List of articles № 7
Instruction: how to know that a dog senses trouble.
Dogs possess an olfactory system far surpassing human capabilities, with up to 300 million scent receptors compared to roughly 6 million in people. This dense receptor field, combined with a brain region- the olfactory bulb- that is proportionally larger than in most mammals, enables detection of volatile compounds at concentrations as low as one part per trillion.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog chews on sticks outside.
As a canine behavior specialist, I interpret stick chewing as a manifestation of inherited foraging strategies. Wild canids manipulate plant material to extract nutrients, dislodge insects, and assess prey availability. Domestic dogs retain the motor patterns and sensory cues that trigger this behavior when they encounter woody objects in outdoor environments.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to track a person by scent.
Understanding a dog’s sense of smell is essential for developing reliable tracking skills. The olfactory epithelium contains up to 300 million receptors, far exceeding the human count of 5-6 million. Each inhalation delivers odor molecules to a wet surface where receptors convert chemical signals into neural impulses.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog sleeps on your pillow.
Pack dynamics govern how a canine allocates shared resources, and the selection of a pillow for rest reflects this system. Within a pack, individuals negotiate access to preferred sleeping sites based on rank, proximity to the leader, and perceived safety.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog the «spin» command.
Teaching a dog to perform a spin requires only a few reliable tools. High‑value treats-small, soft pieces that the dog can consume quickly-provide immediate reinforcement and keep the training session fluid. A clicker, if the owner employs clicker‑training, marks the exact moment the desired behavior occurs, creating a clear association between action and reward.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of strangers.
Recognizing fear in a dog that reacts to unfamiliar people is the first step toward effective intervention. An experienced handler watches for specific physical and behavioral cues that indicate anxiety rather than curiosity or aggression. Tail pressed low against the body or tucked tightly between the legs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to prepare a dog for a show.
An expert canine competition trainer emphasizes that the foundation built during puppyhood determines a dog’s future performance in the ring. Early socialization introduces the animal to a variety of people, sounds, and surfaces, reducing fear responses that can disrupt a presentation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog goes to another room when guests arrive.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that many dogs withdraw to a separate room when visitors arrive because they actively seek solitude. The presence of unfamiliar people introduces heightened auditory and visual stimuli, which can overwhelm a dog that prefers a controlled environment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to put its paws on the table.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that placing paws on the table is frequently a bid for attention. The dog interprets the elevated surface as a stage where any reaction-positive or negative-reinforces the action. When a person glances, talks, or physically redirects the dog, the animal registers a response and repeats the behavior to secure similar outcomes.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has ingested medication.
When a dog consumes a medication, the first responsibility is to evaluate the incident accurately. Rapid assessment determines the urgency of veterinary intervention and minimizes potential harm. Identify the product: read the label or packaging to determine the drug name, formulation (tablet, liquid, capsule), and concentration.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to predict a puppy's future character from its behavior.
Predicting a puppy’s future temperament offers tangible benefits for owners, breeders, and shelters. Early insight into a dog’s behavioral tendencies enables targeted training, reduces the likelihood of costly behavioral problems, and facilitates a harmonious match between the animal and the household’s lifestyle.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog does not want to play with new toys.
Overstimulation occurs when a dog receives more sensory input than it can process comfortably. Bright colors, crinkling noises, and rapid movements typical of many novelty toys can overwhelm a canine’s visual and auditory systems, leading to avoidance rather than engagement.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog the «sit» command.
Teaching a dog to sit is more than a simple trick; it establishes a foundation for reliable communication and safety. The command creates a predictable response that can be leveraged in various situations, from everyday interactions to emergency handling.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of having its nails trimmed.
Dogs that have endured painful or stressful nail trims often associate the procedure with anxiety. The memory of a sudden snap, a loud clatter, or being held tightly can trigger a fight‑or‑flight response the next time a clipper is approached.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose the ideal brush for grooming a dog.
As a professional groomer, I observe that regular brushing directly influences a dog’s coat condition, skin health, and overall comfort. Each session eliminates loose hair, reduces shedding, and prevents tangles that can develop into painful mats.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog does not respond to its name.
A dog’s name functions as the primary auditory cue that links a specific sound pattern to the animal’s identity and to the owner’s expectations. When the name is consistently paired with positive reinforcement-such as treats, praise, or play-the canine brain forms a strong associative memory, enabling rapid recognition even amid distractions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to bark at cats outside the window.
Dogs react to moving stimuli outside a window with a surge of territorial and predatory instincts. When a cat passes by, visual cues trigger a reflexive alert state, which often manifests as vocalization. The brain’s amygdala processes the sudden motion as a potential threat, releasing adrenaline that fuels the bark.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has overheated in the sun.
When a dog begins to suffer from excessive heat exposure, the first signs appear quickly and may be subtle. Recognizing these indicators allows immediate action before the condition worsens. Rapid, shallow breathing or panting that seems out of proportion to the temperature.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a dog «reads» you like an open book.
Understanding how dogs interpret human behavior requires attention to their primary sensory channels. Vision provides rapid assessment of posture and facial expression; auditory processing captures tone, pitch, and rhythm; olfaction registers chemical signals linked to emotional states;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog does not like to be hugged.
Understanding canine behavior clarifies why many dogs reject being embraced. Dogs communicate primarily through body language; a tight, restrictive hold interferes with their natural posture and can trigger a stress response. When a human wraps arms around a dog, the animal may interpret the pressure as a threat to its airway or a loss of control over its movement, prompting avoidance or aggression.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to fetch the TV remote.
Effective training begins with the right equipment. A sturdy, lightweight remote that can withstand chewing is the primary object. Choose a model with smooth edges and minimal detachable parts to reduce damage risk. A reliable clicker or marker device provides immediate feedback.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has a cold.
When a dog develops an upper‑respiratory infection, the clinical picture mirrors that of a human cold. The most frequently observed indicators include: Clear or slightly colored nasal discharge Frequent sneezing Mild, dry cough Watery or slightly reddened eyes Reduced energy levels or mild lethargy Decreased appetite Low‑grade fever (usually below 103 °F/39.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose a carrier for traveling with a dog.
Soft‑sided carriers provide a lightweight, flexible solution for pet travel. The fabric typically combines durable polyester or nylon with a mesh panel that ensures airflow while protecting the dog from external elements. Reinforced stitching around the seams adds strength, reducing the risk of tearing when the animal shifts or the carrier is placed under luggage.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog whines for no apparent reason.
Dogs whine as a primary vocal signal that conveys discomfort, anticipation, or a request for attention. When the trigger is not obvious to owners, the behavior often reflects internal states that are not immediately visible. Physiological stressors can prompt whine.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to rummage in trash on the street.
Dogs possess a strong scavenging drive rooted in their evolutionary need to locate food. This instinct manifests as frequent investigation of discarded items, especially in urban environments where waste is abundant. The behavior is reinforced by the immediate sensory reward of odor and texture, making it resistant to simple verbal commands.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of riding on public transport.
Recognizing a dog’s fear response is the first step in preventing distress during bus or train rides. An observant owner can intervene before anxiety escalates by watching for specific physical and behavioral cues. Trembling or shaking, especially in the limbs or torso.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog «buries» you with a blanket.
Dogs that drape a blanket over a person are expressing deep‑rooted instinctual drives. The primary motive is a nesting impulse inherited from ancestors that built dens for safety and thermoregulation. By covering a familiar individual, the animal recreates a protected microenvironment, reinforcing the bond that defines the pack hierarchy.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog the «down» command.
Teaching a dog to respond reliably to the “down” command yields measurable improvements in the animal’s physical health, mental stability, and social adaptability. The command encourages controlled movement, which strengthens core muscles and promotes joint flexibility.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of being bathed in the bathtub.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I recognize that a dog's aversion to the bathtub often stems from earlier adverse experiences. A sudden splash, a painful slip, or a harsh reprimand during a previous wash can create a lasting association between the tub and discomfort.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly feed a pregnant dog.
During the first trimester (weeks 1‑3), a pregnant dog’s dietary requirements remain close to those of a non‑pregnant adult, but quality and consistency become critical. High‑quality protein sources-such as cooked chicken, turkey, or commercially formulated puppy food-should provide at least 22 % of the diet’s caloric content.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog growls when its belly is petted.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that a dog’s growl during abdominal contact signals specific body‑language cues that indicate discomfort, fear, or a desire to establish boundaries. The vocalization is not random; it accompanies observable signals that together convey the animal’s internal state.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to wake you up in the morning.
Understanding that a dog’s early‑morning vocalizations often stem from hunger allows you to modify feeding routines to prevent disturbances. By aligning the dog’s nutritional needs with your sleep schedule, you reduce the incentive for the animal to seek food at dawn.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has eaten a sock.
When a dog swallows a sock, the first step is careful observation. Immediate visual and behavioral cues reveal whether the foreign object is passing harmlessly or causing a blockage. Restlessness, pacing, or frequent attempts to vomit Repeated coughing, gagging, or choking sounds Drooling or foaming around the mouth Signs of abdominal pain:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a dog sees you as its «child».
As a canine behavior specialist, I assess the relationship between a dog and its human by observing specific affectionate gestures that signal a caretaker role. When a dog consistently displays the following behaviors, it is treating the owner as a dependent figure akin to a child.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog does not eat from its bowl but carries food to the carpet.
Understanding canine behavior reveals several mechanisms that cause a dog to avoid eating directly from its bowl and instead move food to the floor. Dogs possess a strong instinct to protect resources; transporting food away from the container reduces perceived competition and allows the animal to monitor the meal from a safer position.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog the «place» command on the first try.
The “place” command directs a dog to a specific location, such as a mat or bed, and requires the animal to remain there until released. Mastery of this cue relies on three factors: a clear visual marker, a consistent verbal cue, and a reliable release word.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid to walk on tile or laminate flooring.
Dogs often hesitate to step onto tile or laminate because the surface conflicts with their natural instincts and physical condition. Understanding the underlying triggers helps owners address the behavior effectively. Slippery texture - Smooth floors provide little traction, causing uncertainty and fear of slipping, especially in breeds with short paws or low grip.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to maintain a dog's health into old age.
Recognizing the early indicators of canine aging is essential for proactive care. As dogs progress beyond middle age, physiological and behavioral changes become apparent. Monitoring these signs allows timely adjustments in diet, exercise, and veterinary interventions, thereby extending quality of life.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog has suddenly stopped obeying commands.
Understanding typical canine obedience is essential before diagnosing a sudden breakdown in compliance. Dogs obey because they have learned to associate specific signals with predictable outcomes. This learning relies on three pillars: clear cue presentation, consistent reinforcement, and the animal’s motivation to please or obtain a reward.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to chase birds.
Dogs pursue birds because the behavior aligns with innate predatory mechanisms. The canine brain is wired to detect rapid, erratic motion, a characteristic of avian flight. Visual cues trigger a cascade of neural activity that prioritizes pursuit over inhibition.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59