Animal behavioral problems

It is common for a new cat adopted into a home to have some level of caution. They are entering into a new experience and simply might not have the confidence in security a more established pet will have. However, it is also possible a cat which has lived in a family for a long time begins to or persists...

A dog barking can prove to be a serious problem, both socially and physically. Not only can it keep you up at night, but it can cause severe problems for neighbors and surrounding people. In addition, this behavior can reveal important details about your dog's personality and emotional well-being. Barking...

One of the most important exercises in basic dog training is getting your dog to come when called. The reasons for this are not just because you may be impatient to get somewhere. It promotes good communication between dog and guardian, it helps them to coexist with you and other animals and it is fundamental...

Barking is the main form of canine communication. Even though barking is a behavior characteristic of the species, in some cases barking can become a problem. Barking, if excessive, can appear as a negative symptom or as a behavioral problem linked to insufficient or inappropriate training or education. Do...

Unfortunately, the mishandling of Pit Bulls by some dog owners has caused pit bull dogs and their fellow friends to suffer an unjustified bad reputation around the world. Although it is true that genetic inheritance does influence the temperament of a dog, its behavior will depend fundamentally on its...

Does your dog bark every time your doorbell rings? You should know that this is normal behavior in dogs. This behavior can however, also generate conflicting situations with some neighbors, so in many cases it may be necessary to stop this barking. We believe that there is no need for punishment, and promote...

There are many reasons a dog may need to pee. Of course, needing to empty their bladder is the most obvious one. However, the way a dog pees speaks a lot about their well-being and personality. As territorial animals, dogs will urinate in an area they want to dominate. This is controlled and is natural...

There are several reasons that can lead a cat to sleep in its litter box, such as: a stressful situation, the arrival of a new member to the home or the discomfort of its bed. Therefore, it is our obligation to analyze the situation, find the exact cause that motivates this change in their behavior and,...

If you share a home with a cat, you have probably already been surprised by an attack on your ankles‘. Many guardians are concerned about this habit. Not only is it practically dangerous, but appears to be a possible symptom of aggressiveness. In general, a cat that chases ankles of its owners is simply...

Playing with your dog, we’re sure,is one of your favorite activities, be it a puppy or an adult dog. Play not only strengthens the bond between canine and human, but also constitutes as good exercise for both, allowing for a way to take advantage of time spend together having fun. Sometimes a dog can start...

If you have adopted a hamster as a pet, you've likely seen it biting its cage from time to time. Even if you haven't seen it, you may have heard a hamster biting its cage at night, the metal bars reverberating the sound through your room. It is common practice for many hamsters, but it if it is done with...

Jealousy is not a personality trait reserved only for humans[1]. It is common to see many cats either gradually or suddenly become possessive over their human guardians. While some people may take this as a simple sign of affectionate attachment, a possessive cat can actually be a risk to themselves,...

People who are generally fearful or act cowardly in a given situation are called ‘scaredy-cats’ for a reason. Felines are known to become frightened at the drop of a hat. The cause can be seemingly innocuous stimuli such as dropping something on the ground or moving past them quickly. This isn't because cats...

Some cats are natural hermits. They somehow manage to find spaces in the house you have never even seen before, hiding away for naps or just some personal time. It's even common to spend all day calling their name just to find out they've discovered a cosy spot near the airing cupboard. However, some...

If it were up to some family members, they'd happily trade a brother or sister for more feline friends about the house. At least they don't take all the good cookies and hog the computer. They are affectionate, entertaining and full of personality. However, the more cats you have, the more responsibility...

We all know how curious cats can be. Pair this with an insatiable appetite for snacks and the kitchen can be the worst place to keep them in their place. It's not that we don't want our cats to be up high. Partly we need to keep them down for their own safety. Kitchens can be a place with sharp objects,...

If you have one or more cats, you've probably been through this situation: your cat is licking you quietly... and all of a sudden they bite you! What has happened? Don't they like the massage and petting you were giving them? Why do they engage in this conduct? In this AnimalWised article we will enter...

An aggressive ferret is a real problem for both them and us, their family. These pets are much appreciated around the world for their intelligence and restlessness, but in spite of that, sometimes this nice mammal can show hostile attitudes. To solve this problem, the fundamental thing is to understand their...

Digging holes in the ground is unfortunately a natural habit of dogs. Actually, it is also a natural habit for humans as we can often see when children are left to their own devices in the garden. Like humans, some dogs will do it more than others. Some may feel an imperative to dig everywhere, some may...

Cats have many virtues. They are very smart animals, and, in general, very affectionate. However, they may have unpleasant behaviors, such as biting and scratching, habits that certain cats and kittens tend to practice while playing with them. Although many cat owners tolerate these loving bites, it...

One of the more unpleasant surprises that we can find as cat owners is the evacuation of feces out of the litter box. The initial bewilderment turns into confusion and concern if this behavior becomes habit. In this AnimalWised article we will give you they keys to know all the possible reasons why a cat...

The Yorkshire terrier is a small dog that is easily trained, it is not usually an aggressive dog. However, if they have received a bad education in the first months of life or have suffered a traumatic experience, they can become an aggressive dog that is difficult to treat. If you have noticed a change...

Dogs can bark for many reasons, but when they do so when home alone it is because they are suffering from separation anxiety. When a dog is very dependent on their owner, they feel very alone when their owners leave the house and try to call them back by endlessly barking until they return. It's important...

A fairly common problem that dog owners need to resolve is pica: the consumption of things that aren't part of a dog's diet. For example, it's not uncommon to see a dog eating socks, shoes or plastic toys. Pica is a compulsive disorder that not only ruins your possessions but can also endanger your dog:...

A dog is considered man's best friend. The bonds that dogs are able to create with people are hard to break, because they provide company and a loving and unconditional loyalty that is almost impossible to compare with other forms of affection. However, who has not got angry with their a dog, whether...

Although there are extraordinarily docile cats, there are others who are nervous and even aggressive in the face of new situations, such as visiting the veterinarian. If, in addition, the cat has experienced such a trip before, and gone through relatively painful experiences in the process (such as...

There are many relaxation techniques that we can use to reassure and calm a dog. They can be used as an extra in behavior modification therapy, as a tool to improve certain situations or to help your dog enjoy a moment of calm and quiet with us. In this AnimalWised article we will explain 3 relaxation...

Introducing our dog to friends and family is something that every owner should be able to do, however, some dogs can show insecurity and even fear when they approach unknown people and even people they have previously seen. If this is your case, it will be important to consider going to a specialist...

Cats are animals that love to hide, especially in boxes, although they do not always do it for fun or in search of tranquility. There are some situations that will annoy your cat, even causing them stress, such as the arrival of strangers in your home. Knowing why cats hide when people visit will not...

Getting rid of your dog's fear of fireworks is not always going to be possible. When we talk about traumas or fears, performing a systematic desensitization process with a professional can be very effective. But when we talk about phobias, the process can be lengthy and may even be impossible to treat....

It is no secret that cats are very neat animals, they do not only keep themselves spic and span but they also like to keep the places where they spend time tidy, such as their beds, litter boxes, feeders and other areas of the house. With this in mind, at AnimalWised we know that when a cat decides...

If you have witnessed your dog eat feces, you should know they are exposing themselves to various health problems that can encourage the appearance of bacteria or parasites in the gut, among many other problems. It is not only a problem that we find disgusting, it can also have serious consequences to our dog's...

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...

Anyone who shares their life with a cat will have experienced the following scenario. You are quietly doing something and suddenly your feline has pulled down what you left on the table. You ask yourself: Why do cats throw things to the ground? Is it simply to annoy us? Do they want our attention? In...

Many people wonder why their pets eat when they are with family, but as soon as their humans leave, they stop. What happens in the minds of dogs and why do some lose their appetite? This is not an abnormal behavior. It's probably more common than most believe. Remember that feeding is the basis of...

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...