Dogs - Behaviour

Aggression is the most serious and dangerous behaviour problem that dog owners may need to deal with. In order to treat the problem effectively, it is necessary to identify the type of aggression the dog displays. Some types of aggression include...

There are various reasons why taking your dog to obedience training is worthwhile. Here are some of them. 1. Closer bond with your dog Statistics show that owners with behaviourally sound pets get

As part of canine life there will many opportunities (some invited, some uninvited) for your dog to meet other dogs when they are out and about or even at home. Introducing your pet to new friends in the right way will prevent future anxiety problems.

Chewing is a very natural behaviour for dogs but when your favourite couch or pair of shoes is on the receiving end, then it maybe time to explore chew toys for your pet.

Chewing is a normal behaviour for puppies to investigate their environment. Dogs that chew may also be scavenging for food, playing, teething or satisfying a natural urge to chew and gnaw

Teaching your dog to come when called is one of the most important lessons they will ever learn. It is important to understand as with all training of pups, that teaching tricks will take time and patience.

Coprophagia is a term which refers to consumption of faeces. Yes, you read right, eating one's own poop. In dogs, while coprophagia appears to be purely behavioural, there are indeed numerous medical problems that can cause or contribute to coprophagia.

Confining your dog to a play area with their toys is akin to putting a young child in its playpen; while teaching your dog to relax and sleep in their crate or bed would be similar to putting your baby in their crib when it's time for bedtime or a nap.

For adult dogs or older puppies that have not been crate trained previously, set up the crate in the dog's feeding area with the door open for a few days. Place food, treats, and water in the crate so that the dog enters the crate on their own.

If your puppy has just recently been adopted from the breeder, kennel or pet store, crate training should be relatively easy since your puppy is likely already accustomed to sleeping in a pen or crate.

Young animals, from babies to puppies, love exploring the world by placing random objects in their mouths and sucking or chewing on them. However it can be frustrating to find that as pets like

It's important to understand why dogs love to dig. Dogs dig for several reasons including to find or bury food, to make a cool spot to lie in, for enjoyment and in some cases when they are anxious.

This article will identify some common signs of pet separation anxiety and will give you some tips on helping your pet cope.

There’s nothing worse than a dog in the grips of thunderstorm anxiety. While the amazing spectacle of loud claps, hail, heavy rain and lightning strikes can be entertaining for people, it can be

Most puppies have an unbelievable amount of energy to burn. When left to their own vices, an energetic puppy can become a very unpopular member of the family.

This article will give you some tips on providing an enriching environment for your dog.

Barking is a natural way for your dog to communicate. It could mean “I’m excited”, “I’m scared” or “watch out!”. However if your dog is barking so much that it keeps you up at night, disturbs your

There’s nothing more spectacular than a fireworks display to bring in the New Year. We know it’s a joyful experience, but for our sensitive-eared pets it’s a bit like the end of the world. Explosions

One of the more common theories is that dogs, in particular, use grass for medicinal purposes to help them vomit. Other claims include eradicating intestinal parasites, a result of a dietary deficiency or just because they enjoy the taste of it.

Dogs that soil the home continuously or intermittently from the time they were first obtained may not have been properly house-trained. Dogs that have been previously house-trained may begin to soil the home for medical reasons or behavioural reasons.

When you bring a new puppy into your home there will be a period of adjustment. Your goals are to help your puppy to quickly bond to his/her new family, and to minimise the stress associated with leaving his/her mother, litter mates, and former home.

Most dog owners have experienced that awkward moment when guests arrive and the family dog – full of love and joy – begins sniffing at the guests in all the wrong places. You’ll be relieved to know

There's nothing more wonderful than coming home to an affectionate puppy or dog. No doubt the first thing you want to do is give him/her a great big cuddle or pat as he/she jumps up to win your attention. But what will happen when your puppy grows into a 30kg Golden Retriever or a 40kg Rottweiler.

Whether you live with a high energy dog who needs lots of stimulus, or just want to keep your dog pre occupied while your at work for the day, we have a list of some great activities to keep your dog entertained.

Like many canine behaviours, the male dog is protecting his pack from intruders (specifically other canines). That's why some male dogs will start marking at the addition of a new member of the family, either the two or four legged variety.

Begging can be considered either endearing or a nuisance depending on your viewpoint and situation. If your canine is causing a nuisance at meal time here are some helpful tips on how to deal with your little beggar.

So you are about to move house and concerned about settling your pets into their new environment. Here's some handy tips on making the transition stress free and as safe as possible for your pet.

Your pup should learn it is not appropriate to bite or mouth people while he/she is young. Adult teeth in much stronger jaws can do significantly more damage; so teaching appropriate behaviour now is in everyone's best interest.

You should expose your puppy to as many of the things he/she is likely to encounter as an adult as possible. Here's how you can have peace of mind for your pet's safety and give them adequate opportunities to socialise.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common, yet most undiagnosed behavioural problems in dogs.

Puppies are at their most impressionable between 8-14 weeks old. The keys to success are supervision, consistency, patience and praise...

By nature, dogs are playful and it’s not uncommon for them to occasionally chase their tails. It can become a problem, however, when it becomes repetitive, excessive, causes injury or interrupts your

Gain your puppy's attention using our name game, then following up with sit and stay commands. Read tips on how to make your training sessions successful.

Dogs and cats are full of energy and that energy needs to go somewhere, otherwise problem behaviours may start and your pet will become more prone to health issues.

Why dogs wag their tails There’s a long-held myth that cats wag their tails when they’re angry, and dogs when they’re happy. But this isn’t always true. Dogs’ tails have a number of different

Your puppy has no choice about going to the toilet, it's the most natural thing in the world. When they first start out they have very little bladder and bowel control just like human babies and often "holding on" is not possible.

If your dog likes to kick up a bit of dirt after he/she goes to the toilet, it is completely normal. There are several philosophies as to why dogs carry out this amusing but seemingly pointless act. The most likely explanation; it provides a way for a dog to mark their territory.

Your new companion is at a very impressionable age. Learning and exposure to new experiences now will shape your pet's behaviour for life. Setting clear rules and boundaries from day one is important.

Dogs are playful by nature. It’s common for them to occasionally chase their tails, whirl wildly, suck their flank or become territorial about their toys. However, for some dogs the behaviour becomes

If your dog is showing signs of anxiety each time they visit the veterinarian then practice visits are a great way to make a trip to the vet less stressful. Depending on the level of anxiety your pet experiences, follow each of the steps below, providing rewards and praise after completing each step.

What is the reason behind that great big open mouthed grin? Dogs pant for a number of reasons, and although it is usually nothing to worry about, sometimes it can be serious. Here are some common