Basic animal education
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When our dog is a puppy, we often let them sleep and play on the sofa. As they grow, however, this habit can create conflicts - and even destroy our furniture! Therefore, it's very important that we train dogs not to climb on things from a young age, especially if they are a larger breed.
Establishing rules...
When you adopt a kitten, you have an obligation to teach them how to behave properly. This is so that when they live with you, life is nothing but a pleasant experience and you have a well-educated and happy pet at home. It is not acceptable for them to bite or destroy your furniture. It is also important...
Having a puppy at home is incredibly exciting and heartwarming. At this stage, dogs are usually very playful and fun as well as sweet and adorable. However, having a puppy also involves taking on a responsibility that requires you to train them properly and teach them good manners. We don't want them to become...
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...
Your dog's favorite place in the whole house is your bed. You may have bought them a bed much nicer than your own, but they will insist on sleeping in your bed. The reason is simple: you've allowed them on more than one occasion to do so and it's a space that smells like their best human friend. Therefore,...
Teaching a dog to recognize their name is vital so they can respond correctly to our signals. It is a basic exercise to be able to train other canine obedience exercises, and to capture their attention in different circumstances. If you cannot catch your dog's attention you will not be able to teach them...
Teaching a dog to drop objects is a very useful exercise for training, playing and avoiding the destruction of valuables! During this exercise, as well as teaching your dog to release things, you can let them have fun playing tug of war or fetch.
Most coaches who compete in canine sports take advantage...
Most people think pit bulls are dangerous dogs, but nothing is further from the truth; if you educate them well when they are young, you will be left with an obedient, loving and faithful companion. However, they are considered potentially dangerous dog breeds in some countries. So, before adoptoing a...
The Shiba Inu is one of the oldest types of spitz. They are very popular in Japan and are gradually getting more popular in the West. They are very loyal to their owners and are perfectly suited to any environment - both city and countryside.
They are very independent, intelligent and strong dogs. Although...
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 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 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...
We are constantly discussing our need to integrate positive habits and a concrete routine into our daily lives. But, what about the routines of our pets? Ever since we domesticated dogs and cats, have we ever doubted the way of living we give our pets?
In this AnimalWised article we will show you some...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
It's definitely best to start training your dog when they are still a puppy. Stimulating their intelligence and skills will help you further down the line when they are an adult, since your dog will be well behaved and obedient for many years. You can start teaching your dog to be obedient when they...
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