List of articles № 13
Instruction: how to train a dog to stop «hunting» cats in the yard.
Dogs pursue cats primarily because of innate predatory drives. The canine brain is wired to detect rapid movement, especially small, darting shapes, and to respond with a chase reflex. Breeds developed for hunting or herding exhibit heightened prey instinct, making a fleeing cat an irresistible target.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has a stroke.
A canine stroke often manifests abruptly, and recognizing the first signs can be lifesaving. Typical sudden changes include loss of balance, a head tilt to one side, unsteady gait, or an inability to walk. Facial muscles may appear drooped, and the dog might display a fixed, glassy stare.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a puppy the «leave it» command.
The “Leave It” command prevents a puppy from engaging with hazardous or undesirable items, reducing the risk of injury, ingestion of toxins, and damage to property. It also establishes a clear boundary that the owner can enforce consistently, fostering reliable obedience in unpredictable situations.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog sleeps in strange positions.
Dogs frequently adopt postures that appear unconventional to observers-lying on their backs with paws in the air, contorting into tight spirals, or stretching fully across a surface. These positions are not random; they reflect a combination of physiological needs, environmental adaptation, and innate instincts.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose safe treats for training.
When selecting training rewards, exclude any component that poses a health risk or triggers adverse reactions. The following substances should never be present in a treat intended for regular use: Xylitol - a sugar substitute toxic to dogs, causing rapid insulin release and possible liver failure.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a tumor is found in a dog.
When a tumor is detected in a dog, the first professional recommendation is to maintain composure and begin systematic observation. Calmness prevents stress that can affect both owner judgment and the animal’s physiological state. Record the exact location, size, and texture of the lump using a ruler or measuring tape.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog has a toothache.
Canine dental health directly influences a dog’s comfort, nutrition, and overall wellbeing. When the oral cavity is compromised, pain often manifests in subtle behavioral changes that owners may overlook. Recognizing these cues allows timely intervention and prevents progression to infection, bone loss, or systemic disease.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog has started urinating at home, although it used to hold it.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that stress and anxiety frequently precipitate a breakdown in a dog’s previously reliable elimination control. When a canine experiences heightened arousal-whether from changes in routine, new household members, loud noises, or confinement-the sympathetic nervous system dominates, diminishing the voluntary sphincter tone that enables the animal to postpone voiding.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is constantly sneezing.
Sneezing in dogs often signals an underlying irritation or health issue. Understanding the most frequent triggers helps owners recognize when veterinary assessment is required. Environmental irritants : Dust, pollen, strong fragrances, and household cleaning agents can provoke nasal inflammation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to prepare a dog for a move to a new apartment.
When a dog encounters moving boxes, the new objects can trigger anxiety or curiosity that disrupts the transition to a new home. Gradual exposure reduces stress and encourages calm behavior during the packing process. Begin by selecting a few sturdy boxes and placing them in a familiar area of the current residence.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog buries its nose in your armpit.
As a canine behavior specialist, I explain that a dog’s tendency to press its nose into a person’s underarm is rooted in scent communication. The skin in the armpit houses apocrine glands that release volatile compounds rich in personal odor signatures.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog to stop digging in the garden.
Boredom and excess energy are primary drivers of unwanted digging behavior in a garden. When a dog lacks sufficient mental challenges or physical outlet, it redirects instinctual digging urges toward accessible soil. Addressing these drivers reduces the frequency and intensity of the activity.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to check if a dog is overweight.
A healthy weight for a dog is the body mass at which the animal can perform normal activities without undue strain and maintain optimal physiological function. Veterinary professionals determine this value by comparing the dog’s current weight to breed‑specific standards and by assessing body composition.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog shivers even when it is not cold.
Canine thermoregulation maintains a core temperature of approximately 38 °C (100.4 °F). The hypothalamus monitors blood temperature and activates corrective actions when deviations exceed ±0.5 °C. Primary mechanisms include: Panting - rapid evaporative cooling through the nasal passages and tongue.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to dance.
Understanding your canine partner is the foundation of any successful training program that involves rhythmic movement. Recognize the breed’s natural inclination toward agility or lack thereof; high‑energy breeds such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds typically grasp complex patterns faster, whereas more sedentary breeds may require additional patience and incremental steps.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has an unpleasant odor from its coat.
Poor hygiene is the most common source of an offensive smell in a dog’s coat. Accumulated debris, skin oils, bacterial colonies, and fungal growth create a volatile environment that produces unpleasant odors. Neglecting routine grooming allows these elements to proliferate, especially in areas with limited airflow such as the belly, groin, and paws.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to diversify the diet of a dog that eats dry food.
Diversifying a diet that relies primarily on dry kibble provides measurable health improvements for dogs. Incorporating fresh proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats supplies nutrients that are often limited in commercial formulations, supporting overall physiological function.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog has become lethargic and apathetic.
A dog that appears unusually quiet often signals an underlying issue before obvious signs emerge. Recognizing minor behavioral shifts enables timely intervention and prevents progression to severe lethargy. Reduced enthusiasm for walks or play, even when previously eager.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to break a dog's habit of licking everything.
Effective communication and genuine affection are essential tools when correcting a dog’s compulsive licking. Dogs interpret tone, body language, and physical contact as signals of approval or disapproval. Consistent, clear cues combined with positive reinforcement reshape the licking habit without causing anxiety.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a dog sees you as the pack leader.
A pack leader is the individual who establishes and maintains the social hierarchy within a canine group. The role encompasses control over resources, decision‑making in movement and activity, and the ability to set and enforce boundaries. In a domestic setting, the human who fulfills these functions is perceived by the dog as the authoritative figure.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog resists on a walk and does not want to go home.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I observe that abrupt halts and backward pulls often signal underlying tension during a walk. When a dog stops suddenly, the animal may be reacting to an unexpected stimulus-sharp noises, unfamiliar scents, or visual distractions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to do a «bow».
Understanding the bow begins with recognizing it as a distinct body posture rather than a random movement. The dog lowers its fore‑legs while keeping the rear end elevated, often accompanied by a relaxed neck and a forward‑facing gaze. This configuration appears naturally during stretching, greeting, or play invitations, indicating that the behavior is embedded in the canine communication repertoire.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has burned its paws on hot asphalt.
When a dog’s paws have been exposed to scorching asphalt, the animal will exhibit clear physical cues. Immediate visual inspection often reveals: Red, pink, or purplish discoloration of pads and surrounding skin Swelling that may extend to the toes or interdigital spaces Small blisters or open sores, sometimes with clear fluid or blood Evident soot or char marks on fur or pads Behavioral changes accompany these external signs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to praise a dog correctly to reinforce behavior.
Praise functions as a primary reinforcer that signals to a dog that a specific action has met the owner’s expectations. When a behavior is followed by immediate, enthusiastic verbal or tonal affirmation, the canine brain registers a positive outcome, increasing the likelihood of repetition.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog growls in its sleep.
Dogs experience a structured sleep cycle that mirrors the patterns observed in other mammals. Understanding each phase clarifies why vocalizations such as growls can emerge while the animal appears to be dreaming. Wakefulness: The dog is alert, eyes open, and muscle tone is high.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to bite the leash during a walk.
Dogs often bite the leash because the behavior satisfies instinctual drives, addresses discomfort, or stems from learned patterns. When a leash restricts movement, the dog may interpret the tension as a challenge to its autonomy, prompting a bite to regain control.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is always asking for food.
Dogs that constantly beg for food may be signaling an underlying health issue rather than simple misbehavior. Recognizing medical causes of excessive hunger enables owners to intervene appropriately and prevents unnecessary dietary reinforcement.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for a dog's floppy ears to avoid otitis.
Floppy ears often create a sealed canal that limits natural ventilation. The restricted airflow traps humidity, which provides an ideal medium for bacterial and yeast proliferation. This environment increases the risk of otitis in dogs with pendulous ear pinnae.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog constantly stares at one point.
Normal canine staring appears as a steady fixation on a specific point, often lasting several seconds to minutes. The dog’s head remains relatively still, ears may be forward, and the eyes are focused without blinking excessively. This behavior is observed in healthy dogs across breeds and ages.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to fetch the newspaper.
A well‑trained dog that reliably retrieves the newspaper offers tangible advantages for both owner and animal. The routine of fetching a daily paper provides consistent mental stimulation, preventing boredom‑related behaviors such as chewing or excessive barking.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of other dogs.
Understanding a dog’s body language is the first step in managing fear of other dogs. Recognizing the signals a canine displays when confronted with a perceived threat allows owners to intervene before anxiety escalates. Stiff, raised hackles along the back Tail held high, rigid, or tucked tightly against the body Ears pinned back or standing rigidly upright Direct, intense stare or avoidance of eye contact Lip licking, yawning, or excessive panting without heat str. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to understand who is in charge at home: you or the dog.
Understanding authority in a shared living space requires clear role definition, observable behavior analysis, and consistent reinforcement. The process begins with identifying the decision‑making hierarchy that each occupant follows daily. First, list the domains in which authority is exercised:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog rubs against the furniture.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I explain that rubbing against furniture serves primarily as a scent‑marking behavior. Dogs possess sebaceous glands in the facial area, paws, and base of the tail that secrete a unique odor. When a dog presses its body or head against a surface, it deposits this odor, creating a chemical signal that other dogs can detect.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to beg while you are eating.
Dogs exhibit begging because they have learned that proximity to human meals yields food, attention, or both. The behavior originates from several interrelated factors. Conditioned association - Repeated exposure to owners eating while the dog is present creates a link between the act of eating and the expectation of receiving a morsel.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog falls through the ice.
When a dog disappears beneath thin ice, the first priority is a rapid, accurate appraisal of the scene. The rescuer must determine whether the animal is still alive, whether the water temperature poses an immediate threat to the rescuer, and whether any nearby hazards could impede a safe recovery.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose a shampoo that will not harm a dog's skin.
Choosing an appropriate shampoo directly influences a dog’s skin integrity and overall comfort. Canine skin maintains a delicate acid mantle, typically pH 5.5-6.5, which protects against bacterial overgrowth and fungal colonization. A product formulated for human use often exceeds this range, disrupting the mantle and allowing opportunistic pathogens to proliferate.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog does not give back a toy during play.
Understanding play behavior provides the framework for interpreting a dog’s reluctance to return a toy. During play, dogs often treat objects as temporary resources rather than items to be exchanged. This perspective is rooted in several mechanisms.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of veterinarians.
Veterinary visits become significantly less traumatic when fear is identified before escalation. A dog that exhibits anxiety will display a consistent set of physical and behavioral cues; recognizing these cues allows owners and clinicians to intervene promptly.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is hot in the apartment.
As a veterinary specialist, I assess a dog’s thermal status by monitoring two baseline physiological parameters: resting heart rate and respiration rate. Both metrics rise predictably when the animal is unable to dissipate heat, making them reliable early warning signs in an indoor environment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog eats inedible objects.
Pica describes the compulsive ingestion of non‑food items and is a recognized behavioral disorder in canines. Veterinary literature defines it as the persistent consumption of substances such as fabric, plastic, rocks, or metal without nutritional value.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59