Recent questions tagged dog behavior

Description : Would a 11 month old male Golden Retriever get more aggressive because you're in his pen?

Last Answer : Aggressive behavior towards humans and other dogs is not regarded as normal behavior for Golden Retrievers. Something is wrong with the dog.

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Last Answer : Any dog, given the opportunity will attack a guinea pig. Guinea pigs are prey animals and dogs naturally go after prey. However a dog can be taught, with patience, not to bother or to attack the ... a good idea to leave them alone together - supervise whenever the guinea pig is out of the cage.

Description : We adopted a 10-week-old puppy from the pound a couple ofweeks ago. She cries a lot. I think it's because she misses her mother. When can I fo to make her ahppy and top wining all the time>

Last Answer : First have your puppy checked at the vet to make sure the cause is not medical. Then put your pup on a regular routine. When it's time for nap or bed, use a crate suitable for her size and keep ... for her size and age. A tired pup will only be too happy to fall right to sleep without any comments.

Description : Lately my do is showing signs of food aggression. When I try to take away his dish, he growls. I don't think that he would do anything to me, but I really don't like it. What can I do to get him to stop?

Last Answer : First, teach your dog the down/stay position. When he does that well, prepare his food and place it down. Wait a moment and release him to eat. You can also try hand feeding him his ... If food aggression continues, see an animal behaviorist. Read our article "Fixing Food Aggression" for more tips.

Description : I have two small dogs, and I am thinking about getting a third dog. This time, I'd like to get a larger breed. Can I get a large dog, like a German Shepherd, when I have smaller dogs, like maltipoos.

Last Answer : The size of a dog really doesn't make much difference unless they are fighting. Of course in that case the larger dog may have the advantage and could inflict serious damage to the smaller ... The important thing is to introduce them properly. Please read our article about bringing another dog home.

Description : I have a labrador retriever. I've heard that they love water. Why is mine afraid? He hates baths and doesn't go near the water when we go to lake.

Last Answer : Most labradors do love water, but every dog is different. It's possible that your dog had a bad experience with water - a near drowning or having water thrown or sprayed on him as a ... , dogs can develop fears for no apparent reasons. With patience and gentle training, fears can be overcome.

Description : Every time I take my shoes off, my dog comes to lick my feet. What's up with that?

Last Answer : Licking is one form of a dog's communication. Your dog may be licking your feet to show love and respect for you as his leader. Your dog could be trying to assess your mood by "tasting" your smell. He could be helping by cleaning your feet. Or he could just like the salty taste of your feet.

Description : My dog tries to hump other male dogs.Is this normal dog behavior? Is he gay?

Last Answer : When your dog mounts another dog of the same sex, it can be a show of dominance or excitement over something else happening. Animals engage in sex and procreate only with members of their opposite sex. But the debate continues and we will only know for sure when they can speak to us in our language.

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Last Answer : A dog's version of kissing is licking and they lick for a number of reasons. Females lick their pups to start them breathing and clean them. All dogs lick to clean themselves. Dogs lick their lips when ... , and love is one of those emotions, I really believe they are kissing us when they lick us.

Description : My neighbors have a very sweet dog. The one thing that I really can't stand about her is that she barks all night. What can I do to get her to stop?

Last Answer : First try talking calmly and respectfully to your neighbor about the barking. If you're not on friendly terms, write a friendly note and leave it at their door. You can suggest that you would ... them to contact your neighbor. Don't discuss the barking with other neighbors to avoid more problems.

Description : When I take my dog for a walk, the loose dogs in the neighborhood sometimes come out. They scare me. Is there anything that I can do to make the walk safe for me and my dog?

Last Answer : Train your dog to concentrate on you and your commands. Keep calm because your dog will know if you are tense or worried. You can carry a walk stick with you. Most of the time the sight ... control and report the loose dogs, giving as much information as to location and description of the dogs.

Description : When someone says the term “dog days of summer,” what does it mean?

Last Answer : The dog in the phrase comes from the ancient Egyptians who named the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, after the god Osiris whose head was similar to a dog's. The Egyptians believed that the ... Nile River to flood. And so it was passed down generations to mean the very hot days in summer.

Description : We recently adopted a beagle. He's very cute, but he's also very loud. He howls all night and seems to sleep most of the day. There is nothing out there. How can we get him to keep it down?

Last Answer : Howling is sometimes in response to high-pitched sounds or sounds that you cannot hear. It's also a form of communication. Some dogs howl when they are stressed or in pain. First take your dog ... to consult with an animal behaviorist. Be patient, it could take time to change his unwanted behavior.

Description : We are about to have a new addition to the family. My dog has been the baby for years. What can I do to prepare my dog so that my dog will accept my baby after he's born.

Last Answer : Play videos of babies that include the sounds they make. Invite people with babies to visit. Let your dog explore the baby's room. Train your dog the way you want him/her to behave around the ... pets view the new baby as one to protect and love. Congratulations and best wishes on the coming event.

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Last Answer : Mama dogs eat their pups' poop to keep the area they live in clean. The smell can also attract predators which is another reason mama cleans up. She also licks her pups' bottoms to help stimulate them to defecate and urinate. This is normal behavior. It stops once the puppies are weaned.

Description : Ever since we adopted our pup from the shelter and he follows me wherever I go. Even when I go to the bathroom, he sits outside the door and waits for me to get out. Is this normal behavior?

Last Answer : It sounds as though your dog may have some separation anxiety issues. Having been adopted from a shelter, he feels the need to be close to you so that you won't leave him. Of course, all dogs love to ... take some time for him to realize he's in his forever home and that you will not abandon him.

Description : Whenever my dog lies down on the carpet, she starts licking it, Is it safe? How can I get her to stop?

Last Answer : Licking is a natural behavior in dogs whether they are grooming themselves or trying to get to something they consider tasty. Some dogs habitually lick something like the carpet. Check and see if there's ... your dog for unwanted behavior as it will only increase stress and make her fearful of you .

Description : The couch pillows are a real mess and I've had to change them. What can I do to get my dog to stop eating the couch while I'm away at work?

Last Answer : It sounds like your dog may be experiencing separation anxiety. You can acclimate her to your leaving by stepping out for a few minutes, lengthening the time gradually each time you go out. Try ... the pillows and try not to leave anything chewable around the house. Hopefully, these tips will help.

Description : When I take my dog for a walk, he seems to pee 20 times. He gives a sniff and then pees on practically everything. He's fine in the house and never has accidents. Should I be concerned? Is what he's doing normal?

Last Answer : Dogs seem to have an endless stream of urine when out walking. If the color is normal and the dog is healthy otherwise, I wouldn't be concerned. Dogs want to leave their scent in lots of ... territory, letting everyone else know they were there or covering the scent of another dog with their own.

Description : My pitbull mix is a kisser and loves to lick me. Is this okay?

Last Answer : If you don't mind your dog licking you, it's okay. Just keep in mind where his/her mouth was last. It's always a good idea to wash the licked area afterwards, especially around the mouth area.

Description : The dog is a sweet do. He runs all over the neighborhood. I'm afraid for his safety. Is there anything that I can do to get his owners to keep him safe?

Last Answer : We all have neighbors like that. You can try talking to them reasonably. If that doesn't work perhaps a warning from animal control. Read Dealing with Bad Pet Neighbors for more ideas.

Description : I try as hard as I might to treat my animals fairly. I don't want to spoil any of my furbabies! When I give the dogs their treats, I give them both the same thing. It's not a problem when the ... find them with the one sneaky dog. Is there anything that I can do to make him stop stealing the bones?

Last Answer : Frankly, I stopped giving my dogs treats that will take a long time to consume. One suggestion would be to limit the amount of time they can chew on their bones and keeping them separate. To learn more about the best way to feed your pets, try reading Feeding Your Dog Dos and Don'ts.