A dog’s intelligence is generally measured by how quickly s/he learns. But this doesn’t mean that slow learners aren’t smart. And it doesn’t mean that the more clever a dog, the better pet s/he is. The average dog understands about 165 words and signals, intelligence equal to a 2 year old child. Smarter dogs have […]
Dog Behavior
Ever wonder why your dog does the things he does? Scientists have only recently begun studying dog behavior seriously. Dog owners all know that their dogs are intelligent and can understand them pretty well. Researchers are studying how much of the anecdotal stories can be proven scientifically and whether dogs’ behavior has been modified as a result of living closely with humans. They claim that humans may misinterpret dog behavior, seeing the dog’s actions through the prism of human behavior. Understanding a dog’s behavior opens up the possibilities of modifying it or simply reacting appropriately.
Dogs Chasing Cats
Dogs love a good run and it can be so much better when they have something to run after, especially a cat. Some dogs just want to play, but others see cats as prey and if they catch them, will seriously injure or kill them. Even during play, a dog’s powerful jaws can cause unintentional […]
Boredom Busters for Dogs
We all have to leave our dogs on their own at some time or other. It’s good to have things to occupy their time and keep their attention, so they they do not turn their attention to destroying plants in the garden or digging holes, or if left in the house, the furniture. So I […]
Male Dogs and Marking
Marking territory, that’s what male dogs do. But it’s not something you want your dog to do in the house or when the two of you are out walking and he pulls you towards every tree and bush and fire hydrant and anything else on the way. And you definitely don’t want your dog to […]
Fielding Your Runaway Dog
Accidents happen and suddenly you find your dog has gotten loose and run off. You do all the things necessary to find him/her, but your dog is missing for several days or longer. Finally, your persistence pays off and you get a call that your dog has been sighted or you spot the dog yourself. […]
Help for Destructive Chewing
Dogs need to chew. It’s what they do and it’s a natural and healthy activity. However, we do prefer that our canines don’t use their canines on our favorite pair of shoes or the new sofa. Dogs chew for a number of reasons. Puppies chew because they are teething and it helps soothe the pain. […]
Trained Dog that Poops in the House
Sometimes, for what appears to be no reason, a dog that is house-trained will revert back to pooping in the house. It can happen once a day or night or more. It can be difficult to try to discover why the dog is behaving this way, but there could be one of several reasons. In […]
Canine Compulsive Disorder
Canine Compulsive Disorder or OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) in dogs is a repetitive behavior carried to the point of being abnormal and often destructive. It’s possible that the condition is hereditary. Some of the behaviors that point to CCD are continuous barking, tail-biting, spinning, digging, self-mutilation through chewing or licking, pacing, pica (eating feces, rocks […]
Feeding Your Dog Dos and Don’ts
Almost everything dogs do is related to food. Offer the dog a treat when s/he performs well and you’ve taught the dog that the behavior results in a favorite food. Dogs instinctively eat all of their food. Dogs usually will not share their food even with their best doggy pals. But dogs that are overly […]