Praise can be a highly effective way to motivate certain behaviors in your dog. Research shows that both humans and dogs are inspired to learn new skills when they receive a positive affirmation for their efforts. Praise can be given in more ways than simply verbal cues such as “Good boy!” or “Yes!” Other ways to express praise for your dog include a walk in your dog’s favorite locale, a rousing game of fetch in the backyard, a trip in the car to get an ice cream at McDonalds, or even just a new toy or bone to enjoy. If you’re looking to train your dog using praise only, what are the best ways to do it?

When is the Best Time to Use Praise in Training My Dog?

Though dogs don’t typically understand everything we say, they can, over time, learn to associate a word with a specific response or action. If you tell your dog he’s a good boy in an excited voice, your dog will soon come to learn from your vocal inflection and your facial expression that the words “good boy” mean that you are pleased. When a dog does something that pleases you, chances are he will repeat the behavior in the future hoping for the same response. With this in mind, there is no question that verbal praise is an especially effective tool in the training process with your dog.

However, when it comes to using praise with your dog, timing is key. If you want your dog to associate a certain word with a certain response, it is important that your praise immediately follow the desired action. By delaying the words of praise too long, your dog can become confused as to the message you are trying to convey, and the learning process can be disrupted. This concept also works with rewards in the form of treats. If you ask your dog for a sit and he responds by following through with the commanded action, you should immediately reward him for his acknowledgement of your request with the cue word or treat. The connection is then formed between the given response and the offered reward, a key component to your dog’s learning and the development of new and improved habits.

What Do I Do if My Dog Does Not Give the Desired Response During Training?

One of the most important fundamentals of dog training is to not reward any behavior that is less than what you have asked for. If you ask your dog to sit and instead he continues to stand and look up at you with puppy dog eyes, it is important that you not give him a treat or a word of praise no matter how cute he may look. Rewarding actions you don’t want to see again teaches the dog that disobeying you will not only be tolerated; it will also be rewarded.

One of the most common mistakes in dog training is inadvertently encouraging behaviors you don’t want to see again in your dog. The ideal example is this: your dog is jumping up and pawing at your leg to get your attention, and you choose to pick him up. You may have picked the dog up to stop a behavior you find annoying or unpleasant, but in your dog’s eyes, you have given him what he wants. This simple reinforcement will teach your dog that if this behavior is repeated in the future, he will be picked up again, and just like that a bad habit is formed. If your dog exhibits a behavior you’d rather he not, the best solution to this problem is to give your dog no reaction at all. When your dog learns that a specific behavior yields no response from you, he will gradually stop doing it altogether.

What Does the Science Say?

A recent study in the pet-related publication Behavioral Processes revealed that verbal praise has less of a lasting impact on a dog than physical touch. The study was conducted on a broad control group which included dogs from various backgrounds including shelters, dogs accompanied by people they don’t know, and dogs accompanied by their families. In nearly every single instance, the dog being evaluated strongly preferred being touched via a head or bum scratch to a cue term such as “Good boy!” or “Yes!” Thankfully, praise doesn’t have to be verbal to be effective when it comes to training. If your dog responds better to a hug, a kiss, or a belly rub for a job well done, then that’s the right tool for you!

Interestingly, another fact gleaned from the study is that the best motivation for learning for most dogs is food. Physical touch and food were both preferred to verbal praise by most of the dogs; however, food, by far, was the #1 choice of the control group.

Can the Use of Praise Help Me Change My Dog’s Behavior?

If your dog has some habits that you’d like to break him of, the judicious use of praise can definitely help you get the job done. Though food is often the tool of choice when training a dog to replace an undesirable behavior with a preferred one, praise can also be useful to achieve the desired outcome, and thankfully, it’s calorie-free.

To use praise to its best advantage, it is a good idea to carefully observe your dog, making note to use words of praise in an upbeat, happy voice when you discover him engaging in the behavior you wish to see repeated. Using this method, you can help your dog learn everything from the ideal place to potty to not jumping up on you and ceasing to bark when asked to do so. The more frequently you find things to praise your dog for, the better the results you will see. 

Here is a list of some praiseworthy things you can reward your dog for:

• Making a good choice such as resisting the urge to bark at the mailman
• Pottying outside
• Not pulling on a walk
• Sitting quietly by your side during a conversation with a behavior
• Waiting politely at the door
• Obeying a command

It is equally as important to praise things your dog chooses not to do such as being a pest to other family members or pets, barking, or jumping. When your dog willingly decides not to chase the family cat or considers chomping on your shoes then thinks better of it, it is a good idea to happily praise your dog for making the right decision.

Is There a Right “Way” to Verbally Praise Your Dog?

It is not necessary to use an exaggerated tone of voice to praise your dog. If you plan to be generous with your praise to help your dog learn what you expect from him, you will want to keep your voice upbeat but not overly excitable and deliver your praise with gentle pat or head scratch and a smile. Save your over the top praise for when your dog has done something truly extraordinary. Then you can pull out all the stops and celebrate!

By simply increasing the number of times you praise a dog within the day, you will reap great rewards. Your dog will begin to actively commit to the behaviors you are looking for in him, and your bond will be strengthened as you go through this process together. For best results, be sure to sprinkle some treats in with your training and a belly rub or two will also go a long way to helping your dog learn that training times can be lots of fun and rewarding too!

If you’ve ever seen your dog cock his head to one side, you know how completely adorable it is. Though this is definitely one canine trait owners find quite cute, it’s not uncommon to wonder if there is a specific reason why your dog engages in this behavior. Is it to help him hear a little better or a response to your emotions that shows your dog cares? Could it be a sign of vestibular disease in your dog? There are many different reasons why your dog might be tilting his head, and without the ability to ask him yourself, it might be one of those things where you’ll just never know with 100% certainty.

In this article, we’ll focus on the top 5 reasons behind why dogs choose to tilt their heads.

1. A display of emotion

If your dog seems to be paying extra attention to you or is clingy when you are feeling blue, this is not an uncommon phenomenon. Our dogs are quite in tune with our emotions, intuitively sensing when we are feeling low.

If you happen to notice your dog is tilting his head from side to side when you are having an “off” day, this can be attributed to a couple of things. Your dog may be carefully examining your face for signs as to how you are doing emotionally. Or alternatively, your dog may be mimicking you. Head tilting done in this context is a dog’s way of communicating with you, a subtle body language that is unique to the dog, and hopefully, understood by you, his owner.

2. An improvement in hearing

It is entirely possible that your dog’s head tilts are simply a way for him to pick up sounds better. When a dog cocks his head, his ears often become erect, a condition that helps conduct sound more efficiently. It could be your dog tilts his head to try to identify an unusual noise or to better hear the sounds found within his environment.

Because our dogs possess a very acute sense of hearing, they are able to detect frequencies that are both higher and lower than what we ourselves can identify. However, to narrow in on a specific sound, sometimes a dog will need to concentrate very carefully and position his ears in the direction of the sound to identify what it is. Because of this, it is quite plausible that your dog might be tilting his head to improve his hearing capabilities.

If you see your dog cocking his head from side to side more frequently, it may be that your dog is starting to lose his hearing. For best results, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a full examination. If required, your vet can refer you to a canine hearing specialist who can further assess the extent of the problem and provide a recommended mode of treatment.

3. An improvement in vision

Just as some dogs cock their heads to more acutely determine the origin or identity of a sound, so too do some dogs do this to improve their vision. When this occurs, it is most often a result of the dog’s unique anatomical construction. Dogs that have long snouts may not have the same visual trajectory as shorter-nosed breeds, and thus, tipping their heads can allow them to see a wider field of vision.

4. A sign of focused listening

A group known as Animal Condition recently conducted a study during which it was determined that some dogs comprehend certain words and will acknowledge recognized terms with a tilt of the head. The dogs in the control group were categorized into two different groups with dogs exhibiting the head tilt considered to be “Gifted.”

5. A medical issue

In some cases, dogs can develop age-related issues that can impact your dog’s motor skills and sense of coordination. When a dog begins to exhibit difficulty maintaining balance, it is possible that the dog may be suffering from a condition known as vestibular disease. If your dog is cocking his head without any apparent cause, it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian for a full assessment to discuss what the cause of this behavior might be.

Vestibular disease is a medical condition affecting balance. The most commonly seen symptoms of this problem include falling, head tilting, vomiting, and repeated circling. When the vestibular system fails to make the appropriate connections with the brain, coordination and balance are impacted, leading to issues like involuntary cocking of the head.

Should I Be Concerned About My Dog’s Head Tilting?

Most often, head tilting in dogs is not a cause for concern. For many dogs, it is a learned behavior. If you express pleasure whenever your dog cocks his head, your dog may continue to exhibit it simply because it makes you smile. If you want to this behavior to continue, all you need to do is encourage it through praise. However, if head tilting is a habit you wish to discourage, it is best that you ignore it whenever your dog offers it to you.

If head cocking is a new activity for your dog, it’s important that you thoroughly investigate why your dog has begun doing this. Since a medical cause may be at play, it is always a good idea to schedule an appointment for a veterinary examination to rule out any health conditions that may require treatment.

Why do dogs tilt their heads? From trying to gain a better vantage point from which to see or hear things to medical problems like vestibular disease and even simply an acknowledgement of your emotions, there are lots of possible reasons why your dog may choose to engage in this behavior. But perhaps the simplest solution of all is this: your dog cocks his head to one side because it makes you happy when he does it!

Every dog owner takes pleasure in seeing their dog eat their meals with hearty gusto. If you’re headed out for a day of shopping or to work, you likely fill up your dog’s bowl to ensure he has access to adequate nutrition during your absence. However, it’s not uncommon for many owners to come home to discover that the provided dfood has been untouched all day. If this is a scenario you’ve seen in your home as well, you might be wondering—why won’t my dog eat until I get home?

There are several reasons that might explain why your dog doesn’t want to eat until you’re home and settled in for the night. These include:

• Separation anxiety
• Social eating
• Habit

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a condition where a dog becomes so distressed when separated from his owner that he is unable to function normally. The symptoms of separation anxiety range in intensity with some of them being very extreme. Loss of appetite is not uncommon in dogs that suffer from separation anxiety.

When a dog experiences separation anxiety, other signs may be evident. Among the symptoms of separation anxiety are:

• Howling
• Barking
• Chewing
• Urinating or defecating in the house
• Destructive behavior
• Excessive “grooming” or licking of paws, feet, or legs
• Inability to eat or drink

If your dog is refusing to eat his meals in your absence because he is suffering from separation anxiety, there are some things you can do to help him. These include: 

• Taking your dog for a vigorous walk before you head out for the day.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety when you must be away, it’s a good idea to try to tire him out before you leave. A vigorous walk will help your dog to expend his energies in a positive way, particularly if it involves visiting places that allow him to use his nose as well. If you take the time to exercise your dog in advance of your absence, chances are he’ll be tired enough that he’ll easily settle into a good snooze and spend his alone time quite peacefully.

• Providing fun toys for a distraction

One of the best things you can do to help your dog see time apart from you in a more positive light is to provide him with a wide selection of high value toys to enjoy. For best results, purchase toys in different sizes, colors, fabrics, and styles to keep your dog’s interest level at an all-time high. By engaging your dog’s mind with a toy that he finds stimulating, you are giving him a pleasant distraction to focus on during your absence. For maximum effect, reserve the toys your dog likes the best for him to play with only when you are not at home. This can help your dog to start viewing your time away from the house in a more favorable light since it means an opportunity to play with some of his very favorite things.

• Downplaying “leaving” time and your return

If you make a big deal every time you need to leave for an outing, it will naturally heighten your dog’s anxiety. Keep your leaving and your returns calm affairs by removing all emotion from your outings. Some experts recommend speaking to your dog in a calm voice, informing him that you’ll be right back before you head out for the day. Downplaying your return home will also help to remove some of the emotion from a time that can cause your dog a lot of anxiety and stress.

Some dogs suffering from separation anxiety struggle because they are deeply bonded to one member of the family and are deeply upset when that person is absent. Other dogs simply dislike being alone and would be much more at ease if accompanied by another family member or even another household pet. If your dog refuses to eat only when you are gone, chances are your dog is overly bonded to you, and adding a new canine or feline companion to your house will not resolve the issue. For dogs with severe separation anxiety, it is best to consult with a professional behavior modification specialist for assistance.

Are Some Dogs Just “Social Eaters?”

The modern dog traces his roots to the wolf. It is a normal occurrence for wolves to eat as a family unit, meaning that yes, for our dogs, there is a certain social component to eating. Not only do wolves typically eat as a pack, they also care for one another by hunting and sharing food with other members of the pack family. The member of the pack designated as the leader or the “alpha” is given the privilege of consuming his or her meal before the others in the pack as a sign of respect.

The modern dog is a very different animal, having been domesticated since its early days in the wild. However, in spite of the modern canine’s new status as a family companion, the dog still retains many of his original instincts, including a desire to eat with those who he has designated as other members of his pack. For families that only have one dog in their home, it is not uncommon for the dog to want to eat at the same time the rest of the family does. From the dog’s perspective, eating is a reason for celebration, and greater enjoyment is derived from eating with companions to join in the fun. For dogs who view eating as a social pleasure, they find it difficult to eat until all of the guests invited to the eating party are gathered together. This could be the reason your dog won’t eat until you are home.

If your dog is a social eater, there are things you can do to help him move past this. Begin by feeding your dog in a separate room from you and the rest of the family. Just as you place his food on the floor, add an exceptionally tasty topper like beef liver, bone broth, or chopped up meat to your dog’s dish to encourage him to investigate and eat heartily. By teaching your dog that you leaving the room is connected to him getting an added “bonus” on top of his favorite food, you can help him to learn that eating by himself can be a very good thing indeed.

Could My Dog Only Eating When I’m Home Be a Learned Behavior?

In some cases, dogs have picked up the habit of only eating when their owner is in the home. This may be an intended association that is retained from puppyhood when the dog’s meals were presented and eaten while the breeder/owner supervised his eating. If this is a habit you continued when your dog joined your family, it may be your dog has come to associate eating only happening when you are there to observe. If you watch your dog eating his meals on a regular basis and praise him while he eats, your dog may start to crave this approval and may refuse to consume his food until you can be there to provide the support he has come to desire.

If your dog has established this pattern, the first step you should take is not providing any encouragement or praise to motivate the dog to eat. Simply place the food on the floor and retreat to another area of your home. If your dog is reluctant to eat, you can provide some enticement through the addition of a tasty treat or small amount of chopped up meat. By building the association of something positive happening at mealtime when you are not present, the dog will become more interested in consuming his meals when alone.

Why won’t my dog eat til I get home? There are a number of different things that could be to blame from separation anxiety to a preference for social eating to a learned habit. Follow our top tips to help your dog learn that eating can be fun both in your company and solo!

When it comes to dog training, there are many different approaches. Taking the time to understand the different methodologies is very important to ensure you select the right type of training for you and your pooch. As with people, each dog learns in his own unique way, and thus, what may work for one, may not work for another. In addition to this, learning rarely proceeds in a linear fashion, meaning setbacks will occur on the road to teaching your dog some new and improved canine skills. Finding the right system to teach your dog some tricks can take some time. What are the types of dog training, and which one is best for my dog?

What are the Theories Behind How Dogs Learn?

There are two different learning theories that form the basis of most effective dog training programs. Each training system bases its methods on one or the other of these theories. They are as follows:

• Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning is the theory developed by Dr. Pavlov after years of intensive work training his dogs. A physiologist by profession, Dr. Pavlov started his studies in dog behavior by observing how his dogs would respond to the ringing of a bell with the presentation of dinner each day. Over time, Dr. Pavlov’s dogs began to equate the sound of the bell ringing to the time they would receive their meals. With repeated practice, all it took was the ringing of this bell for the dogs to begin to salivate as they had come to associate the bell with the appearance of food.

Through repeated efforts over a sufficient period of time, Dr. Pavlov was able to teach his dogs a specific response to an external stimulus. The bell was of no significance to the dogs until Dr. Pavlov helped them to associate the sound with the giving of food. The reinforcement of this connection ensured that ringing bells would always yield a reaction from the dogs.

This initial exercise lays the foundation for the concept of classical conditioning. Classical conditioning makes use of an external cue which could be a smell, sound, or sight to elicit a response in a dog based purely on the interaction with the cue.

There are several examples of classical conditioning that we can identify with today. Survivors of traumatic incidents often suffer from PTSD, and classical conditioning is seen to be at work when a loud noise triggers feelings of anxiety and intense panic in them. In the dog realm, many dogs learn to associate the sound of a doorbell with company, or you putting on your shoes with the opportunity for a walk.

• Operant Conditioning

Classical conditioning bases its premise on teaching a dog to have an involuntary reaction to a produced stimulus when exposed to it over time. Operant conditioning instead gives a dog choices to make with each choice having a corresponding outcome for the animal. It is based on four distinct quadrants that are employed to help the dog learn to make decisions that lead to desirable outcomes. 

What are the Four Quadrants of Operant Conditioning?

The four quadrants of operant conditioning are as follows:

• Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a method by which a dog is given a reward when exhibiting a desired behavior or trait. This reward could be a treat, praise, or even an activity or toy. Positive reinforcement can be as simple as switching something the dog has that you don’t want him to have for something that dog finds more desirable, a concept known as trading up.

Experts agree that most dogs respond very well to positive reinforcement, and that this particular type of training is exceptionally effective. Today, positive reinforcement, by far, is the most highly recommended technique for helping dogs to learn more appropriate social behaviors, cues, tricks, and skills.

For positive reinforcement to work its most effectively, you will need to be sure to only reward the behaviors you want to see and disregard the things you want to change. The theory is that over time the dog will naturally gravitate towards behaviors that yield a reward and release actions that are ignored or unwanted.

• Negative Punishment

Negative punishment is the opposite of positive reinforcement. Instead of giving something the dog wants when a desired behavior is exhibited as with positive reinforcement, negative punishment takes something the dog values away for an unwanted response. This quadrant is often misunderstood because we naturally equate the word punishment with hitting, yelling, scolding, or even violence. Negative punishment does not involve anything other than removing something the dog values when an undesirable action is displayed.

Though positive reinforcement is the best teaching tool, negative punishment is the second most effective method for teaching appropriate behavior to dogs. Among the negative punishment scenarios you may recognize are leaving the room if your dog barks at you or attempts to nip at your hands, turning away from your dog if he jumps up on you, or discontinuing playtime if your dog is too exuberant or rude to other dogs.

Though the word punishment is included in this quadrant, the desired result isn’t to cause harm. You are trying to teach your dog that a different behavior might yield a better, and more desirable, result.

• Positive Punishment

Positive punishment sounds like a contradiction in terms and is the quadrant that often is the most difficult for people to understand. With positive punishment, physical pressure or force is exerted when an undesirable action is seen. The word positive, in this case, means you are adding a consequence or unwanted behavior that teaches your dog what you do not want to see repeated in the future.

An analogy from the world of mathematics can help this training concept to become clearer. With negative punishment, you remove something from the dog that the dog wants. Positive punishment does the exact opposite; it adds something the dog finds painful, unwanted, or unpleasant. There are several different examples of this quadrant’s methodology. They include shock collars, hitting, chain or prong collars, yelling, slamming down cans filled with rocks or coins, spraying a dog with water, and alpha rolls.

Positive punishment is off-putting to most owners and most professional dog trainers as well. It is not considered to be an effective method for training and can have the opposite effect, potentially leading to further and worse behavior problems down the road. Positive punishment can leave a lasting negative imprint on your dog and may even cause irreparable damage to your bond.

When compared to other methods of training, positive punishment has caused such problems in dogs as increased aggression, physical injuries, and heightened stress levels.

• Negative Reinforcement

The final quadrant of operant conditioning is negative reinforcement. The principle of negative reinforcement is to apply a consequence the dog dislikes until the desired behavior is seen then the painful or unpleasant punishment is ceased. As with positive punishment, negative reinforcement is not an effective training method and can leaving lasting and even more undesirable effects on your dog. It is not uncommon for dogs trained using negative reinforcement to become shut down and very fearful. What some people may see as calm, quiet behavior is actually complete terror.

A few examples of this type of training method are pinning a dog until the undesirable behavior stops and repeatedly shocking a dog until the dog ceases the negative action or returns home.

What are the Most Popular Types of Dog Training Today?

When it comes to training your dog the things you want him to know, you have lots of options from which you can choose. Many owners prefer to try the 100% positive route by using no force and relying solely on rewards-based methods such as toys, treats, and praise. Others base their training program largely on positive reinforcement methods with a sprinkling of negative reinforcement mixed in as well when warranted. Though not as commonly seen today, some owners utilize all four quadrants proposed by operant conditioning.

If you’re trying to decide on the right training program for your dog, here is a list of the most popular methods today:

Alpha Dog Training

The premise of alpha dog training is helping your dog to understand where he sits in the hierarchy of your home. It is based on pack theory and is taught through the frequent use of positive punishment. Among the techniques used to teach the dog to submit to the “alpha” (normally, you) are “corrections” like the alpha roll, shock collars, or vibrating collars.

The foundation of alpha dog training is the establishing of rules for your household that the dog is then required to obey. While positive punishment is the primary tool used in this style of training, some trainers opt to blend in some positive rewards as well, referring to their training program as “balanced training.”

This type of dog training traces its roots to outdated observations of pack tendencies amongst wolves as detailed in an essay written by Rudolph Schenkel in 1947. The term alpha wolf was derived from a book by biologist L. David Mech who devoted a lot of his career to the study of wildlife.

After years of careful consideration, it has been declared that Schenkel’s findings are not completely accurate, and thus, should not be used as the basis of a training system for dogs. Since the paper’s publishing in 1947, scientists have discovered a few key things. Firstly, the study involved only wolves in captivity and not the wolf in his natural habitat. It has been revealed that wild wolves like to gather in families. The so-called alpha wolves make the rules simply because they are the oldest, and therefore the most experienced, in the family grouping. Competition for rank does not occur in this dynamic.

In addition to this, Dr. Mech, the man credited with coining the phrase “alpha wolf,” has since expressed regret that his findings are still being discovered and circulated. He has shared that though dogs and wolves belong to the same species, they differ in several key areas: behaviorally, socially, and genetically.

Alpha dog training relies on the concept of dominance. When dominance is exerted over a dog, the dog quickly becomes fearful and trust is broken. This causes the relationship between the dog and his owner to be degraded and may lead to future instances of aggression in the dog.

Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement goes by several different names including rewards-based training, R+ training, or force-free training. This type of training system is entirely reliant on the use of positive reinforcement, basing its techniques on such items as praise, treats, toys, and beloved activities in response to the offering of desired responses.

When training using positive reinforcement, it is a good idea to use a word or sound as a marker to communicate to the dog that the response given is what you would like to see again in the future. This can be as simple as the word “yes” or the click of a clicker to offer the reinforcement the dog needs for a connection between the reward and the action to be formed. Timing is critical to establish this connection. A split second too late can lead to confusion.

However, the types of rewards offered to dogs vary according to what they respond best to. Some dogs are pleased with praise while others require treats, toys, or a rousing game of ball in the backyard.

However, some dogs are better motivated by a favorite toy or simple affection and praise from their owner. They key is to find what your dog loves and reward them with it for good behavior.

Positive reinforcement training is very versatile and can be applied to everything from housetraining a puppy to competitive obedience and even the foundation principles for agility. Best of all, dogs typically love R+ training and learn to look forward to their sessions with you. Among the benefits of force-free training are excellent results, an enthusiastic and responsive dog, and an increased bond between you and your pooch. However; be forewarned, positive reinforcement training takes time, and you will need to display much patience along the way.

Clicker Training

Clicker training is quite similar to positive reinforcement techniques; however, there are some distinct differences that are worth considering. Positive reinforcement training can easily be done without the use of a clicker; a marker word will achieve the same goal. Proponents of clicker training feel that the use of a clicker is more precise, and since the sound is the same every time, a dog more readily interprets the clicker with the forthcoming reward.

To clicker train your dog, there are several steps you must take. You must first begin by doing what professionals trainers refer to as “charging the clicker.” To do this, simply click then reward your dog with a treat. Do this ten times in a row, so your dog begins to associate the click with the treat. This is essentially classical conditioning in practice.

Once your dog understands the role of the clicker in the training process, you can then start clicking then rewarding your dog each time he offers the correct behavior. If you are trying to teach a new skill like a sit, you would place a treat above your dog’s head to encourage him to assume the desired position. When his bum is placed on the floor, you would then click and give the dog a treat. Continue this practice until your dog will reliably give the desired response without the need to be clicked and rewarded. You can then replace the clicker with a specific word as a cue such as “sit.”

E-Collar Dog Training

A training style that falls within the positive punishment camp, e-collar training is a means of using discomfort and sometimes pain to eliminate behaviors you don’t want to see again. E-collars are often used to teach dogs a reliable recall. E-training is based on the use of a collar that transmits an electric shock, unpleasant sound, or citronella spray when an undesirable action is performed by the dog. Most often, these tools are operated by a remote.

Unfortunately, e-collar training can be quite problematic. In some cases, dogs trained using this method will show averse reactions and may even begin behaving aggressively. Though e-collar training does a good job of teaching a dog what not to do, it does nothing to teach the dog the appropriate action you are looking for. In many cases, e-collar training leads to dogs that are confused, shut down, and extremely fearful.

Model-Rival Dog Training

The model-rival dog training is not a commonly seen system but is quite interesting and can be a highly effective tool. In essence, this training technique is exactly what it says: through the use of a trained dog, your dog is challenged to follow that dog’s lead, mimicking their behavior and receiving a reward for it.

The efficacy of this training method is based on the innate sociability of dogs and their desire to mimic behaviors that reap rewards. This particular style of training was introduced by Irene Pepperberg who first developed it for use with parrots.

Relationship-Based Dog Training

The premise of relationship-based dog training is that dogs have emotions that should be considered when helping a dog to learn new skills. This means breaking down concepts into easily understandable steps while maintaining a positive and stress-free environment for the dog.

To most effectively utilize these techniques, it is recommended that you do your initial training sessions in an environment that offers very few distractions, so your dog is easily able to maintain his focus. Once your dog has mastered the new skill in that environment, you can then increase the level of difficulty or introduce a few distractions to “proof” the behavior.

In order for this method to be successful, you must take great care to allow your dog to set the pace for every training session. To do this, you will need to commit to understanding your dog’s body language and signals of communication, so you can better comprehend when he is feeling anxious or stressed. The benefits of this training cannot be denied as the foundation of the system is strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

Science-Based Dog Training

Science-based dog training is the opposite of relationship-based techniques. Instead of being reliant on the emotions of your dog, science-based dog training seeks out fact-based methods to yield the desired behaviors. While relationship-based training is focused on feelings, science-based methodology is dedicated to the mind.

Through evaluation of how dogs think and what tools work to achieve which results, science-based trainers are able to develop a system that includes both punishment and rewards to yield the right outcomes. Because dogs are all individuals who are motivated by different things, this type of training is fluid, requiring additional study and constant revision. However, it is also quite precise and effective because it is tailored to meet the needs of the dog that is sitting right in front of you.

What is LIMA?

LIMA is a term that is often utilized in dog training circles. It is an acronym that translates to the following: Least Intrusive, Minimally Averse. The LIMA approach hinges on utilizing training methods that are based on positive reinforcement and that seek to comprehend the dog as an individual while avoiding the use of punishment to achieve the desired outcomes.

How Do I Decide What is the Best Type of Training for My Dog?

With such a large range of training methods available to you, it can be very challenging narrowing down your program to only one. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate your options and try to select the right training techniques for your best canine pal:

• What are your own needs and desires?

It’s important to evaluate your own wishes and to carefully consider what you feel to be right for your dog. There are some types of training that others may have success with that you simply aren’t comfortable with, and that’s okay. The right program for you is the one that is best suited to your needs and that of your dog.

• What needs does your dog have?

Some dogs are naturally very soft and will wilt under aversive training techniques, causing regression in your training efforts. Other dogs are hard-headed and will buck against softer training methods. You need to take stock of your dog’s personality and what techniques are likely to yield the best outcomes for you both. 

• What resources are required?

Training methods and classes can be very expensive, consuming a lot of your budget and your time. It is important to take careful stock of how much you can money and time you have to dedicate each day to training your dog. If time is of the essence, some training models just won’t work for you. If money is the greater problem, it may be a better option to select an inexpensive home training method such as positive reinforcement or clicker training.

• What are your goals?

Setting goals gives you something to shoot for and will also help determine what methods are going to be the most effective for you. If agility trials are in your future, positive reinforcement will help lay a foundation that will be very helpful to you and your dog in this sport in the future.

What is the best type of training for my dog? There are many different options from which you can choose, but the bottom line is the best training program is the one that keeps learning fun, your dog engaged, and helps to build your bond as a team.

Unfortunately, dog fights happen, and when they do, it can be extremely scary for those looking on. Same sex aggression is a common problem seen in dogs. Male dogs are more likely to fight than females; however, the severity of a fight is far more intense between two females than two males. One of the most commonly seen phenomenons is aggression displayed towards an intact male by a male dog that has been neutered. Why is this? Does this mean that two male dogs cannot get along?

How Do Fights Start Between Dogs?

Often, a fight breaks out when a play session becomes too vigorous for one or both of the dogs involved. When play is misinterpreted as aggression or vicious intent; what was once fun can quickly turn into a battle.

Though dog fights can sound very frightening, they are rarely more than loud and defensive behavior. Wounds are typically only superficial though sometimes there is a lot of blood.

When a dog is serious about killing another dog, they don’t waste time. Death often occurs within 15 seconds or less. Dogs instinctively know to go directly for the stomach or to the base of the neck to kill an opponent. Though dogs of any gender can get into scraps, fights most often occur between dogs of the same sex: either male to male or female to female. Generally speaking, males only fight until a winner is declared and rarely do grudges persist. However, this is not so with females who are hardwired to duke it out to the death.

Does It Make a Difference If One of the Dogs is Neutered?

Dog on dog aggression is common between dogs of the same sex. The most often seen negative dog interaction occurs between a neutered male and a male that is still reproductively intact. Why is this?

When a male dog is neutered, he loses the scent associated with male dogs and takes on the scent of a female. As a result, when a neutered male encounters an intact male, he senses a smell that is unfamiliar to him. That scent is often sufficient for the dog to feel threatened and to respond aggressively towards the intact male.

Statistics show that neutering a dog bears no lasting impact on a dog’s natural behavior or unique personality traits. However, neutering does change how a dog views other male dogs that remain reproductively intact.

What are Some of the Reasons Dogs Choose to Fight?

Dogs are very practical animals, and they don’t fight without what they see as just cause. Among the most common reasons seen for dog on dog aggression amongst males are:

• Females in season

Male dogs are more likely to initiate fights with each other when a female is in the room. Typically, male dogs do not fight when there are no female dogs in their company. When a female dog enters her heat cycle, the competition between males for her becomes greatly intensified. Even if one of the dogs in question is neutered, separating males during heat cycles is the best way to prevent fights from occurring.

• Access to food

Fighting over food is known as resource guarding. This can happen with dogs of any gender and fighting to gain access to food can occur between males and females as well as between dogs of the same sex.

• Territory

Dogs lay claim to their own territory. Fights can occur if a dog feels another dog is trying to invade his or her space. This can even happen if a dog comes near the boundary of your property, approaches your fenced yard, or is even walking on your street.

• Sleeping arrangements

There are certain areas of a house that are considered prime real estate to dogs. If another dog encroaches on a dog’s favorite sleeping place, a fight may erupt.

• Poor socialization during critical learning periods

Puppies that have been poorly socialized during the first 12 weeks of their lives have difficulty when introduced to new social situations. This is also true of pups that have had negative experiences during these formative periods. Instead of learning to approach new things with confidence and curiosity, these puppies can be fearful and may respond aggressively when faced with uncertainty and the unknown.

• Inappropriate play

Play that is inappropriate in nature or that causes a dog to become overstimulated can easily turn into a dog fight.

My Neutered Dog Hates Intact Dogs – What Do I Do?

The best way to help avoid future dog on dog aggression is to ensure your dog is very well socialized from the moment the dog enters your home. The ideal situation is to introduce a puppy to adults that have good canine manners and that are appropriate teachers of baby dogs. These types of dogs model behavior that you want your puppy to learn, and these early interactions can help your puppy to grow up to be a dog that is easily able to navigate social situations with other dogs well.

But what if my dog is already aggressive towards other male dogs?

If your dog is already displaying dog on dog aggression towards other males, preventing these situations from occurring is your best approach. However, management does fail even with the very best planning. Limiting your dog’s access to dogs that may trigger him is a critical component of keeping him from trying to attack other male dogs.

However, any time you take your dog out in public, there is a risk that you will encounter other dogs; male, female, neutered, spayed, unneutered, and unspayed. This means that you must not only exercise prevention and management, but you must also begin helping your dog to learn better and more appropriate social behavior.

If my dog consistently reacts to other dogs, what can I do?

There are several strategies that you can employ if your dog is reacting negatively to other dogs on a regular basis. These include:

• Turning and walking the other direction
• Choosing to walk during low dog traffic times of day or the night
• Keeping your dog confined to a safe space with limited vision of high traffic walking areas
• Making use of a Halti to control the dog’s field of vision
• Hiring a behavior modification specialist to help train better behavior

What Happens to Dogs That Continue to React Aggressively to Other Dogs?

Unfortunately, the more a dog is allowed to repeat a behavior, the more ingrained it becomes in their repertoire of actions and reactions. When a dog is under stress repeatedly, the dog’s corticotropin levels are continually increased. Corticotropin is the hormone associated with fear, and once it is released, it can take up to 48 hours to return to a normal level. This means that the dog remains in a hypersensitive state for up to two days following exposure to a known trigger. This alone explains why preventing negative interactions is so important for dogs.

Here are some things that can be triggers for dogs:

• An environment that is overstimulating for the dog

If your dog has engaged in a fight or fights or has been attacked by another dog in a particular setting, your dog may begin to associate that environment with negative actions and feelings. This is also true if your dog becomes overstimulated in a specific locale. Overstimulation can come from events that are positive or negative. Because of this, it is very important for you to learn what settings cause your dog to experience extreme emotions and to avoid interactions in those places.

• Your own body language

Because your dog is in tune with your body language, your dog can easily pick up on any tension or stress in your body. If you are starting to feel anxious, stressed, or nervous, your dog will take note of this and will associate your negative feelings with his current surroundings. This can unconsciously create problems for you. Learning to control your emotions and to display a calm, relaxed demeanor when out in society is a great way to help your dog learn to manage his own feelings and reactions.

How Can I Help My Dog Learn More Appropriate Social Behavior?

There are a few things you can do to help your dog to learn to view other dogs as friends and not foes. These include:

• Realistic expectations

Just as you are not best friends with every person you meet, your dog doesn’t need to bond with every dog he encounters each day. Dogs do not require canine companions to feel socially or emotionally fulfilled. In fact, some dogs simply aren’t social at all, preferring the company of their human family and friends. Don’t expect your dog to be social with other dogs and don’t force interactions your dog is not comfortable with. Learn to be okay with you and your family being your dog’s only friends.

• Goal setting

Establish reasonable goals that can be achieved in short steps. If your ultimate goal includes your dog having a select group of socially appropriate dogs he can play with regularly, you will need to approach that goal through a series of carefully measured baby steps. For example; if Fido loses his mind every time he sees a dog within a block of your home, you will need to begin by rewarding Fido for calm behavior when he spies a dog at a distance. You can then gradually decrease the amount of distance between Fido and the dog, rewarding him each time he remains calm and non-reactive to the dog’s presence. When undertaking this type of training, you must be carefully attentive to your dog and only move forward when your dog is at ease and has mastered each step of the training. You will need to be prepared to take steps backwards at times as training is rarely linear. Let your dog be your guide. Be patient, accept the cues your dog offers you, and in time, you will achieve your goal or learn how you must modify your plans for the emotional health and wellness of your dog.

• Master dog language

You can’t help your dog if you don’t understand him. This means you will need to take time to study his body language for the cues he is offering you. Taking the time to learn how your dog expresses himself to you will help you dramatically in keeping him safe and helping him to learn more appropriate social behaviors. Learning the warning signs all dogs display is another important strategy to preventing fights from occurring. Only very rarely does a dog simply initiate a fight without giving you and the other dog a warning that this is about to happen. Observe your dog to find out his cues and pay careful attention when in high trigger settings. This will help you to avoid problems.

• Train new skills

If you don’t want your dog to act a certain way when faced with a trigger, you must commit to teaching a new and better behavior. This is where a few sessions with a dog behaviorist can be invaluable to you. Dog on dog aggression is a very serious matter and teaching your dog better social skills is something that should not be undertaken without guidance from a professional.

• Accept some dogs don’t like other dogs

In some cases, you will need to accept that your dog doesn’t like other dogs, and that’s okay. However, if your dog doesn’t care for being social, you will need to take the appropriate steps to make certain a fight doesn’t occur when you encounter another dog. Your dog doesn’t have to socialize with other dogs, but you do have a responsibility to keep your dog and the dogs of others safe.

Does your neutered dog hate intact dogs? If so, he’s not alone. Because intact dogs give off a different smell and sometimes display an attitude that fixed dogs don’t understand, some fixed dogs feel very threatened by them. If your dog is displaying social behavior that you find distressing, help is available. Contact a qualified dog behaviorist today to help your do learn better coping skills. Always remember that a dog responding aggressively to a stimulus is a dog that is struggling emotionally. Help your dog learn a better way to cope with the stresses in his life by reaching out to a canine behaviorist today.

If you share your home with a Jack Russell Terrier, you know how important it is to ensure your pooch is taught proper canine manners. However, by now, you are also aware that teaching your JRT to behave like a gentleman is no easy feat. Jack Russell Terriers are highly prized for their independent, spirited natures. These characteristics that made them so valuable in the field on hunts are the same qualities that can make them challenging to train. Still, the Jack Russell Terrier is a highly intelligent dog. With such smarts to its credit, the JRT can most definitely be taught new tricks; it just takes dedication, commitment, and a little ingenuity on your part to get the job done.

What is the Best Way to Train a Jack Russell Terrier?

Many an owner of a Jack Russell Terrier has been entertained by the antics of a silly puppy only to later discover what seemed so funny in a 10 week old pup was now a behavioral problem in an adult dog. Jack Russell Terriers are masters at training their owners do precisely what THEY want them to do. If you don’t establish boundaries with your JRT and teach your dog what is expected of them, it won’t be long before you’ve lost total control. Trying to get back the reins can be almost impossible as most often the dog has lost respect for you and trying to re-establish your position as a household authority will be challenging at best.

Jack Russell Terriers are fun loving little dogs. However, they are definitely a breed with a mind all their own and a strong penchant for stubbornness. A breed with a very high tolerance for pain, aversive training methods will only encourage reactive behavior from a Jack Russell Terrier. This dog type can successfully be trained, but there is a key to the most effective way to get the job done: you must be smart enough to make the terrier think what you want him to learn was his idea in the first place. Treats, praise, and short training sessions are key to your dog not only learning new skills but also to having fun during the process.

Since puppies are easier to train than adults, you should begin training your Jack Russell Terrier from the moment he first enters your home. The best way to help your JRT learn his canine manners is through the use of clicker/rewards-based training.

To get started with this method, you will need the following items:

• A clicker
• High value treats

What is Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a rewards-based system that marks a desired behavior with a click on a handheld device or through the use of a word such as “Yes!” to help a dog learn when what they are doing is pleasing to you. If used appropriately, it is an efficient system that dogs, including the JRT, respond well to.

The best part about clicker training is that it can be done just about anywhere. Choose a place that has the fewest distractions to begin your training sessions. This will help set you and your dog up for success.

What Commands Does Your Jack Russell Terrier Need to Know?

There are several commands that all dogs should be taught to ensure they are well-mannered as well as to keep them safe from harm. These include:

• Sit
• Down
• Stay
• Come
• Leave It

When preparing to teach your Jack Russell Terrier these important commands, there is one thing you must do to ensure your success: keep your training sessions short. The Jack Russell Terrier picks up new skills with ease when motivated to learn. This terrier becomes frustrated easily when asked to repeat commands the dog has already shown he understands. To avoid this trap, keep your training sessions to no more than 5 minutes. You can do several 5 minute sessions per day if you like; you just need to ensure ample time occurs between each training period to prevent boredom from setting in.

During your 5 minute training sessions, you will want to spend time working on each command. By including several in each training slot, you will have an easier time maintaining your dog’s interest. If at any point, your Jack Russell Terrier becomes frustrated or you are unable to get him to engage, it is best to end the session and try again when your terrier is more interested in working with you.

When teaching a new skill, lavish your JRT with praise and treats each time he does as you ask him to. Jack Russell Terriers respond very well to positive reinforcement, and most of them love treats. Treats and praise coupled with short training slots help to keep your sessions fun for both you and your dog. Over time, they become something you and your JRT look forward to and can help increase your bond.

What are Some Important Things to Keep in Mind When Training a Jack Russell Terrier?

As with all dog breeds, there are some things you should keep in mind when trying to successfully train a Jack Russell Terrier. Here is our list of top tips to help set you up for successful training sessions with your JRT:

• Be free with rewards for correct responses to commands.

Jack Russell Terriers are motivated to please you and to learn when they are rewarded for correct responses to your commands. Lavish your dog with praise, treats, and even games of tug or a toy. Whatever your dog responds to best can become your dog’s reward for a job well done.

• Be consistent.

Jack Russell Terriers are master manipulators. If you are inconsistent with them, they will sense it and exploit this weakness to their advantage. If you expect a certain behavior the first time a command is issued, accept nothing less than the correct behavior the first time you utter the word. If your JRT fails to deliver, you can end the training session and try again at a later time. Over time, your Jack Russell will learn that when you ask for a behavior, you expect to see it, and if the dog fails to do it, he will lose his reward.

Jack Russell Terriers are a breed that thrives on routine. If training is a part of your daily regime, be certain to stick to it for best results with your training efforts.

• Be patient.

Jack Russells can be wilful and are well renowned for their stubbornness. Often, their goals will be in direct opposition to your own, and rarely, does training proceed in a linear fashion. Patience will go a long way to helping you both grow and learn together. Bear in mind that Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it WAS eventually built. Your dog won’t learn everything you want him to in a day, a week, or even a month; no matter how smart he may be. But he WILL eventually learn.

• Keep sessions short.

Jack Russells bore easily and become frustrated if asked to repeat commands they feel they have mastered. Short, varied training sessions are the key to success with this breed.

• Always end on a high note.

Forcing your Jack Russell to continue working when he has indicated he has had enough will be detrimental to your bond and to your training efforts. Let the dog set the pace for your sessions, stopping when your dog disengages with you.

Can Jack Russell Terriers be trained? Absolutely! Armed with some yummy treats, lots of praise, and a little ingenuity, you will find training your JRT can be fruitful and lots of fun for you both!

If you were planning on neutering or spaying your dog because it might make him or her more manageable behavior-wise, this might not be the best reason to do it.

Naturally, there are many advantages to early neutering or spaying, and one of the most significant ones is that the procedure more often than not prevents cases of cancer that affects the reproductive system. However, when it comes to changes in your pet’s behavior, there are some studies that suggest that neutering, especially later in the animal’s life might make no difference in terms of their aggression.

In this post, we’ll look at whether this is a myth or not, whether the age at which the dog is neutered or spayed impacts their behavior or not and if it’s still a good idea to have the procedure done.

Why would your dog’s behavior change after being neutered or spayed?

We often associate levels of testosterone in an animal’s body with aggression and dominance. It’s true that testosterone does have a significant impact on a way a male or female dog behaves, especially if there are other dogs or animals inhibiting the same space.

Late neutering doesn’t have the effect that you might be aiming at. As a dog ages, the endocrine system begins to do its job properly, and there is no indication as to whether it stops doing so just because the reproductive glands are removed (the testes or the ovaries).

However, if the dog is performed the procedure early on in his or her life, somewhere around the 5 or 6-month mark, the operation could prevent aggression and dominance.

The Evidence

There have been some studies performed on large numbers of dogs. One of the best-known and recent ones, from 2018, analyzed the behavior of over 13,000 dogs. This study focused on discovering whether the behavior changed following the procedure in terms of several types of aggression and whether it re-appeared or disappeared completely.

You are going to be disappointed if you think that spaying or neutering your dog once he or she has reached adulthood is going to make any serious changes in the way your pet behaves.

According to the study that we’re referring to, approximately 90% of the dogs exhibited the same aggressive behavior toward known people, a percentage of 87.8% continued being aggressive toward strangers, and a percentage of 86.1% dogs maintained their aggressive behavior toward other members of the canine species.

In fact, the study proved that dogs that were neutered or spayed between the ages of 7 and 12 months became even more aggressive toward strangers than they were before the procedure.

Even though the number of dogs from the study was large, the results can’t speak for every dog in the world. However, this evidence suggests that performing this surgery has little to no effect on the way a dog behaves afterward.

Does Neutering or Spaying Your Dog Make Any Difference When It Comes to Your Pet’s Health?

The short answer to this question is yes. Both in males and females, it’s widely known that performing the procedure as early as possible in their life can actively prevent ovarian and testicular cancer. Moreover, the procedure even prevents anal gland adenocarcinomas, another type of severe cancer.

On the other hand, neutering or spaying your dog does come with a series of risks, too. The anesthesia and the surgery themselves have risks, but there is increasing evidence according to which dogs that are performed gonadectomy on are exposed to other forms of cancer, especially compared to intact dogs.

For instance, neutering or spaying your dog might even increase his or her risk of developing some types of cancer, many of which are severe and have a high degree of malignancy. Here are some examples of cancer that a dog that is neutered or spayed is at a higher risk:

• Mast cell cancer
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Lymphoma and lymphosarcoma
• Osteosarcoma
• Prostatic carcinoma

Will Your Dog Be Calmer Following the Procedure?

It can take anything from six months to years for the operation to have a significant effect on a dog’s endocrine system.

It’s true that intact dogs have a much higher likelihood of exhibiting roaming behavior, which puts them at risk of coming in contact with other animals (and getting diseases from them) but also puts them at risk of sustaining a vehicular injury.

Dogs that are neutered and spayed are less likely to be as active as they were before the surgery, and that’s not just because of the recovery period.

You might have heard by now that neutered or spayed dogs have a higher chance of developing obesity due to a decrease in physical activity. This is true. Unfortunately, that also makes them more prone to developing medical conditions such as orthopedic disease, both because they don’t get enough exercise and because there is more weight effectively pushing down on their joints.

Some studies have shown that neutered and spayed dogs have a higher likelihood of developing serious conditions such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia.

Should You Neuter or Spay Your Dog?

If puppies aren’t a part of your plan and you’re looking to prevent the forms of reproductive cancer that female dogs, in particular, are most exposed to (ovarian, uterine, and mammary cancer), you should probably spay or neuter your canine friend as early in their life as possible.

Nevertheless, that also means that you ought to take your dog in for regular checkups, just to be able to prevent the forms of cancer we’ve mentioned in this article. Moreover, you have to pay attention to Fido’s weight so that it doesn’t have any negative repercussions on his or her musculoskeletal system.

But if you were thinking that the surgery can make a considerable difference when it comes to your dog’s behavior, it’s probably not going to happen.

When you’re out and about on a walk with your best canine pal, it is inevitable that you will encounter new people. Many people greet dogs with great enthusiasm; often swarming them in the hopes they can lavish them with love and affectionate pats and cuddles. While some dogs enjoy the company of strangers, others are naturally wary of them, and some respond with barking and lunging, viewing the stranger as a potential threat. If you plan to take your pooch out in public, you’ll want to do all you can to help him feel safe when approached by someone unfamiliar to him. What is the right way to introduce your dog to a stranger?

Helping Your Dog to Feel Comfortable Around Strangers

If a dog has been well-socialized to new people during the formative puppy developmental periods, they rarely have a problem meeting strangers. However, not all dogs receive this early training, and that is where problems can develop.

It may be that in the past your dog had a bad experience when approaching a new person or has developed his very own fear based on the circumstances surrounding meeting strangers. Some dogs are naturally reticent of new situations and put the breaks on in the face of something unfamiliar. However, none of these things have to mean that your dog can’t learn to greet strangers with politeness rather than with fear and reactivity. Bear in mind, that to set your dog up for success, your dog’s own comfort level should be respected. Dogs are very intuitive and often take a disliking to a person because they perceive the person to be dangerous or to mean them or their owner harm.

Similarly, since dogs possess such a powerful sense of smell, they can often detect the presence of disease in people. By nature, many dogs will refuse to advance towards a person they perceive to be suffering from cancer or other serious illnesses.

Forcing your dog to approach someone they are uncomfortable with teaches your dog that you don’t recognize or respect his fears. In turn, the dog will learn that you don’t have his best interests at heart, and your bond will be damaged. If your dog is not interested in meeting a stranger, respect his boundaries. In time and with training, you can help your dog to overcome this fear. But progress is never made through force.  In some instances, a dog will never be comfortable meeting new people, and this too must be respected.

There are several different methods you can employ to help your dog learn to meet strangers appropriately.

These include:

• Management

Managing your dog’s environment is key to helping him learn that strangers don’t have to be a bad thing for him. Since dogs respond very poorly to forced situations, it is important for you to be prepared to move in baby steps towards the goal of your dog willingly greeting a new person. There will be setbacks along the way, and training should always be adjusted to support the dog’s comfort level.

To utilize the management approach to training a dog to meet a stranger appropriately, you will need a leash and very high value treats. Take your dog to a public park or area in town where you will encounter strangers. Remain at a safe distance from these new people, preferably out of their line of vision.

When a stranger walks past the dog, reward the dog with treats and praise for displaying calm behavior. If the dog attempts to shy away, bark, lunge, or react in any way that is counterproductive to your goal, simply increase the distance between your dog and the strangers in the area. Over time and with training, your dog will be able to come closer and closer to new people without feeling the need to be overwhelmed or defensive.

• Enlist the help of new friends

What many dogs find confrontational about meeting a stranger is being addressed by someone they are unfamiliar with. Most dogs will behave politely or even seem disinterested when approached by a new person if they are not the object of the person’s attention.

To help your dog learn to respond appropriately to new people, ask some of your friends who have not met your dog to approach you in a neutral setting, taking care to completely ignore your dog. When your dog makes the choice to interact with your friend, they can then kneel down to allow the dog to sniff them. By allowing the dog to take control of the interaction, it helps to build confidence in Fido, and he begins to view strangers with less suspicious and fear.

• Treat and train

Most dogs love food. High value treats can help you to train your dog to politely greet a stranger. For this method of training, you will also need to ask your friends for assistance.

Meet your friend ahead of time without your dog. Give them a pocketful of your dog’s favorite treats. Once your friend is loaded up with your dog’s most cherished snacks, you can then return to your car to get your dog.

Your friend should approach you and your dog in a neutral setting, taking care to ignore the dog. When the dog chooses to approach your friend, your friend can simply give your dog a treat, avoiding eye contact or any verbal interaction. Over time, your dog will come to associate your friend…and strangers…as potential for good things to happen for him.

A Word of Caution

When training a dog to accept meeting strangers, it is important that all training take place on neutral ground. Many dogs will respond aggressively if approached on their own property, thus setting the dog up to fail. Public parks, parking lots, and even a friend’s dog-free backyard are all excellent places to work with your best canine pal.

Can your dog learn to meet strangers politely if previously he has not been a big fan? Absolutely! With a little patience, a firm commitment, and lots of yummy treats, Fido can soon learn that new people can be a lot of fun.

The term “temperament” has become a buzz word in today’s society. Each dog is born with a unique personality that shapes who the dog is and how he reacts to certain situations. At the core of all personalities is something we call temperament. Temperament is largely genetic and is inherited from a dog’s ancestors. However, it can be shaped by the dog’s environment and upbringing as well. With breed specific legislation unfairly targeting a group of dog types, temperament testing has regained popularity. This important evaluation tool helps to establish a baseline of acceptable behavior and measures a dog’s performance against this scale to determine a rating. Temperament testing a dog is extremely valuable as it assists breeders with making good choices for the future, helps pet owners to better understand their dog and his unique needs, and also assists with assessing shelter dogs and what home environment they need to be placed in in order to thrive. In some sad cases, it can also indicate if a dog is damaged beyond the point of rehabilitation. What is temperament testing and what do pet owners need to know about it?

What is Temperament Testing?

Temperament testing is essentially a series of predetermined activities which measure a dog’s physical and emotional reactions when introduced to new stimuli in a novel environment. Among the qualities temperament testing evaluates are:

• Protective instincts
• Mental stability
• Inherent shyness
• Reactivity/aggression

The purpose of the test is to provide tangible helps to owners by giving an honest assessment of their dog’s strengths and weaknesses. The dog is evaluated in a new environment to best gauge honest reactions to new stimuli.

The test itself is set up in a neutral locale that is similar to a public park or neighborhood yard. This type of setting helps the dog to feel more at ease.

During the test, the dog and his handler will meet a number of different situations which assess the dog’s reaction to the following types of stimuli:

• Visual stimuli
• Auditory stimuli
• Tactile stimuli

The dog is also subjected to situations which vary in intensity ranging from friendly encounters to others that simulate genuine threat. These carefully crafted scenarios are very important in assessing the dog’s mental capacity to identify things which are concerning and others which pose no threat and can be taken in stride.

What is the Purpose of Temperament Testing?

The gold standard for temperament testing was developed by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc, a company often referred to simply as ATTS. The sole purpose of establishing the test was to help owners to better understand their dogs while providing a means for dog breeds to be bettered through honest evaluations of the temperament of breeding stock. Since temperament is largely shaped by hereditary factors, it is important for breeders to understand how their dogs respond in a variety of situations and if those traits are things they want passed on to future generations. The end result of temperament testing should be the betterment of all breeds.

The ATTS has adopted the motto “a sound mind in a sound body.” The test was developed by a gentleman by the name of Alfons Ertel. The first temperament test was administered in 1977. To date, the society has tested 33,925 dogs with 83.4% of all dogs tested earning a passing score. Dogs that successfully complete the test earn the title TT which is then added to the end of their registered name.

To take the temperament test, a dog must meet certain criteria. The minimum age for participating is 18 months.

What is Involved in the Temperament Test?

Temperament testing is a lot of fun to participate in. Since the test essentially is assessing the dog’s reactions to things, it cannot be prepared for, and owners are sometimes surprised by what they learn during the process.

The test is designed to take a total of 12 minutes. Dogs are required to be on a leash of no more than six feet in length which must be held loosely at all times. The dog is assessed by three evaluators with the opinion of the majority determining the score on any test. A failing score is given to any dog that exhibits the following behavior at any time:

• Panic
• Avoidance with no recovery
• Unwarranted aggression

During the test, the handler must not shape the dog’s behavior in any way. This includes talking to the dog or attempting to change or correct any behavior. Any handler found influencing the dog’s natural reactions will is disqualified.

The test is divided into ten sections. They are as follows:

Greeting a neutral stranger
In this test, the dog and handler approach a stranger that speaks to the handler but ignores the dog. The intent of this scenario is to determine if the dog will respond protectively towards its owner when no threat is present.

Greeting a friendly stranger
This test gauges the dog’s reaction to a person that approaches him and his owner with confidence and that displays joy and enthusiasm towards the dog. The focus of this assessment is the dog’s ability to interact positively with a friendly stranger.

Responding to a hidden noise
In this scenario, the dog and handler walk towards a person who makes a noise by shaking a bucket full of rocks or marbles then placing it in front of the dog. The dog should investigate the bucket as a sign of natural curiosity.

Responding to a gun shot
A person that is out of the line of vision of the dog and handler issues three gunshots in a row. This measures the dog’s startle and recover response.

Responding to the opening of an umbrella
The dog and handler approach a person holding an umbrella. When within five feet of the person, the umbrella is opened. This also measures the dog’s startle and recover response. The dog should investigate the umbrella once the initial shock has passed.

Walking over plastic
The dog and handler walk over a 15 foot piece of plastic.

Walking over wire
The dog and handler walk over a 15 foot piece of wire fencing.

Responding to a strangely dressed person advancing towards the dog without threat
This particular test assesses the dog’s ability to ascertain the behavior is not threatening and to respond with curiosity but not overt protectiveness.

Responding to a strangely dressed person who is behaving erratically and that poses a threat
The stranger should move to within ten feet of the dog and act in a menacing way. This portion of the test assesses the dog’s ability to determine when behavior turns from strange to dangerous, and a more guarded approach is needed.

Responding to a strangely dressed person who is actively aggressive towards the person and dog
The stranger comes within 18 feet of the dog and deliberately engages in threatening behavior. This test assesses the dog’s protective instincts. A strong reaction is expected, but the aggression should be commensurate with the level of threat and in keeping with what is appropriate for that specific breed.

Is temperament testing a help? Most definitely! It provides a tangible means of assessing a dog’s natural reactions to stimuli which can assist owners with better understanding their dogs. It is also an excellent means for dogs saddled by breed specific legislation to prove their temperaments are solid. Temperament testing can be a lot of fun. Contact your local kennel club to find one you and your pooch can participate in today!

Could your dog use an upgrade to his table manners? If Fido takes pride in being by the table every time a meal is served, you well know the frustration of a pooch that begs.

Begging for Food is Embarrassing

Is there anything worse than sitting down to your Sunday dinner with valued guests while Fido whimpers in anticipation of a little tidbit from the table? While you might find this habit endearing, your guests most likely don’t, and it’s not hard to tell who is going to be the topic of conversation on the drive home from your house! You pride yourself on being an excellent dog parent, but your dog’s tableside serenade might spell a different tale to your guests.

Permitted Begging Leads to Worsening Behaviors

But poor canine table manners are not just limited to whining. If your pooch likes to jump up and plunk his paws on the table to get your attention, that’s taking things one step further. Particularly, if your pooch’s past holiday transgressions include taking a swipe at a turkey leg as the plate is passed during Christmas dinner, licking the pie during Thanksgiving, or stealing the whole Easter ham before the family is even seated at the table.

These behaviors are rarely limited to special occasions. Begging for food at the table can lead to even more presumptuous behavior on the part of your pampered pooch. Chalking it to up to a little holiday canine mischief can easily lead to Fido thinking he can help himself to whatever he feels like snacking on when you’re not around to stop him…even if what he is craving happens to be on your kitchen counter! Say goodbye to seasoned steaks resting on the countertop while you fire up the grill. With Fido on the job, those steaks will be gone in no time, and you’ll be heading out to McDonald’s for your supper!

Begging Can Be Dangerous

But bad behavior is only part of the equation when it comes to begging at the table. Dogs gone rogue in quest of scraps from the table can lead to all kinds of problems which could cause harm to your family, your guests, and even Fido himself.

Here is a list of a few potential hazards of begging for food:

Bumps, burns, and bruises

If your dog is longing to grab himself a snack, his best attempts may lead to spills, and those spills could land on you, your family, or even your pooch. Getting in your way as you carry food to the table could lead to hot gravy spills, causing painful burns and bringing the holiday celebrations to a grinding halt.

But gravy and other liquids can cause more than just burns. Spilled gravy on the floor is slippery, and if you aren’t quick enough to spy and clean up the spill right away, your guests might slip on it and take a header. Since coming home from a party with bumps and bruises doesn’t top the holiday wish list of most guests, teaching Fido to steer clear of your dinner table is an important step to prevent these things from happening.

Obstructions

When a dog is on a stealth mission to snag a little treat, he’s not that discriminate in what he grabs. You can also rest assured that whatever he manages to snatch is going to be swallowed in a hurry as he knows you’ll be in hot pursuit after him to get it back. Unfortunately, one of the most popular things dogs tend to pull from plates are pieces of meat which can include bones. Bones can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and even blockages necessitating emergency surgery.

Property damage

Fine furniture is meant to stand the test of time, but it wasn’t designed to withstand the abuse of doggy claws. If your pup likes to make his presence known by pawing at your cherished handcrafted Simply Amish table, he’s bound to leave his mark for sure; something you’d prefer NOT to have as a reminder of his bad behavior on a cherished family heirloom.

Juices from foods like pickled beets also stain. You didn’t spend a small fortune choosing the perfect cream carpet for your dining room only to have it now covered in brilliant pink blotches that make it resemble some sort of psychedelic Holstein cow. Spills not cleaned up swiftly from laminate flooring can lead to peeling and bubbling, and liquids and hardwoods are not fast friends, resulting in unsightly water damage to expensive flooring.

If your pup happens to snag a nail on a tablecloth, he could potentially upkettle every last item on your table, including Grandma’s fine china. While the loss of a priceless family treasure is enough to bring a tear to even the most stoic of eyes, the broken shards of glass and porcelain which litter your floor can become embedded in your feet and in Fido’s paws, a painful prospect indeed.

Potential tripping hazard

If your doggo likes to meander from person to person looking for a “soft touch” who might give in and throw him a “bone,” he can easily become a stationary hazard. If a family member or guest gets up from the table, they just might find themselves tripping over Fido and taking a nasty tumble. It’s one way to turn the night into a memorable evening but probably not the best way.

Though at first blush begging for food at the table might seem cute, the end result is bad habits that range from stealing food, accidents, spills, and potentially even health hazards. It is a behavior that must be stopped in its tracks for the safety and well-being of your family…and your furniture.

How to Stop a Dog From Begging at the Table

If your dog could use a manners tuneup, no need to hang your head in shame. You’re not alone! But more than that, there is hope that Fido can learn that begging is not the way to go if he hopes to stay in your good graces.

Here are some top tips to help your pup learn canine etiquette that will have your guests raving about how well-mannered he is:

Restrict access to your table during mealtimes

For many families, the easiest solution to this problem is simply to remove Fido from the equation altogether. While this certainly is an excellent means of dealing with a pesky problem, it will not do anything to change the behavior. If you ultimately hope to have Fido continue to join his family in the dining room during mealtimes, this is not going to be the most effective approach for you. However, if peace at the dinner table is what is most important, this is an excellent way to go.

You can accomplish your goal by placing baby gates across the door to your dining room thus removing access to the area or alternatively you can crate your dog in an entirely different room. However, you will need to provide Fido with something fun to do…or better yet, something super yummy of his own to chew on; otherwise, you may still experience whining, the very problem you are trying to solve! Some excellent choices include raw meaty bones, a new toy, or even a Kong stuffed with something delicious. You’ll want something that keeps Fido’s brain and his jaws occupied. Over time, Fido will soon learn that supper time means he gets something fun to do, and he will start to look forward to his “alone” time as much as you look forward to yours.

Teach a “leave it” command

Every dog should be taught a solid “leave it” command. It is one “trick” that has the potential to change a dog’s life. If you have decided you’d like your dog to remain in your dining room while you eat, you will need to tell him to “leave it” when you see him even thinking about plopping his paws on the table or eyeing up a something tasty on the table.

Teach “on your bed” or “in your place” to your dog

To effectively teach a dog to remain in place or on his bed, it is best to begin the training in a room that is less distracting for him and with no distractions present. By rewarding your dog with a treat every time he chooses to go to his bed of his own volition, he will soon learn that this is an awesome place to be, and good things happen when he goes there. Once your dog is successfully going to his bed and staying there when commanded to do so, you can begin to move the bed closer to the dining room and ultimately into it completely.

Crate your dog

For some dogs, temptation is just too great, and they need to be crated either in the dining room with you or in a separate area of your home altogether.

Other Considerations

Why do dogs beg?

Essentially dogs beg because it works. Dogs are powerfully motivated by positive reinforcement and are deeply in tune with our reactions. If in the past Fido has turned on the charm, and you in turn have offered up a morsel on your plate—score 1 for Fido; he has learned that you are a sucker for the cute act. And often all it takes is one successful attempt to lead to repeat performances. For this reason, consistency is key in training.

If you want to eradicate a behavior, you cannot give in; no matter what. This also includes putting a damper on your emotions and natural reactions. No matter how funny or cute the behavior, you must try your best not to react as your dog will pick up on even the most minute reactions in his favor and use them to his future advantage. To solve the problem, you must stay strong!

If Fido’s table manners have got you down, don’t despair! With a little bit of persistence, you can help Fido to learn begging at the table just isn’t appropriate for a well-mannered dog. Try out some of our tips today!

Some people love them; other people hate them, but everyone has an opinion about doggy kisses. Regardless of which camp you fall into, it’s important to teach Fido that no means no! Though you may declare yourself as firmly entrenched in the canine kiss aficionado club, people who visit your home might not, so it’s important for Fido to understand that sometimes he needs to keep his lips to himself. If you are the owner of a canine Casanova, what can you do to stop him from face licking?

Why Dogs Lick Faces

Often understanding a behavior is key to helping us change it. Since licking isn’t typically something human beings do to each other, it’s important to try to step inside the canine mindset to get to the root cause of the action in order to redirect it appropriately.

So, why do dogs lick faces?

From the moment puppies are born into this world, they experience licking. Their mother licks them remove to the sac from around their bodies then will lick their faces to clean them and induce breathing. She even licks their little bums to stimulate urination and defecation until her babies are old enough to engage in these bodily functions independently of her. Licking is a language that dogs understand.

But it’s not just at the time of birth that puppies and their mother participate in licking rituals. Puppies will often lick the mouths of their mother. This can be interpreted a number of different ways. In the wild, a mother dog would be responsible for sourcing food to feed her puppies once they were no longer nursing. Since some food was too large to transport safely back to her nest, it would be necessary for the mother dog to chew the food and swallow it only to regurgitate it later for the puppies to eat. Puppies learn very quickly that their mother is the source of all food until they are old enough to hunt for nutrition themselves. When they are hungry, they will lick their mother’s mouth to let her know that they are ready to eat and are looking to her to provide their nourishment.

If you have more than one pet in the home, you may catch glimpses of one licking the face of the other periodically. This particular behavior typically indicates one dog showing submission towards the other. The dog being licked is the one in the leadership role with the dog doing the licking clearly showing deference. It can be supposed that this may apply to the canine-human relationship as well. Your dog may simply be expressing to you that he acknowledges that you are “top dog” in the house, and he willingly submits to you. Face licking in canines is also an appeasement signal, so a dog licking your face may be meant to communicate that the dog means you no harm. Fido is a peace-loving kind of guy!

Our dogs do realize that the humans in their lives perform an entirely different function than that of their canine mothers. Yet they still choose to lick our faces. Why?

Dogs often lick the faces of their owner for one simple reason—they taste good! Don’t worry; Fido isn’t going to go all Cujo on you and progress from licking to full on bites. Very often human skin carries the taste of salt, something dogs love!

Sometimes dogs simply get in the habit of licking. Since dogs tend to repeat behaviors that seem to please us; if you express joy when your dog licks your face, it’s highly likely that Fido will trot the behavior out as often as possible because it invoked a response that he finds quite desirable.

But of course, we cannot deny that some dogs do lick as a sign of affection. Our dogs love us, and they don’t have as many ways to express that emotion as human beings do. They stay close by our sides and sometimes even lay on top of us. But one of the best ways to communicate to us that we are loved is some good old-fashioned canine face licking!

How to Change the Behavior

If face licking is far less than your fave thing, there are some things that you can do to stop it. Here is a list of some things you can try:

• Redirect the behavior.
  Sometimes the simplest solution to a problem is distraction. When your dog attempts to lick your face, redirect him to something else that will engage his interest. You can try a Kong stuffed with something yummy, a raw meaty bone, or even a new toy. You want to make sure that whatever you use it is extremely high value particularly if your dog has a long history of face licking as the desire to resume doggy kisses will be very strong for your dog!
• Suppress your reaction.
  Dogs respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement techniques. If you express delight every time Fido kisses your face, he is going to interpret the action as a welcome behavior, and he’s going to keep doing it. In order to change this behavior, it is necessary that you learn to not react when Fido tries to lick your face. Your dog is looking for a reaction from you. If you fail to deliver one, he will most likely move onto a different activity in the hopes that he will find something else that pleases you and will earn him the reward of your attention.
• Be a moving target.
  When your dog makes a beeline for your lips, the easiest thing to do is move the target. Your dog can’t kiss what isn’t there!
• Teach a “leave it” command.
  Though “leave it” is typically taught to encourage dogs not to touch an object, it is equally effective when it comes to unwanted behaviors. When your dog approaches the lips of a guest, you can simply ask him to “leave it,” and hopefully, your pooch will assume an activity deemed more socially appropriate to your company.
• Make use of a crate.
  A well-established habit can be hard to eradicate completely. If company is coming over and Fido is still attempting to exuberantly kiss everyone who walks through the door, it might be best to crate him until he can contain his enthusiasm and approach your guests with a calmer demeanor.

Some people think canine kisses are the bomb, but since not everyone feels that way, it’s always a good idea to teach your dog to lay off the licking when commanded to do so. If your dog is a bit of canine Don Juan, try some of our tips today to help Fido learn more socially appropriate manners.

As much as we love our dogs; sometimes, they do things that embarrass us. While some of these habits are simply a matter of forgotten manners, others are instinctual behaviors bred into our canine companions over centuries of their history. Though we may not understand the motivation behind some of our fave pooch’s seemingly odd behaviors, there are always logical reasons to explain any canine action. If your dog chooses to hump other dogs, it no doubt causes your face to turn crimson red with embarrassment. Though, for you, it is a matter of proper etiquette for Fido to cease this behavior; for him, it is a little more complex. If your dog likes to hump other dogs, what can be done to stop it?

Why dogs hump other dogs?
If you are an owner with a dog who likes to get a little…ahem…amorous…when other dogs come around, it won’t be long before you’re too embarrassed to take your little Don Juan anywhere in public. It is interesting to note that humping is a behavior that is not specific to male dogs. Female dogs will also mount other dogs from time to time. The action is also not limited only to dogs who are intact. Neutered males and spayed females are also known to engage in humping.

Part of being able to solve a problem is understanding the motivation behind the behavior. By getting to the root cause of why Fido decides to hump every dog he comes in contact with, you can establish a protocol to help him learn a more socially appropriate behavior.

Here are some of the leading reasons why dogs sometimes hump other dogs:

• Play style
  When puppies first start exploring their world and learning social interactions, they will often hump their littermates. This is not sexual in nature as the puppies are far too young to be sexually mature. It is simply part of their learning process. If the behavior is not discouraged by a puppy’s littermates, it can become an ingrained part of his regular play routine. Though this is essentially harmless, it can pose a problem if the dog attempts to mount older dogs who are not appreciative of the behavior and who may view it as threatening.
• Stress/Excitement
  When a dog becomes emotionally overstimulated, it can trigger the response to hump. This action provides the dog with a sense of comfort and control. Dogs who obsessively hump other dogs are often dogs who are extremely uncomfortable with the situation they find themselves in and are most often mentally stimulated to a point that is unhealthy.
• Always bear in mind that stress doesn’t only come in negative forms. If your dog is excited about a visitor at the door or even a new toy, you may find him attempting to hump another dog in the family.
• Presence of an unusual odor
  The smell of a female in heat triggers a very powerful response in both male and female dogs. However, certain other smells can mimic the fragrance of a female in standing heat. Dogs who suffer from yeast infections or even who carry home an unusual fragrance from playing with other dogs or visiting a new place might find themselves the recipients of some amorous behavior that is less than welcome.
• Habit
  Mounting can quickly become a learned behavior. If this is the case, the dog will begin to hump other dogs almost subconsciously. Once this action has reached the level of a habit, it is more challenging to change.
• Dominance”
  Though dominance is a highly charged word and the concept itself is largely misunderstood, there are times when dominance does come into play in the dog world. Some dogs will attempt to mount other dogs in an attempt to find out where they fit in the “pecking order” of a social situation. If the dog they attempt to hump easily allows the behavior, the dog who initiated the humping may take that as a sign of submission. Dogs who snap in response to being mounted would be interpreted as a dog in a higher position in the hierarchy.
• Sexual behavior
  The truth is sometimes humping IS a sexual behavior. Dogs are wired with an incredibly powerful drive to reproduce themselves. However, dogs do not initiate sexual play without believing that a female dog is prepared to become impregnated. This means that humping as a sexual behavior is seen a lot less frequently than many would believe. Dogs are not like human beings who seek out sexual acts for pleasure alone. Dogs engage in intercourse for the sole purpose of reproduction. With this in mind, a male dog motivated sexually will only attempt to mount a female dog when she is giving off the scent that tells him she is fertile.

How to stop a Happy Humper

Since humping is a behavior that can be very ingrained in a dog, it can be challenging to eliminate entirely. Here are some things you can attempt to help your dog learn more socially appropriate behavior:

• Consider redirection.
  Often the best course of action to change a behavior you dislike is redirection. By changing your dog’s focus to something different, you will be able to engage him in another activity that will help him to forget what he was previously up to. You will want to be certain that whatever you do to distract your best canine pal that it is extremely high value. If you do not use something that “ups the ante,” you may find your dog gets bored easily and goes back to doing what he was doing in the first place—humping!
• Spay or neuter your dog.
  At the very least, spaying or neutering your dog will remove the desire and ability to reproduce. This may or may not have an effect on the humping as it is possible it could have become a learned behavior and thus will carry on long after the hormonal insistence has been removed.
• Remove your dog from the situation.
  Dogs who hump other dogs are at risk for starting a fight. Watch your dog very carefully when he is playing with other dogs. Don’t allow him or her to be a “bully.” Even dogs who accept humping passively may become extremely irritated. It may be necessary for the safety of both dogs to simply interrupt the play and remove your dog from the situation even for a short period of time.

If your dog is humper, you know how embarrassing it can be! But don’t lose hope. Try some of our top tips to help your little canine paramour to learn more socially appropriate behavior! His other canine pals will thank you for it.

We love our dogs. They share our homes, our couches, and sometimes even our beds. Yet as much as we adore them, we can’t deny that they can get up to some embarrassing antics. Though these behaviors might perfect sense to Fido, they certainly leave us scratching our heads. When it comes to appropriate house manners, it sometimes appears that Fido missed the memo. What can you do if your dog’s house manners could use a little freshening up?

Why Dogs Lick Their Genitals

Canine genital licking certainly is a behavior that brings a blush to any pet owner’s eye, particularly if it happens in the presence of company. Interestingly enough, this behavior is not gender specific.

Dogs will often lick areas of their bodies to keep themselves looking clean and tidy. Contrary to the belief of many, dogs are very clean animals, and if an area of their body could benefit from a little freshening, Fido is only too happy to get the job done.

Since canine genitals sometimes bear trace elements of residual urine, many dogs will lick the area to remove the offending smell and thus restore proper hygiene. In male dogs, it is also not uncommon for their penis to emit a discharge which is similar to semen. This discharge is known as smegma. Most canine males are fastidious about keeping this area of their body pristinely clean via licking. This licking is not at all sexual in nature; it is merely the body’s way of remaining clean and free from any potential disease.

However, there are times when a dog will lick his genitals for reasons that are greater cause for concern. These include:

Skin infections
Irritated skin is itchy, and since a dog cannot scratch the genital region, he will do the next best thing to find relief; lick himself. If you notice pus-filled sores or extremely red bumpy skin, it is highly likely your dog’s licking is due to a yeast or bacterial infection. Left untreated, this infection will progress dramatically, causing your dog great discomfort and even pain. A trip to the vet for antibiotics and/or a medicated shampoo will resolve the problem.

Anal gland issues
Dogs will rarely lick the anus region of their own bodies. When they do, they are most typically trying to find relief for an infected anal gland. When infection sets in to an anal gland, it can cause rupturing of the tissue, an incredibly painful condition for your dog. To treat an infected anal gland, a visit to your veterinarian is in order. Your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics and pain meds to address the situation. In addition to this, your dog may require compresses with warm cloths to alleviate the itching and discomfort.

Allergies
Allergies caused by reactions to certain foods or even airborne triggers can result in itchiness of the genital region. If the allergy can be pinpointed to a specific food, a special diet can be formulated to ensure your dog does not come in contact with the specific allergen. However, determining an allergen can be extremely difficult to do. A good probiotic will help with proper digestion. Anti-inflammatory meds and immune suppressants may also be necessary to provide long term relief from itching.

Urinary tract infections
Though bladder infections are a relatively common problem in dogs. Itchiness of the genital region is a good indication that a urinary tract infection might be brewing in your dog. Oral antibiotics are required to restore the body to its natural balance.

Boredom
Sometimes dogs lick themselves simply because they don’t have anything better to do.

Habit
Over time, licking can become a habit. Your dog may be engaging in this behavior subsconsciously. In many cases, Fido has done it so long that he doesn’t even need a reason any more. He does it because he has always done it.

How to stop the licking

Provide a distraction.
Regardless of the cause for the licking, your best course of action to stop the behavior is redirection. Pick up some Kongs and some tasty fillings you can stuff them with; the stinkier, the better. If your dog is more of a bone fan, pick up a few of those as well. You need high value items that you can tempt your dog with, and that will cause him to forget what he was previously up to in favor of what you want him to do.

Consider medical causes.
It’s always a good idea to rule out any medical issues. If a health problem is to blame, it is usually evidenced by behavior that is out of character. If your dog was not a licker before but has suddenly adopted this new habit, it might be time to visit your vet for a thorough examination, bloodwork, and a urinalysis to rule out any potential physical problems.

Ensure lots of exercise.
If boredom plays a part in the problem, keeping Fido well exercised will help immeasurably. Activity leads to a satisfied dog, and a well-sated dog is far more likely to sleep than to choose to lick himself.

Be sure not to scold your dog.
Licking himself is not something your dog is doing wrong. Scolding is both ineffective and counterproductive.

Yes, your dog choosing to lick himself in front of company is embarrassing indeed. Follow the simple tips in this article to help Fido keep his canine manners on task!

Since time immemorial, man has been sharing his home with his most loyal friend: the dog. Dogs fill our lives with joy, laughter, and unconditional love. Just the thought of life without their favorite furry friend can bring a tear to even the most stoic person’s eye. Since we are most accustomed to dogs who greet us with the deepest of affection, it takes us off guard to hear news of a dog who seemingly out of the blue attacks his owner.

Dog attacks are particularly frightening. With a mouth full of teeth as sharp as kitchen knives, dogs have the ability to use their mouths for good or for harm. Through years of domestication and centuries of building secure relationships with human caretakers, dogs have become trusted companions. Yet every now and again, we hear news of a dog, having previously shown not even an ounce of aggression, who suddenly turns on his owner, with disastrous consequences. Why do dogs attack, and when they do, what is the responsible course of action to take?

Why Dogs Attack

Contrary to popular opinion, it is exceedingly rare that a dog attack is not preceded by some sort of warning. Dogs are logical animals and have other “weapons” at their disposal they would much prefer to use before resorting to an attack. More than this, dogs don’t want to attack a human any more than a human wants to be bitten. If an attack has occurred, there is generally a reason why and some warning signals that were ignoed before things escalated to the point of a dog bite.

Here are some reasons why dogs might attack:

Prey drive
Though dogs are highly intelligent animals capable of detecting the differences between a quick moving animal and a child or small adult, instinct powerfully compels dogs with high prey drive to go into “chase” mode first and ask questions later. Owners of dogs with high prey drive must do their due diligence to keep their dogs well contained and to prevent access to their yard by well-meaning neighbors with small pets or children.

Dogs with prey drive do not lack a solid temperament; they are simply breeds bred with a very specific job in mind, and prey drive is essential for them to accomplish that purpose. However, since many owners do not intend to allow their dogs to hunt, it is essential that any situation that may be considered a hunt for prey be minimized to prevent tragedy from occurring. A dog with high prey drive who is allowed to run up and down the length of a fence chasing a small dog or perhaps a child who is teasing the dog is bound to become severely agitated and may react in a fashion that is out of character for the dog’s true temperament simply because he is overstimulated.

Defending territory/possessions
Many dogs view their home as their castle, and they don’t take very kindly to anyone approaching without their consent. This can also extend to things that they view as their “own” such as bones, food, dog beds, and sometimes, even a favorite a person. A typically mild-mannered dog can turn into a fierce, teeth-baring piranha if he feels that something he cherishes is being threatened.

Stress
Dogs are very much creatures of habit, and they thrive on routine. Yet, life is not always as consistent as we would like it to be, and dogs do undergo a large amount of stress as a result of the upkettling of their daily schedule. Things like having overnight guests, holidays, and even fireworks being set off in the neighborhood have a detrimental on our pets. Even dogs who seem to take things in stride suffer from a certain amount of anxiety as a result of change. When stress becomes too great for a dog to handle, he may react unpredictably and attack another member of the household. Most often it is another canine or feline resident, but it could just as easily be a child or adult member of the family as well.

Pain
Humans experiencing pain can become shadows of their former selves. It is the same with dogs as well. The cause of the pain may not even be evident to an owner as dogs are masters at disguising when they are hurt. However, pain certainly is a strong motivator for a dog to lash out. Stepping on a limb that is sore or even sitting too close to an aching body part may cause a normally docile family pet to lash out with teeth. When an animal is in pain, it is instinctive to react aggressively towards whatever it appears is causing the pain. If a dog suddenly begins reacting negatively to situations he would have normally taken in stride, a visit to the vet is the number one priority.

Handling by someone unfamiliar or who is not careful with the dog
Some dogs do not respond well to handling, particularly by someone the dog does not know. This is why it is important for an owner to always be present when a dog must be handled such as at the groomer’s or even the vet’s. But more than this; no matter how trustworthy you may believe your dog to be, he should never, NEVER, be allowed to be alone with children. Children are not always as careful as they should be with a dog. But children also are just naturally excited to have a puppy to play with, and they can inadvertently handle the dog in a way that is uncomfortable for him. If the child does not heed more subtle warnings and finally a growl, he will resort to using his teeth to find a way to get out of the situation that is distressing him. Proper supervision is critical when children and pets are together. Children should be taught to respect dogs and their boundaries, and dogs should be removed from play with children should they show signs of being uncomfortable or stressed. Always remember that a bite that takes place with a child will typically affect the facial area as a dog will strike the area that is closest to him. With children, that area is the face and neck.

Mental illness
Though much rarer, some dogs do suffer from mental illness and can just snap. This is particularly frightening and heartbreaking as in most of these cases there was no precursor to indicate this type of attack would one day occur. In cases of mental illness, the dog in question must usually be euthanized to prevent future incidents.

What can be done?

There is no question that as owners, it is our responsibility to protect our pets and to protect all of those that come in contact with them. The very first step in ensuring this happens is to maintain regular health and wellness visits to your vet. A healthy pet is typically a well-adjusted pet. You want to catch any conditions while they can still be treated and to alleviate any pain and suffering related to health problems or simply to advanced age. Regular bloodwork is an important part of this strategy. By ensuring your dog’s blood is checked regularly, you will be able to rule out things like thyroid issues and even cancers which could lead to erratic, and at times, aggressive behavior that was previously unseen in your dog.

Secondly, you must be your dog’s advocate. Know your dog well and what your dog can handle. If your dog doesn’t like children, don’t force him to be around them. Give him a space he can retreat to where little hands and feet won’t intrude on him, and he can feel safe and protected. If fireworks leave your dog scrambling for cover, consider a Thundershirt and an herbal medication such as Zylkene to take the edge off his nerves. By understanding your dog and his likes and dislikes, you can help to set him up for success.

If your dog has shown signs of reacting poorly to what he perceives as threats to his property or belongings, begin working now with a professional trainer who can help you build confidence in your dog. Resource guarding can become a very serious issue if not properly addressed and can lead to bites and attacks.

It is also important to educate yourself in “dogspeak.” Dogs will show much more subtle signs that they are uncomfortable, and it is important to be on the lookout for them, so that you can intervene long before it reaches the point of an attempted bite.

If a pattern of unpredictable aggressive behavior emerges in your dog, it is not something to be weathered alone. By consulting a canine behaviorist and your veterinarian, you can formulate a plan to help your dog and the people who share their lives with him. A dog who is acting out by biting is not a happy dog. Dogs generally attempt to bite to keep something they fear away from them. If your dog is biting, your dog is afraid, and you must find ways to help him learn to feel at ease in his environment again. It may be take a combination of desensitization to environmental and/or emotional triggers and a psychotropic medication to help your dog find peace. Sadly, in some cases, it is simply in the best interest of all parties involved for a dog to depart this life for the next. It is not a decision to be undertaken lightly, but as a loving dog owner; if all other means have been exhausted and your dog is still reacting aggressively and unpredictably, it may be far kinder to let him go than to allow him to continue to live out his days in anxiety and stress.

When dogs attack, it is a tragedy for all involved. The best course of action is always prevention. Should you see signs your dog is not quite himself, seek help from your vet and a qualified animal behaviorist today. It just might save his life!

If you live next door to a barking dog, you know the struggle is real. You don’t want to be “that guy.” You know the one; the guy who calls the local animal protection society on your neighbor. You’d like to work things out on your own if you could. But Fido takes to his serenades at the most inopportune times, and it’s leaving you feeling like tearing your hair out. What can you do if your neighbor owns a dog that is a barker?

Why Dogs Bark

Sometimes the easiest solution to non-stop barking is to try to get to the root of the problem. By eliminating the trigger, you can often stop the barking, or at least, greatly reduce it.

Here are some reasons why dogs like to bark:

Boredom
Let’s face it; if your neighbor’s dog is left in the yard with little to do for long periods of time, he is going to need to do something to amuse himself. For a lot of dogs, that amusement comes in the form of barking.

Excitement
If you’ve ever seen how your dog acts to the presence of a beloved visitor to your door, you know dogs bark when they get excited. If your street is a heavily dog trafficked roadway, Fido just might be barking frequent hellos to every dog that passes by. But just about anything can trigger a rousing round of barking in a happy and excited dog. If your neighbor’s dog hears a car alarm or the sound of a police car siren, he just might throw back his head and join in with a good howl.

Lack of exercise
When a dog does not receive adequate physical and emotional stimulation to meet his daily needs, he becomes frustrated. Many owners think that providing access to a fully fenced in yard should be sufficient for most dogs to meet their exercise requirements on a consistent basis. The reality is it’s not so simple. Dogs crave interaction just like humans do. Running around the same old yard day in and day out loses its appeal after a while. A dog who is not having his physical needs met will often bark, largely out of frustration.

Genetic predisposition
Some breeds are more prone to barking than others. If this is the case, you may be fighting a losing battle trying to curb the problem on your own. Your best line of defence might be a pair of earplugs!

Poor environment
Dogs who are left outside on a chain or who spend long amounts of time confined to small spaces are far more likely to bark repetitively. In addition to this, some dogs do bark as a response to things in their direct environment and may bark incessantly in anticipation of a storm or even as a response to fireworks.

Attention-seeking behavior
Some dogs bark as a means to get attention. Dogs learn how to train their humans very quickly. If a quick bark usually results in the appearance of a person, the dog will continue to repeat the behavior, hoping for the same response. Even negative attention is a positive for a dog.

Discuss the Problem with your Neighbor

Typically, taking the time to go and discuss the barking with your neighbor is the best and most effective approach. Believe it or not, some owners are at work when the repetitive barking is taking place and aren’t aware their dog has become the neighborhood nuisance. Together, you could strategize productive ways to help Fido learn to keep the noise down.

Be sure to be kind when you address the problem. Adopt an attitude of wanting to work together to see the issue resolved, and you just might be surprised by what the two of you can accomplish!

Restrict the dog’s visual access to your yard.
If you notice the dog’s barking generally begins each time you enter your yard, it may be time to consider putting up visual barriers. Though dogs can still smell when things in their environment change, many of them will lose the desire to react or bark to the presence of a human in the yard next door if they can’t see them. Making use of landscape fabric to wrap that portion of the fence is a great way to cut off a dog’s field of vision in the direction of your yard.

Ask your neighbor’s permission to offer the dog a toy or bone.
It may just be that Fido is darn bored and could benefit from something to do with his mouth other than bark. A toy or bone might just be the perfect solution! Be sure to ask your neighbor’s permission before giving anything to his dog. Additionally, select bones that are appropriate for the dog’s age, breed, and jaw strength to ensure that he does not become ill, swallow parts that could be hazardous, or choke.

Make friends with the dog.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking the time to make a new friend. The barking might not stop entirely, but if Fido has been viewing you as a threat to his property, taking a few treats outside and teaching him that you’re nothing to be afraid of just might encourage him to start greeting you with enthusiasm instead of defensiveness. This, in itself, may reduce the barking.

Clicker train a “Good quiet” command.
If your neighbor is amenable to it, you might want to invest in a $10 clicker and some really yummy dog treats and play dog trainer for a day. Simply go out in the yard armed with your clicker and treats. Any time the dog is quiet and/or calm, click, say “Good quiet,” and give the dog a treat. Over time, the dog will learn that when he is not barking and in a relaxed state that he gets precisely what he wants: positive attention and yummy food! You will eventually be able to phase out the food entirely and just issue the “Good quiet” command with great results.

File a complaint with your local animal control.
As an absolute last resort if you have tried everything else to no avail, you may need to call animal control. However, bear in mind that most municipalities will be required to take action which may include removing the dog from the home if too many complaints are filed. This is a last ditch effort that should not be undertaken lightly.

Fido’s barking got you down? Incessant barking is enough to give anyone a case of the blues. Try some of our tips today!