Behavior

Are you ready for a new dog?

Adopting a new pet requires a daily investment of your time, energy and patience. Careful consideration should be given when selecting the new member of your family as the commitment could last ten years or more. Here are some things to consider when choosing a new dog:

Breed

What breed best fits with your lifestyle and personality? If the dog will be around children, make sure the dog will be a good match. If you are on the go a lot, size may be a consideration for you as well as how much living space and exercise the dog will require.

How to deal with dogs that are aggressive towards people

Dogs bite for many reasons. Some snap out of fear. Some may bite if they are in pain. Others may nip if anyone gets too close when they are eating. But whether a dog has bitten a family member or a stranger, out of fear or dominance, the problem is serious. If your dog fits one of the following behavioral profiles, it is recommended that you seek professional help.

How to deal with dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs

Your dog isn't going to like every dog he meets - and this is perfectly normal canine behavior. But if he's regularly biting or picking fights with other dogs, you've got a problem on your hands.

Curing problem dog barking

 Dogs bark for many reasons including to get their owner's attention. If your dog barks continuously when he's left alone, he's perhaps telling you - and the whole world - that he's bored, anxious, or frustrated. By providing appropriate outlets for his physical and emotional needs, you'll end up with a quieter house and a happier dog.

So your dog's a begger

It's dinnertime, and your dog's eyes may as well be glued to your plate. So, why not slip him a snack? It couldn't possibly do any harm, could it? Unfortunately, that one little transaction could be the start of something big. You may wind up with a dog that begs at every meal and won't give up until you give in.

Curing car chasing in your dog

Because canines are natural predators, many pets love the thrill of the chase. Unfortunately, cars, minivans and bicycles aren't exactly traditional prey items for canines. Your dog could easily get injured should he attempt to pursue a passing vehicle.

Destructive chewing and your dog

You like your new shoes, and so does your dog. But he doesn't want to wear them, he wants to chew them! Not only can your companion canine's destructive behavior be an expensive problem, it can mean that he is bored, anxious or teething.

Your dog keeps digging up trouble

Some dogs dig holes to bury their bones. Some dogs dig cool pits to lie in when it's hot outside. Many dogs dig because they're bored or frustrated when left alone.

Turn canine digging into exercise

Digging is an engaging activity that calls for concentration and dexterity, and it comes naturally for many canines. But when your dog has done his own kind of cultivating in your flowerbeds, or if he's working on an escape route under the fence, it's time to put a lid on this backyard destruction – and help channel your pet's anxiety elsewhere.

Dogs who eat feces

It's probably the most unpleasant behavior a dog can adopt. No, not howling, or inappropriate chewing, or even house-soiling. It's called coprophagia, and it is the technical term for the act of eating feces. No matter how many times you remind yourself that many dogs suffer from this problem at some point in their lives, nothing prepares you for discovering your dog in the midst of this nauseating behavior. Rest assured, though, there is hope for dogs who succumb to this age-old habit. The key is determining why your dog is doing it.

Introducing your dog to a new baby

Congratulations, you're going to have a baby! Not only must you prepare your home for the new arrival, it's essential that you prepare your dog for the many changes that a new family member will bring.

Dogs and mounting behavior

You know the scenario. The doorbell rings, and your dog instantly becomes overwhelmed with excitement. As you greet your guest, your dog grapples hold of his or her leg and begins thrusting his pelvis determinedly. For a moment both you and your guest look away, hoping that the gesture will be a fleeting one and that you won't have to acknowledge it. As it becomes apparent that your attempt at ignoring the display is fruitless, you both smile - perhaps even giggle - as you try to free the unwilling participant's appendage.

When dog scratching becomes a problem

Does your dog frantically scratch and chew on his skin? Are his nails wrecking havoc on your hardwood floors? Or perhaps he's unintentionally scratched your children in an innocent game of fetch-the-tennis ball. If any of these scenarios sounds familiar, your beloved Spot is a problem scratcher--and you're probably itching to find a solution.

Dealing with aggressive cats

What makes the world go round for cats? Territory. In the wild, cats are solitary hunters, and may cover great distances in pursuit of prey. Fights may ensue when one animal crosses another's territorial boundaries.

Cats aggressive towards people

Felines are born to hunt. Their quick reflexes and sharp claws and teeth are made for catching and tearing prey, not for biting and scratching their human caretakers. There are several reasons that a cat may show aggression toward people. Although most pets generally do not cause serious damage, it will help to understand what's behind the inappropriate behavior.

Reading your cat's body language

Your cat may not speak your language, but she has many ways of letting you know how she feels. For example, when she greets you with a purr at the door and rubs her head against yours, you know she is glad to see you. Following are some clues you can use to interpret other common feline body postures.

Cats and plants

If cats are carnivores, then why do they seem to so enjoy the "greener" side of life? Scientists don't all agree on why companion felines seek out and eat plants and grass; some say it aids digestion, for example, while others maintain they simply like the taste. Whatever the reason, it does seem to be a common feline pastime. A study conducted by Cornell University's Animal Behavior Clinic found that 36 percent of 122 cats were found to snack on houseplants.

Harness training your cat

Dogs aren't the only companion animals to head for the door when the leash comes out. Although it's easiest to harness-train cats when they are young, with patience and persistence, some adult felines can be acclimated, too. If you think that your pet might enjoy experiencing new sights and sounds on a supervised stroll, here are some tips to help get you started.

Cat litter box woes

If she's a typical domestic feline, your cat is the picture of cleanliness, and has always understood the where's, when's and how's of using a litter box. Lately, though, it seems she's been deliberately missing her target. To get out of this mess, you'll need to investigate the reasons for her soiling.

Cats and purring

No one knows for sure why cats purr. Many people believe that cats make this unique noise as a sign of contentment, and this may certainly be the case. Many cats purr when their owners pet them. They also purr during other moments, though when they feel anxious or when they have been injured, for instance. Certain scientists have even suggested that the low sound frequency of a cat's purring (within the range of 100 Hertz), can stimulate the growth and healing of bones and body tissue.

Is your cat scratching your furniture?

Animal behaviorists believe that cats inherently need to scratch-both to keep their nails in tip-top shape and to mark their territory. No problem there " until your cat decides to do what comes naturally by using your couch as his own personal scratching post. With patience and persistence, you can rechannel this inappropriate behavior and save your furniture.

Cat spraying & territorial marking

A new cat has recently moved into the apartment next to yours, and your resident feline seems to be heralding the newcomer in his own way. You've caught him standing near the front door, posed with his tail straight up in the air as he sends a stream of strong-smelling urine down the wall and into the carpet. What gives? Your cat is exhibiting a very common feline behavior known as spraying.

Adding another cat

Are two cats better than one? While some cats prefer to be the only feline in the household, many cats thrive amongst their own kind. If you're thinking of getting a companion for your resident cat, careful planning can increase your chances of creating a peaceable kingdom.

Separation anxiety in dogs

Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition where the dog experiences moderate to severe anxiety over the departure of its owner.  Although it can be seen in any breed of dog, it is most common in young, intelligent, working breed dogs such as the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie.

Separation anxiety in dogs

Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition where the dog experiences moderate to severe anxiety over the departure of its owner.  Although it can be seen in any breed of dog, it is most common in young, intelligent, working breed dogs such as the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie.

Solving your dog's house soiling behavior

Your perfectly housetrained pooch has suddenly lost his manners, or perhaps he uses them sporadically. There are various reasons why dogs sometimes do their business in inappropriate places. The trick is to determine what's causing these lapses. Only then can you implement an effective solution to the problem.

Bird behavior problems