel the need to exercise full control over their...

Dog lovers will defend that their pups are undoubtedly man's best friend. But, before we can appreciate all their qualities, we must ensure we train them the proper way. Contrary to what people may think of dog training, this process does not only allow us to teach our dog and balance their character....

How many times have you wished you could ask your pet: "What did you just do?" Developing communication between you and your dog is a beautiful and exciting process. Although for some owners, it is very frustrating as they do not get results. The basis of all communication is affection and patience, although...

Dogs can be possessive with their toys: this is not a problem when they simply try to avoid us when we attempt to take them away, but it can become worrying when dogs growl or threaten to bite when approached. In that case, the dog is sending us a clear message: "This is mine, take another one". When...

Beagles are a scent hound breed, whose not-too-distant ancestors hunted in packs over long distances. They are therefore very energetic dogs, although they are also very loving and sociable. Beagles need to burn off lots of energy and practice tracking, as it is part of their nature. It is your responsibility...

Living with a dog is the source of many great experiences, fun anecdotes, and usually a beautiful, long-lasting friendship. However, cohabitation means that conflicts and accidents happen from time to time; the dog may become stressed if not paid enough attention, or they may develop behavioral issues. Other...

The arrival of a baby is a truly joyous event, but can also bring stress, worry and big changes around the house. A new child, especially if it's the first, is a challenge for the parents - and also for the family's pets. If you have a dog, you will have guessed that they will feel agitated at finding...

Obedience training basically consists in educating a dog to respond positively to our orders and indications. This is basic in any dog's education, as it lays the ground for a safe and happy cohabitation. Unlike what many believe, canine obedience is not a synonym of dog training, as obedience is only a part...

Dogs are generally very social animals who enjoy the company of other pets and people. However, a dog may become aggressive because of certain circumstances: this is a very serious behavioral problem that may jeopardize its safety and that of people. If your dog is aggressive with people, you should look...

Did you know aggressiveness is one of the most common problems in domestic cats? Although we must not make the mistake of associating cats with aggression, as they are usually quiet pets, we must remember that cats are not as sociable as dogs. A cat does not see why it should accept another cat: in...

Bite inhibition is perhaps the cornerstone of the socialization process of any dog: a dog that has not learned to inhibit their bite is a dangerous dog that can cause damage even when playing. On the other hand, a dog that knows how to inhibit their bite can prevent damage even when it bites, in order to warn...

Does your dog have a lot of energy? Many owners conceive this to be a negative trait, since a dog with lots of energy needs ways to channel it; otherwise, it may lead to unbalanced behavior. However, excess energy by itself is not negative. An hyperactive dog simply has certain requirements that the...

Have you ever thought about working with dogs? Would you like to become a dog trainer? In this AnimalWised article you will discover the requirements to be a dog trainer, the time required to achieve this, the steps you can follow and some additional tips. Before looking into your options to train dogs professionally,...

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...

If you have decided to adopt a Shiba Inu into your family, perhaps you have faced an uncomfortable problem: your Shiba Inu bites you. If you are not sure why this behavior takes place, or if you simply want to fix it as soon as possible, you have come to the right place. In this AnimalWised article...

When faced with their dog suffering from separation anxiety, many people resort to adopting a new puppy to keep the other dog company in order to rectify the problem. Perhaps this was the reason why you adopted a puppy. What many people don't expect is for the adult dog to reject the new member of the...

Cats have a solitary nature and, if they are unaccustomed to human contact, they can be very distrustful. If you've recently adopted a cat from a shelter, or if you have found a feral kitten or adult cat that you want to make part of the family, you may have to tame them. Taming a feral cat can be a long...

Dog agility is fun and fulfilling sport suitable for all dogs older than 18 months old. In dog agility, the guide - that is, the owner - leads the dog through a pre-set course while overcoming various obstacles in a certain order and set time. At the end, the judges decide who is the winning dog based...

The ancestors of the American Akita were bred to hunt bears, and sadly they were also used in dog fighting. Over the decades, they developed stamina and a sturdy bone structure. However, American Akita dogs are also faithful, loyal and protective of their human family. If you commit to training your...

Educating or training a dog can be different depending on the breed; some have a tendency to pay attention, others to get distracted. However, regardless of how long it takes for them to learn, all dogs must be trained following the same principles, which will allow them to interact with others and stay...

Does your dog jump on people? Sometimes our pet can become overexcited and show a total lack of control by pouncing on us to welcome us: although we may like this situation or find it funny, it is important to stop them from doing it. It is one thing to have our dog jump on us, but another to have them jump...

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...

Have you ever stopped to think about how your dog feels when you leave? Some dogs take it easy, but others bark non-stop or cry for hours. This kind of attitude when left alone is known as separation anxiety. All kinds of dogs can suffer separation anxiety regardless of age or breed, although a difficult...

Games and social interaction are essential for the welfare and happiness of dogs; motivating your dog to play should be one of your top daily priorities. Playing with your dog is good for their health, and it is also a great way to improve your relationship. In this AnimalWised article we will offer...

Although at first sight it may seem that dog sports are activities in which only dogs participate, in fact they require great involvement from the owner. All dog sports require the dog to be trained to perform a specific activity, and in many of them the human owner must participate actively. Are you...

If you're starting to litter train your cat or you want to practice commands and tricks with them, it is very important that you understand one thing: you will not achieve anything through bad words or telling your cat off - let alone abuse. Cats are very special animals; as you know, cats do not base...

The English Bull Terrier is a very sweet and special dog with a unique appearance. If you're considering adopting a dog from this wonderful breed, you should first do your best to learn how to care for them correctly. This way, your future Bull Terrier will become a friendly, stable and happy adult...

There are many people who do not notice that their cat is getting fat until it is too late and the animal is already suffering from serious obesity. We know that chubby cats are very sweet, but the reality is that if you want your cat to be long-lived and healthy you must apply yourself to help them...

Dog training sessions are a pleasure for dogs, especially if we work with positive reinforcement. But sometimes, depending on the techniques used or some other factors, some problems may emerge. Ideally we should work these small details so to improve our communication with the dog, get to know it better...

Overweight dogs may seem funny, but the truth is that obesity has very serious consequences for our best friend's health and lifespan, and so is something we should remedy as soon as possible with effective treatment. If you do not know what to do to help an obese dog, you should know that moderate physical...