Animal training
301 articles

A scratching post is a necessary and essential item for any cat. Our pets need to vent, file down their fingernails, scratch and have a place that belongs to them. So, if you don't want to see your furniture disintegrate, a scratching post is the answer!
Cats scratch objects to communicate with other...

If you have a cat at home, then it is no secret that these animals, as well as being beautiful and good company, are also dominant beings. In some cases, they can even be capricious, so from the outset it is necessary to establish some ground rules.
It is very common to hear complaints from cat owners...

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...

Pit bulls are one of the most popular breeds exploited for dog fighting. For this reason, more and more people get the impression that they are dangerous.
In this article from AnimalWised, we will go through whether pit bulls are violent breeds, how to avoid dog fights and lastly, how to safely make...

The American pit bull terrier, or simply the pit bull, is a very well known breed. They are regularly considered to be one of the most aggressive dogs, often bought to reinforce security at home. But the truth is that they aren't responsible for this social controversy. Rather, they have been the victims...

Do you feel a sudden prodding on your face or wake up ten minutes before the alarm clock rings? If its 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 have decided to adopt or foster an adult cat but you cannot socialize them with fellow cats or dogs, you have came to the right place. In this AnimalWised article we will tell you all the factors that influence the socialization of cats and your best options to integrate them into your home.
When...

Few dogs are as faithful and loyal as the American Akita, with their evident protective instinct and willingness to go out their way for their human family. These are characteristics which need to be taken into account when you try to train them.
However, we should also mention that these dogs are naturally...

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 may engage in the behavior of knocking or throwing things on the floor for various reasons. It can be influenced by their natural instincts and behavioral traits. It can equally be influenced by the level and quality of care they receive. Although many guardians think cats do not need training, they...

If you are thinking of adopting a schnauzer or if you already have one living with you, it is vital to know everything about the breed. Their character, their qualities and the best way to educate them from an early age. Through this, you will achieve an adult that is a balanced, sociable and happy dog.
In...

Despite what many people think, cats are able to learn simple (and later more advanced) commands, as long as we use positive reinforcement.
AnimalWised are here to explain how to train your cat to give their paw, so that you can interact further and strengthen your relationship.
It is very gratifying to see your...

If a dog won't eat unless we are around, it can be a problem. Although it may simply be a force of habit, they might have issues with feeling unsafe, poor education or even separation anxiety. Diet is the foundation of canine health and a dog's approach to food is a reflection of their well-being. If...

If you live with a dog, you should know that taking them out on daily walks is more than just a healthy activity to do together. It enhances your relationship with one another and is also a fundamental activity which allows your dog to enjoy a full state of well-being.
Some dog breeds have different...

The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian mastiff, is one of the most impressive Italian dog breeds. In addition, they're easy to care for when using positive reinforcement.
If you are considering adopting a Cane Corso, or have one already, you have came to the perfect place. Keep reading this AnimalWised...

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...

Dogs can be destructive simply by being their lovely canine selves. If they hear the feed bag being opened, its easy enough for an excitable dog to knock something over in their haste to eat. They often don't know their own strength and can damage something while playing. It is important to distinguish...

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...

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...

Living with a dog provides many great experiences thanks to beautiful, long-lasting friendships. However, conflicts can happen when we share our home. The dog may become stressed if we don't pay enough attention or they may develop behavioral issues due to a number of factors. This can lead to frustration...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, and many other aspects about dogs, their needs and their behavior...

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 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...

Unfortunately, there are too many cases of animal abuse. This has long-term consequences for the animal, even when it is rescued in time. Mistreated dogs are usually abandoned or removed from their so-called carers after someone makes an official complaint. Even more like other pets, these dogs need to find...

Cats, like children, do not need fuss and complication to be entertained. They will have fun with anything that sparks curiosity, anything that moves or, quite simply, anything that you put in front of them. Cats are more creative than they seem!
Sometimes you may try to mollycoddle your cat by buying...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...