List of articles № 11
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of open spaces.
As a canine behavior specialist, I identify the observable indicators that a dog is uncomfortable in expansive, unconfined areas. Tension in the neck and shoulders, often visible as a stiff posture. Ears flattened against the head or pinned forward.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly introduce a dog to a puppy.
Preparing the home before the adult dog meets a new puppy is critical for a calm, safe interaction. The environment must limit uncertainty, protect belongings, and give each animal a place to retreat. Designate a neutral area free of the resident dog’s favorite toys or bedding.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog does not put weight on one paw.
Veterinary specialists identify several observable cues when a dog avoids bearing weight on a single limb. Direct assessment of gait and behavior reveals the following indicators: Limping or favoring the affected side during movement. Reduced stride length on the compromised leg.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to chew on baseboards and furniture.
Puppy teething is a natural developmental stage that often triggers destructive chewing. The pain and pressure in emerging teeth drive the animal to explore textures, including baseboards and furniture. Understanding this physiological impulse allows owners to redirect behavior before it becomes a habit.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of the dark.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I focus on the observable signs that reveal a dog’s anxiety when illumination is reduced. Typical indicators include: Rapid, shallow breathing or panting that intensifies as lights dim. Ears pinned back against the head or rotated forward in a tense posture.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog has heart problems.
Early detection of canine cardiac disease dramatically improves treatment options and survival rates. Veterinary cardiology specialists observe that dogs diagnosed at the first signs of heart dysfunction respond better to medication, lifestyle adjustments, and surgical interventions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog pants with its tongue out.
Dogs regulate body temperature primarily through respiratory evaporation. When internal heat rises, the nervous system triggers rapid, shallow breaths that move air across the moist surfaces of the mouth and tongue. The tongue, with its rich vascular network and large surface area, releases heat directly to the external environment while saliva evaporates, dissipating additional energy.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to give a «high five» with both paws.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I will outline the fundamentals of training a dog to perform a high‑five using both front paws. This behavior combines obedience principles with a clear cue, offering a reliable trick that reinforces focus and strengthens the human‑dog bond.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of loneliness.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I emphasize that early detection of separation distress prevents escalation. Dogs that fear being left alone exhibit specific, observable behaviors that differentiate ordinary boredom from anxiety. Excessive vocalization (howling, barking, whining) immediately after the owner departs Repetitive pacing, often in circles or along the same route Attempts to escape from confinement, including scratching doors, windows, or crates Destru. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly socialize a puppy from an early age.
Socialization is the systematic exposure of a young dog to a variety of stimuli-people, animals, environments, sounds, and handling techniques-designed to shape reliable, confident behavior. The process begins during the critical period between three and twelve weeks of age, when the puppy’s nervous system is most receptive to new experiences.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog gets nervous when you leave.
The relationship between dogs and their owners is a product of thousands of years of co‑evolution, during which canines learned to interpret human signals and to regard people as sources of safety and resources. This interspecies attachment shapes a dog’s expectations:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to stop a dog from howling to music.
Dogs frequently vocalize when music plays because the sound mimics the frequency range of a wolf’s howl, a signal used for long‑distance communication within a pack. This reaction stems from a deep‑seated survival mechanism: ancestral canids emitted howls to locate members, coordinate movement, and deter rivals.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has eaten something on the street and is vomiting.
When a dog ingests an unknown street item and begins to vomit, the first priority is a rapid, systematic assessment. Observe the animal’s behavior: note whether it is alert, trembling, or lethargic. Record the frequency, volume, and appearance of the vomit, as these clues often indicate the type of substance involved.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is in physical pain.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I identify several behavioral indicators that reliably signal physical discomfort in dogs. Pain often manifests as deviations from the animal’s normal routine, and these deviations become apparent through observable actions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to remove a splinter from a dog's paw.
Splinters embed in a dog’s paw tissue and create several immediate health risks. The sharp fragment can puncture the skin, leading to bleeding and exposing underlying structures to environmental contaminants. Bacterial invasion through the wound often results in localized infection, which may progress to cellulitis or abscess formation if left untreated.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what it means if a dog sighs.
The sigh is a coordinated respiratory event that signals a shift in an animal’s physiological or emotional state. When a canine releases a sigh, the following mechanisms occur: The diaphragm contracts more deeply than during normal breathing, expanding the thoracic cavity and drawing a larger volume of air into the lungs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to break a dog's bad habit of chewing its nails.
Stress and anxiety frequently drive dogs to chew their nails, creating a self‑reinforcing loop that sustains the behavior. When a canine feels threatened, bored, or overstimulated, oral fixation offers a temporary coping mechanism, yet it can damage paw tissue and lead to infection.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is poisoned by rat poison.
When a dog has ingested anticoagulant rodenticide, the first priority is to protect both the animal and the responder from additional exposure. Wear disposable gloves before handling the dog or any contaminated material. Dispose of gloves immediately after use.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog snorts and what it means.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I define snorting as a rapid, audible expulsion of air through the nostrils that occurs without a typical inhalation‑exhalation cycle. The sound results from turbulent airflow passing over the nasal turbinates, often amplified by partial obstruction of the nasal passages.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose the right leash for a dog.
A well‑chosen leash directly influences a dog’s safety, the owner’s control, and the quality of public interactions. An inadequate leash can break under tension, slip from the handler’s grip, or allow excessive slack that encourages pulling and unpredictable behavior.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has an epileptic seizure.
In dogs that experience epilepsy, the period immediately preceding a convulsion often presents subtle, observable cues known as the prodrome. Recognizing these signals enables owners to intervene promptly, reduce injury risk, and document seizure patterns for veterinary assessment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to mark territory in the apartment.
Dogs mark indoor surfaces for several distinct behavioral motives. Understanding these motives is essential for designing an effective training program. Territorial instinct - Canines naturally deposit urine to delineate space. In a confined apartment, any unfamiliar scent or change in routine can trigger this instinct, prompting the dog to reinforce perceived boundaries.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog hides under the bed.
Dogs retreat beneath beds because their ancestral survival strategies prioritize enclosed, low‑visibility spaces. In wild canids, dens serve as shelters from predators, extreme weather, and unfamiliar sounds. The instinct to seek a compact, protected cavity persists in domestic dogs, manifesting as a preference for the space under a bed when they perceive threat or discomfort.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly introduce a dog to a new family member.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I recommend a systematic approach before the infant’s arrival. Conduct a veterinary examination to confirm up‑to‑date vaccinations, parasite control, and overall health. Address any chronic conditions that could affect stress levels.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog's eyes are watering.
Veterinary professionals recognize that excessive tearing in dogs often originates from exposure to environmental irritants. Common agents include pollen, dust, smoke, chemical cleaners, and airborne mold spores. These particles can infiltrate the ocular surface, disrupt tear film stability, and trigger reflex lacrimation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog the «beg» command.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I advise assembling the following items before initiating the beg cue training. Having the correct tools streamlines the learning process and reduces confusion for the animal. Essential supplies include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog snuffles loudly in its sleep.
Dogs experience a sleep architecture that mirrors the mammalian pattern of rapid eye movement (REM) and non‑REM phases. The cycle begins with a brief period of drowsiness, during which muscle tone decreases and the animal transitions from alertness to rest.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to help an obese dog lose weight.
Identifying an overweight canine is the first step in any weight‑loss program. Accurate assessment prevents misdiagnosis and ensures that interventions are appropriately scaled. A reliable method is the body‑condition score (BCS). Veterinarians use a nine‑point scale where a score of 6 - 9 indicates excess fat.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is stung by a bee or wasp.
When a dog is stung by a bee or wasp, the initial priority is a rapid assessment of the incident. Observe the animal closely to determine the sting’s location, the extent of swelling, and any immediate signs of distress. Look for the following indicators:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is actually smarter than it seems.
When assessing canine intelligence, the first step is to establish a clear definition of “smart.” In dogs, cognitive ability can be broken down into three measurable domains: problem‑solving, learning speed, and social cognition. Problem‑solving refers to a dog’s capacity to manipulate objects or navigate obstacles to achieve a goal.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog dislikes its paws being touched.
Paws serve as the primary interface between a dog and its environment, supporting locomotion, balance, and sensory perception. The structure comprises pads, claws, joints, and an extensive network of nerves, each contributing to weight distribution, shock absorption, and tactile feedback.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to steal things from the table.
Training a dog to refrain from taking items off a dining surface requires insight into the underlying drives that prompt the behavior. Recognizing these drives allows owners to target interventions precisely, reducing trial‑and‑error and accelerating progress.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog eats something suspicious on a walk.
When a dog ingests an unknown item during a walk, the first priority is a rapid, systematic assessment of the incident. Begin by observing the animal’s behavior and physical condition. Look for signs such as coughing, choking, drooling, retching, lethargy, or sudden changes in gait.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose the ideal dog breed for a family.
When evaluating a breed for a household, the dog’s activity level must align with the family’s daily rhythm. High‑energy dogs thrive on multiple, vigorous outings and benefit from spacious yards or regular access to parks. Low‑energy breeds remain content with brief walks and modest indoor play, making them suitable for apartments or schedules that include long workdays.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog scratches the floor before lying down.
Denning behavior refers to the instinctual actions dogs perform to prepare a resting site, a pattern inherited from their wild ancestors. When a dog scratches the floor prior to lying down, the action serves several functional purposes directly linked to this innate nesting process.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to correctly give medicine to a dog that refuses to take it.
Veterinary professionals recognize that a dog’s resistance to oral medication often stems from instinctual wariness of unfamiliar objects in the mouth. Recognizing the cues that signal discomfort-such as lip licking, head shaking, or avoidance of the hand-allows the caregiver to adjust the delivery method before the animal develops a strong aversion.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog gets motion sickness in transport.
Recognizing motion sickness in a dog begins with observing subtle physiological and behavioral changes that precede overt vomiting. The following early indicators warrant immediate attention: Restlessness or pacing, especially when the vehicle starts moving.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is deeply offended.
When a canine perceives a severe affront, its body language shifts from ordinary stress signals to a pattern that signals profound displeasure. Recognizing this pattern enables owners and professionals to intervene appropriately and prevent escalation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog constantly scratches its ears.
Understanding why a dog repeatedly scratches its ears begins with a clear picture of ear structure. The canine ear consists of three main regions: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Each region contains specific elements that can become sources of irritation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog not to approach strangers.
Dogs approach unfamiliar people for several well‑understood reasons. Their social species background drives a natural tendency to investigate new members of the environment. Curiosity leads them to sniff, observe, and make contact, especially when the stranger presents novel scents or sounds.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59