List of articles № 8
Instruction: what to do if a dog's heat cycle begins.
Proestrus marks the onset of a female dog’s estrous cycle and lasts approximately five to ten days. During this phase the vulva swells, a bloody discharge appears, and the animal may show increased urination and mild behavioral changes such as restlessness.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a dog is copying your behavior.
Observational learning enables dogs to acquire new behaviors by watching human models. Scientific studies demonstrate that canines process visual cues, mirror facial expressions, and replicate motor patterns when the observed action yields a consistent outcome.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog trembles during a thunderstorm.
Dogs experience fear as a physiological response to perceived threats. During a thunderstorm, rapid changes in barometric pressure, bright flashes, and loud, unpredictable noises activate the amygdala, the brain region that coordinates fight‑or‑flight reactions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog not to bark when someone knocks on the door.
Fear and anxiety are common triggers for excessive barking at the door. When a knock sounds, a dog may interpret the sudden noise as a threat, activating the fight‑or‑flight response. The resulting vocalization serves as a warning to the perceived intruder and a self‑soothing mechanism for the animal.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of men.
A dog that reacts negatively to male strangers displays specific behavioral cues that signal fear. Recognizing these cues enables timely intervention and prevents escalation. Common indicators include: Tail tucked low or between the legs, often trembling.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to play tug-of-war with a dog correctly.
Tug‑of‑war is a structured game in which a dog and its handler pull opposite ends of a sturdy rope or toy. The activity engages the animal’s natural instinct to grasp and pull, providing mental stimulation and a controlled outlet for energy.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog does not want to eat dry food.
Dental problems are a primary factor when a dog rejects dry kibble. Painful inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, reduces the willingness to bite into hard food. Accumulated plaque and tartar can erode enamel, creating sensitivity that makes crunchy textures uncomfortable.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to bark at the vacuum cleaner.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I explain the underlying causes of a dog’s vocal reaction to a vacuum cleaner. The device combines several stimuli that trigger instinctive alarm responses. The motor generates a high‑frequency sound that exceeds the hearing range of many dogs;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog injures its paw during a walk.
As a veterinary professional, I advise a systematic visual assessment immediately after a dog sustains a paw injury on a walk. The goal is to identify visible damage, determine the need for urgent care, and guide subsequent treatment. Place the dog on a stable surface, gently restrain the limb, and observe the paw from all angles.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a dog perceives you as its property.
Resource guarding occurs when a dog defends items it values-food, toys, bedding, or a favored spot. When a dog consistently directs this behavior toward a person, it indicates the animal treats the individual as a prized possession rather than a companion.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog tries to «rescue» you when you are swimming.
Dogs instinctively protect members of their social group. When a human enters water, the animal perceives a vulnerable individual separated from the pack. This perception triggers a cascade of behaviors rooted in the species’ evolutionary history of cooperative defense and caregiving.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to ride a skateboard.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I have observed that teaching a dog to balance on a skateboard delivers measurable advantages for both the animal and its owner. The activity engages physical, mental, and social capacities that are often underutilized in typical daily routines.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of small children.
When a dog reacts fearfully toward toddlers, the behavior often stems from earlier adverse encounters. These may include being startled by sudden movements, being inadvertently stepped on, or experiencing rough handling by a child. Such memories create a mental association between small children and threat, prompting avoidance or aggression.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to make a first aid kit for a dog.
A well‑stocked first‑aid kit is a practical safeguard for any dog owner. Emergencies can arise during routine walks, hikes, or at home, and immediate treatment often determines the outcome. Having essential supplies within reach eliminates the need to search for veterinary clinics in the critical first minutes, when bleeding, burns, or allergic reactions may worsen rapidly.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog constantly licks the floor.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that floor‑licking is a common activity in healthy dogs. The behavior serves several functional purposes that align with a dog’s natural investigative instincts. Dogs explore their surroundings primarily through the mouth.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to chew slippers.
Dogs chew objects as a natural expression of several instinctual drives. The behavior satisfies oral exploration, teething discomfort, and the need to release pent‑up energy. When a puppy encounters a soft slipper, the texture and scent trigger the same sensory feedback that would be valuable in a wild setting for investigating prey or manipulating the environment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog does not drink water.
Adequate water intake underpins every physiological system in a dog. Blood plasma consists primarily of water; insufficient volume reduces cardiac output, impairs nutrient transport, and compromises immune response. Thermoregulation depends on evaporative cooling through panting;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is jealous of another dog.
When a dog feels threatened by the presence of another canine, it often resorts to behaviors designed to capture the owner’s focus. These attention‑seeking actions differ from normal play or greeting rituals and may signal underlying jealousy.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog hides when being scolded.
Understanding canine behavior provides a clear explanation for a dog’s tendency to withdraw when reprimanded. Dogs interpret a scolding as a threat to their social standing within the pack. The perceived danger activates the animal’s instinctive flight response, prompting it to seek a concealed space where the stimulus is less intense.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog not to run out of the apartment when the door is opened.
Dogs are driven by innate motivations that surface whenever a boundary changes. The primary instinctual force is the chase impulse, a relic of predatory behavior that triggers rapid movement toward perceived prey or escape routes. When a door opens, the visual cue of an exterior space activates this impulse, prompting the animal to bolt without evaluating risk.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of heights.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that dogs with a fear of elevation exhibit distinct behavioral cues. Recognizing these signals early enables targeted intervention. Key indicators include: Hesitation or refusal to approach staircases, balconies, or ramps.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose the right muzzle that will not torment a dog.
A muzzle becomes a practical tool when safety, health, or training considerations outweigh the instinct to keep a dog’s mouth unrestricted. Preventing aggression - Dogs that react violently to other animals, strangers, or stressful stimuli can cause injury.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog dislikes being photographed.
Dogs perceive photography as a series of sudden, intense stimuli that conflict with their natural coping mechanisms. A flash produces a brief, high‑intensity burst of light that overwhelms the retina, causing discomfort similar to staring directly at the sun.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog to stop eating from the ground.
Dogs possess an innate foraging drive inherited from their ancestors, who scavenged to supplement scarce meals. This drive compels them to investigate and ingest objects found on the ground, regardless of nutritional value. When training a dog to refrain from this behavior, the strategy must address the underlying instinct rather than merely suppressing the symptom.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has been in a fight and is injured.
When a dog returns from a fight with visible injuries, your first responsibility is to protect yourself from potential aggression, infection, and secondary injuries. Approach the animal calmly, keeping your body turned sideways to minimize perceived threat.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know if a dog has dementia.
Recognizing cognitive decline in a dog requires careful observation of its everyday conduct. Subtle shifts often precede more obvious signs, and early detection can improve management strategies. Disorientation in familiar environments, such as hesitating at doorways or appearing lost in the home.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog watches television.
Dogs perceive their environment through a visual system that differs markedly from that of humans. Their retinas contain two types of cone cells, enabling detection of blue and yellow wavelengths but rendering reds and greens indistinguishable.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to fetch a ball and return it to you.
Physical exercise is a foundational element when training a canine to retrieve a ball and bring it back. Consistent movement builds the stamina required for repeated runs, reduces the risk of fatigue, and reinforces the neural pathways associated with the fetch command.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of enclosed spaces.
A dog that experiences anxiety in confined environments displays distinct signals that can be observed before escalation. Recognizing these cues enables timely intervention and prevents worsening of the fear response. Hesitation at the entrance of a small room or crate;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to correctly comb out mats without pain for the dog.
Understanding the specific kind of mat a dog develops is essential for painless removal. Different mat structures require distinct tools and techniques, and misidentifying them often leads to unnecessary discomfort. Surface tangles - Loose, shallow knots that form near the skin.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog ignores you on the street.
As a canine behavior specialist, I begin by defining canine attention as the selective processing of sensory information that guides a dog’s actions. Dogs prioritize stimuli that are biologically relevant-food cues, social signals from conspecifics, and potential threats-over neutral or unfamiliar inputs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to jump on you when you come home.
As a canine behavior specialist, I focus on two drivers behind leaping: high arousal and the desire for immediate attention. When you open the door, the dog’s nervous system spikes, releasing adrenaline that fuels rapid movements. Simultaneously, the dog has learned that jumping yields eye contact, vocal praise, or physical contact, reinforcing the behavior.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog sleeps too much.
Puppies require 18-20 hours of sleep daily; this amount supports rapid growth, brain development, and immune function. When a puppy consistently exceeds this range, the excess may indicate an underlying issue rather than normal behavior. Typical signs of abnormal sleep include reluctance to engage in play, diminished appetite, weight loss, or lethargic movement after waking.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to understand that a dog is trying to tell you something.
Short, sharp barks are a distinct vocal cue that signals urgency. When a dog emits a rapid series of high‑pitched, staccato sounds, the animal is typically trying to capture immediate attention. This pattern differs from prolonged or deep barkings, which often convey territorial claims or boredom.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog tries to «herd» you on a walk.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that herding instincts manifest most strongly in breeds developed for livestock control. These instincts drive dogs to direct the movement of people or animals, often appearing as attempts to “herd” a walker.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog not to react to other dogs.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I define dog reactivity as a heightened, often immediate, emotional response triggered by specific stimuli such as the presence, movement, or vocalization of another dog. The response typically manifests as barking, lunging, growling, or rapid escalation of arousal, and it occurs before the animal can evaluate the situation rationally.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog gets a sunburn.
When a dog shows signs of sunburn, the first step is to determine how serious the damage is. Begin by visually inspecting the affected area. Look for redness that is uniform and limited to a small patch; this usually indicates a mild reaction.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to rid a dog of its fear of the veterinary clinic.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I identify the observable cues that reveal a dog’s apprehension about veterinary visits. Recognizing these cues enables early intervention and prevents escalation of fear. Indicators of clinic-related anxiety include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog runs away from you on a walk.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that a dog’s sudden departure during a walk frequently stems from powerful innate drives that override learned obedience. These drives are hardwired responses to environmental cues and operate without conscious deliberation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to howl when left alone.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that dogs with insufficient social exposure frequently develop vocal distress when isolated. Early interactions with people, other dogs, and varied environments teach the animal that separation is temporary and safe.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59