Animal training

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...

Many people like to have domestic rats as pets. Normally, these animals display the same gentle and affectionate behavior towards people as does any other pet; after all, rats are very intelligent animals. However, sometimes pets bite, no matter the species. There are different types of bites that...

Cats are very active animals that need daily exercise. It is a good idea to find toys for cats because they will stimulate their mind while at the same time making them physically active - and they are fun! Just remember that, although the cat can play on its own at home when you're not there, it is...

When a dog starts to enter old age they go through a series of physiological changes, becoming slower and less active as a result of the deterioration of their tissues and nervous system. However, all these typical features of old age should not going to stop you from playing together. Here at AnimalWised we...

If you are thinking about adopting more than one dog, or about becoming a professional dog walker, you are probably wondering how you will manage to walk them all at once. It is very important to know how to get organized and have all the essentials at hand to be able to offer the best care and attention...

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...

Until your dog has learnt how to wear a collar and lead, these instruments will only be uncomfortable and limiting for it. Once your dog learns how to use them, the collar and lead will become security measures. They will never be tools of punishment, and you shouldn't use them to "correct" bad behavior. This...

If you've got a parrot, you'll know that each one has a unique personality. Some species are more likely to talk than others, but it can also be influenced by the parrot's age and past. The African grey parrot or Amazonian species such as the Blue-fronted Amazon are very good talkers. Don't worry, though;...

The best way to train your puppy or adult dog to not get the house dirty is through crate training. However, bearing in mind that you can't keep an eye on your dog all the time, perhaps the best option is a combination of crate training and paper training. It is important that you spend lots of quality...

Attack dogs, as their name suggests, are dogs trained to attack humans. Although these dogs are currently associated with police work, this wasn't always their function. In many history books you can find examples of dogs used by armies to break enemy front lines or to capture and kill fugitive slaves,...

Even though schnauzer dogs are excellent companions in pretty much all respects, it's true that they can occasionally become somewhat destructive. If has happened to you too, pay attention to our tips below to know what to do the next time it happens. We will give a general overview of the best care for schnauzer...

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...

Operant conditioning in dogs is a type of learning and developing of new behaviors that doesn't use the the association between stimuli and reflex behaviors that can be seen in classical conditioning. The principles of operant conditioning were developed from 1938 onward by B. F. Skinner, who was influenced...

We're sure you love your cat a lot, but do you sometimes want to murder it - figuratively speaking, of course - when you find out it has scratched your new sofa? It's not exactly your cat's fault, and it's not doing it out of spite: it is just following its feline instincts. There are reasons for this behavior...

Teaching your dog to come to you when you call it is one of the most important exercises for their training and safety, so it is worth devoting time to this fundamental obedience command. You may use a word to call your dog, or its own name, but it probably doesn't work all of the time. Your best option...

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...

By nature, dogs are inquisitive animals who love to investigate everything you bring into the home. How do you expect them not to notice the new Christmas tree? If you add to that lights, decorations and a potential place to pee... A colorful tree appearing in your home can lead to it being urinated...

In North America, Asia and Europe, more and more people are deciding to keep healthy lifestyles with disciplines such as yoga, a relaxing and positive activity for those who practice it. The benefits that this activity provides are such that many owners now want to share them with their pets. Yoga for...

Those who have had cats know that their behavior can be complex: Sometimes you encounter a loving cat, an independent cat or even a cat that bites - or all behaviors in the same cat! There isn't a single reason that explains all bites. Therefore, in this AnimalWised article we're going to look at why...

It is very common for dogs to run away when we let them off the lead, open the door or when we go to put the lead back on it in the park. This has been a problem for many owners, especially those of young and inexperienced dogs. A walk is a special moment for a dog, in which it wants to enjoy itself as...

Many people will have researched on the internet how to improve the behavior of their pets. The truth is that pets do not misbehave on purpose; they follow their basic instincts and behave depending on how we treat and train them. In this AnimalWised article we will describe in detail tricks for living...

Sometimes, after we've left home to go to work or to do a simple errand, dogs get extremely sad and begin to cry. Do you know why? Dogs are social animals and do not feel comfortable spending the day alone. In addition to crying, when some dogs are left alone they tend to nibble things and damage the...

Cats are domestic felines that have not lost their hunting instinct; they have an independent, adventurous and exploratory nature that often drives owners crazy. Owners must remain alert and informed about plants that are toxic to cats. However, virtually anyone who has welcomed a cat into their home...

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...

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...

When welcoming a new cat into your home, you need to be fully aware that this cat will most likely be undomesticated. This means there are behavioral traits which they will need to develop in order for them to coexist happily and healthily in the home. Generally, using a litter box isn't so much a learning process...

Using the muzzle is mandatory for breeds considered potentially dangerous by law which often leads to members of the public thinking the worst of a dog wearing one. However, there are many instances where you might want to muzzle your dog regardless if they are aggressive (actually, the appropriate word...

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;...

Through active training you can effectively teach your pet not to urinate at home. It's a great way to train your dog to go to the "bathroom", which will be hugely helpful for your puppy's education. Active training is also known as positive reinforcement, and basically consists of rewarding the dog's...

In addition to the classic dog obedience exercises, your dog should learn other orders that are useful in everyday life. One of them should tell your dog to stay still on command, regardless of the circumstances. This will be very practical and can help you in many possible scenarios. This AnimalWised...

When dogs are still puppies they can't go outside until their vaccination schedule is complete, meaning they're not fully protected from all diseases. This is when paper training comes in handy, since it consists of teaching your dog to relieve itself in a particular place. Paper training isn't the...

Dogs are animals with an amazing ability to learn a wide range of orders in order to please us (and to get some treats in the process). One of the best things for your dog to learn is to walk beside you, which is very useful and beneficial if you want to let them off the lead sometimes without running...

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...

There are many tricks to promote relaxation and well-being in dogs, among which you can find searching activities. They are some of the most commonly used activities in shelters and kennels across the world. This AnimalWised article will explain why it's so important to practice them regularly and how...

Cats are animals with a very special and particular personality; they love to be in control of their property, including the water in their bowl - and they sometimes show it in odd ways. One of those ways might be splashing water all over the place. Strange as it may sound, there are actually many reasons...

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...

Although we may be unable to speak the same language, this does not prevent dogs from actively communicating with us. This can be done through their bodies, ear positions or barks, as well as other more subtle indicatons. Although we don't share the same vocabulary, it's possible to decipher various moods...

Dogs have it easy - they file their limes whenever they go out for a walk. Cats, on the other hand, are usually kept at home. This makes them turn to objects inside the home to file their nails and keep them sharp and smooth. This common habit can become a problem if your cat uses your furniture - especially...

Schutzhund, or IPO (acronym for Internationale Prüfungs Ordnung, in German), is a canine sport for protection dogs. The term Schutzhund is of German origin, and literally translates as "protection dog". Originally designed as a test to help assess the temperament and capabilities of German Shepherd...

Puppies are tender, sweet and curious animals. They're at a very important stage of their life where they need to learn how to behave within the family home. The sooner you begin to influence their behavior, the sooner you'll get to bond with this beautiful and kind animal. Of the many things they need...