List of articles № 9
Instruction: why a dog places its paw on your hand.
A dog’s paw on a human hand functions as a direct signal within the animal’s social repertoire. The gesture conveys intent, solicits interaction, and reinforces the bond between species. Attention request : The press of a paw interrupts ongoing activity, forcing the human to focus on the dog.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog not to be afraid of water.
Veterinary behaviorists identify several recurring factors that cause canines to avoid water. Lack of early exposure often leaves the animal uncertain when confronted with a liquid environment. Dogs raised without regular contact with ponds, baths, or rain may perceive water as an unfamiliar threat.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of loud shouts.
The experienced canine behaviorist emphasizes that early detection of fear prevents escalation and supports effective intervention when a dog reacts to sudden, loud voices. Key indicators of anxiety include: Tensed posture, ears flattened against the head, and a lowered tail.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to make a dog's life in an apartment as comfortable as possible.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I emphasize that a well‑designed living space directly influences a dog’s physical health, emotional stability, and behavioral outcomes. In apartments, limited square footage intensifies the impact of each environmental element, making deliberate choices essential.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog growls when an attempt is made to hug it.
From a canine’s point of view, a hug represents an intrusion into personal space rather than an expression of affection. Dogs rely on body language to assess safety; when a human wraps arms around them, the sudden pressure on the torso and neck can trigger a defensive response.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to eat garbage from the bin.
Instinctual foraging drives dogs to investigate and ingest objects that appear edible, a behavior inherited from their ancestors’ need to locate scarce resources. This drive is triggered by scent, texture, and the visual cue of an open container, making waste bins a potent attractor.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know if dogs dream about their owners.
Dog sleep consists of alternating non‑rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) phases, each lasting several minutes. During NREM, brain waves slow, heart rate drops, and the animal remains largely motionless. REM follows, characterized by low‑voltage, high‑frequency brain activity, irregular breathing, and brief twitches of the face, paws, or legs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog constantly licks its paws.
Persistent paw licking in dogs frequently signals an underlying medical problem rather than a simple habit. Identifying the cause early prevents skin damage, secondary infections, and chronic discomfort. Allergic reactions - Food, environmental, or contact allergens provoke itching and inflammation, prompting the dog to lick the affected paws.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to speak on command.
Dogs produce a range of spontaneous sounds that serve as the foundation for any “speak” training program. Understanding these innate vocalizations allows the trainer to select the most adaptable signal and to shape it reliably on cue. Typical vocal outputs include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid to walk in the dark.
When a dog hesitates to move through low‑light areas, its posture, facial expression, and movement patterns reveal the level of anxiety. Recognizing these signals allows a handler to intervene effectively and build confidence. A relaxed dog displays loose shoulders, a soft gaze, and a tail that moves fluidly.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly care for a puppy in its first months of life.
The arrival of a puppy triggers a surge of energy that shapes the first months of development. Recognizing and directing this enthusiasm prevents stress, supports healthy habits, and lays the groundwork for lifelong obedience. Key indicators of heightened excitement include rapid tail wagging, frequent vocalizations, and persistent attempts to engage with people or objects.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog flattens its ears.
The position of a dog’s ears is a primary indicator of its emotional state. When the ears are pressed flat against the head, the animal is typically signaling submission, fear, or an attempt to avoid confrontation. This posture reduces the apparent size of the head, making the dog appear less threatening to other animals or humans.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog to stop chasing its own tail.
Dogs chase their own tails for several well‑documented reasons. Play and exploration - Young puppies lack coordinated movement; the tail provides a moving target that stimulates natural curiosity. Boredom or excess energy - Insufficient physical or mental stimulation can lead a dog to seek self‑generated activity.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog cuts its paw pad.
When a dog sustains damage to the paw pad, recognizing the specific injury type guides appropriate care. Linear laceration - clean, straight cut; edges may be visible, bleeding may be moderate. Irregular tear - jagged split, often caused by sharp objects;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is jealous of you with other people.
Jealousy in dogs is an emotional response triggered when a canine perceives a threat to its bond with a human or to its access to valued resources such as attention, food, or space. The reaction originates in the limbic system, the same brain region that processes social competition in other mammals, and manifests as a desire to restore the perceived loss of privilege.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog does not like to share its toys.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that dogs treat toys as valuable resources rather than communal objects. This perception stems from evolutionary pressures that favored resource guarding to ensure survival. When a dog possesses a preferred item, the animal evaluates the presence of other dogs or humans as potential competitors, triggering a defensive response.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog the «wait» command.
Teaching a dog to pause on command provides measurable safety improvements. The animal learns to remain stationary until a clear cue, reducing the likelihood of impulsive actions that could cause injury to itself or others. Prevents sudden lunges toward traffic when crossing streets, allowing the handler to assess vehicles before proceeding.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of being boarded.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that fear of boarding manifests through distinct signals. Recognizing these cues early allows owners and caretakers to intervene before stress escalates. Persistent whining or high‑pitched vocalizations when approaching the kennel area.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose the ideal equipment for a dog.
Selecting the right gear for a canine companion begins with a clear assessment of the animal’s individual requirements. An expert evaluation should address the following dimensions: Breed and size - Larger breeds demand sturdier leashes, collars, and harnesses, while small dogs benefit from lightweight, adjustable options that prevent choking.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog pretends not to hear commands.
Dogs possess innate drives that can mask obedience. When a canine appears to ignore a command, the response often stems from evolutionary priorities rather than deliberate defiance. Pack hierarchy: In wild ancestors, subordinates assessed the relevance of a leader’s signal before acting.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to sleep on your pillow.
Training a dog to avoid the pillow requires altering the perceived comfort and scent of the surface. Dogs seek soft, warm spots that retain their scent; making the pillow less attractive on these dimensions redirects their preference. Reduce comfort by replacing the pillow with a firmer, less yielding material.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog eats dirt or sand.
When a dog ingests soil or sand, the first step is a rapid visual and behavioral assessment. Observe the animal for signs of distress such as excessive drooling, vomiting, coughing, lethargy, or abnormal gait. Note any visible particles around the mouth or nose, which may indicate the amount swallowed.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a dog is «training» you.
Dog training is the systematic process of shaping a canine’s behavior through consistent cues, rewards, and corrections. It relies on the principles of operant conditioning, where desired actions are reinforced and undesirable actions are ignored or gently discouraged.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog constantly asks to be petted.
Dogs evolved as pack animals, relying on tactile interaction to maintain hierarchy, reinforce bonds, and convey reassurance. Physical contact serves as a primary language within canine social structures, allowing individuals to signal affiliation, submission, or excitement.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to find lost keys.
Training a dog to locate misplaced keys demands reliable equipment that supports clear communication and consistent reinforcement. Selecting items that are durable, safe, and easily identifiable ensures the learning process remains focused and repeatable.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of firecracker explosions.
Dogs exhibit varying sensitivity to loud, sudden noises, and genetic factors play a decisive role in this variation. Certain breeds, such as terriers, hounds, and working dogs, possess heightened auditory perception and a historical propensity for alertness, which translates into stronger reactions to firecracker detonations.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to spay a dog and avoid complications.
Spaying a female dog involves removing the ovaries and uterus to prevent reproduction and reduce health risks. The procedure follows a defined sequence that minimizes tissue trauma and infection. Pre‑operative assessment includes a physical exam, blood work to confirm organ function, and verification of vaccination status.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog growls at family members.
Dogs employ growls to convey specific messages to people they live with. The sound functions as a warning, a request for space, or a signal of discomfort. Understanding the nuances of this vocalization helps prevent escalation and strengthens the human‑dog bond.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to break a dog's habit of chewing furniture.
Dogs chew because their species relies on gnawing to explore, relieve stress, and maintain dental health. When a canine directs this drive toward household items, the behavior signals a mismatch between natural needs and the environment. First, identify the trigger.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog eats a poisonous spider or insect.
Dogs may encounter a variety of arthropods whose venom can cause severe reactions. Recognizing the species most likely to pose a risk enables prompt intervention. Black widow (Latrodectus spp.) - Found in warm climates, its neurotoxic bite can produce muscle tremors, abdominal pain, and rapid heart rate.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know if a dog misses another pet.
Understanding canine grief requires careful observation of behavior, physiology, and environmental context. Dogs express loss through altered routines, vocalizations, and changes in interaction patterns. Recognizing these signals enables owners to differentiate mourning from general anxiety.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog dislikes being approached from behind.
As a canine behavior specialist, I explain that a dog’s aversion to rearward approaches stems from innate survival mechanisms. Throughout evolution, dogs and their wild ancestors relied on a 360‑degree vigilance system to detect predators and competitors.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to sit calmly while its paws are being washed.
Understanding a dog’s behavior is essential before attempting any grooming routine that involves restraining the animal. Dogs react to physical contact, sound, and scent; each factor can trigger stress or compliance. Recognizing the signals that indicate comfort or anxiety allows the handler to adjust the approach and maintain a calm posture.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of thunder and lightning.
Thunderstorm phobia in dogs manifests as a distinct set of behavioral and physiological responses triggered by the sound and flash of a storm. Recognizing these signals early enables timely intervention and reduces the risk of escalation. Typical indicators include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for a senior dog with special needs.
Senior dogs with special requirements frequently encounter health issues that differ from those of younger, active pets. Recognizing and managing these conditions is essential for maintaining quality of life. Arthritis and joint degeneration appear in most older canines.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog wipes its muzzle on the carpet after eating.
Dogs often engage in a brief cleaning sequence immediately after a meal. This behavior, commonly observed as a swipe of the muzzle against a soft surface, serves several functional purposes. Residual food particles are removed from the lips and teeth, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and dental plaque.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog to stop chasing cats.
Dogs pursue cats for several well‑understood reasons rooted in biology and learning. The primary driver is the prey instinct. Canines have evolved to detect rapid, erratic movement, which triggers a chase response. Cats, with their sudden darts and high‑speed sprints, activate this circuitry.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is poisoned by food from the table.
When a dog ingests harmful food, early recognition of clinical signs can determine the outcome. The following manifestations typically appear within minutes to several hours after exposure: Vomiting, often with blood or foam Diarrhea, possibly hemorrhagic Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth Pawing at the mouth, chewing lips, or refusing to eat Lethargy, weakness, or collapse Tremors, seizures, or uncontrolled muscle twitching Rapid, shallow breathing or d. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know that a dog is comforting you when you are sad.
The canine connection manifests through observable behaviors that signal emotional support when you are down. Dogs instinctively respond to human affective states, and their actions provide measurable cues of comfort. Key indicators include:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog is afraid to walk a certain route.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe distinct signals that reveal a dog’s apprehension toward a specific pathway. Tail tucked low against the hindquarters, often vibrating or rigid. Ears flattened against the skull or drawn back, indicating heightened vigilance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59