UNDERSTANDING YOUR DOG
Dogs can’t use verbal language to communicate with us; instead they use body language. Becoming fluent in canine body and behavioral language will help you understand your pet and assist them in times of need. Please are some tips to help you get to know your dog.
Here you will find the information and tips for:
Leash Walking Tips
How Dogs and Kids Should (safely) Interact
Common Behaviors
Understanding & Preventing Reactivity
Reading your Dog’s Body Language
Resource Guarding
Sleep Time & Crate Training
Common Puppy Challenges
How to Play Safely at the Dog Park
Here you will find the information and tips for:
Leash Walking Tips
How Dogs and Kids Should (safely) Interact
Common Behaviors
Understanding & Preventing Reactivity
Reading your Dog’s Body Language
Resource Guarding
Sleep Time & Crate Training
Common Puppy Challenges
How to Play Safely at the Dog Park
All About Walking Dogs on Leash
Visit Pack Leader Dogs for more video tutorials
Note: We are not affiliated with Pack Leader Dogs but find many of their videos helpful, whether it’s a clip leash, slip, or prong. All are tools that work well when used appropriately!
Note: We are not affiliated with Pack Leader Dogs but find many of their videos helpful, whether it’s a clip leash, slip, or prong. All are tools that work well when used appropriately!
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NOTE: Do NOT put a dog on a treadmill without the supervision and guidance of a trained professional.
Learn More About Canine Body Language
Click the image above to learn about the most common dog behaviors and what your dog is try to tell you.
Source: https://www.rover.com/blog/decipher-dog-behavior/
Source: https://www.rover.com/blog/decipher-dog-behavior/
Got Kids?
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Interpreting Common Dog Behaviors & the Meaning Behind His/Her Moods
Your pup's actions tell you a lot about his mood. And although you may not be fluent in the canine tongue–short of what it means when it salivates–you do need to learn how to interpret dog behavior. Have you ever witnessed your dog licking certain textures or circling the same spot in front of you? There are many reasons a specific dog state of mind or health concern may cause him to do these things. Once you pay attention to his behavior, you'll be able to help him.
- Bad Breath
If you notice a marked change with even a little halitosis, it might be time to take a trip to the veterinarian, there could be something wrong with your dog's oral health. A change in the smell of your dog's breath may also be a cause for concern with respect to his gastrointestinal tract, liver, or kidneys. If your dog's breath smells of urine, for instance, he could have a kidney problem. Sweet-smelling breath is a sign to vets that your dog may have diabetes (especially if he's drinking more water and urinating more often). His overall dog mood may appear happy, but if his breath has changed, pay attention - let your veterinarian know. - Biting
Puppies may nip at you as they learn how to communicate with their pet parents. This usually happens while playing, as young dogs often communicate with their mouths when they interact. It may also happen during training, or for simply no reason you can identify. If your young one is nipping regularly, though, it's important to stop it before it develops into a more problematic dog behavior down the line.
Dogs bite out of anxiety, fear, or aggression. Can you identify which is motivating your pet to do so? Is his mood influencing his actions? If you're having trouble teaching your dog not to bite, consider working with a professional trainer, or better yet, a veterinary behaviorist. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend one for you. - Circling
Dogs who can't stop walking in circles may have a health issue. Yes, sometimes it's fun to chase your tail, but if your pup can't shake the compulsion, there's a problem beneath the surface. Of course there may be other reasons your buddy is circling. Older dogs may suffer from idiopathic vestibular syndrome, and, not to alarm you, but all dogs are at risk for poisoning or a brain tumor. Only your vet can determine the cause of your dog's circling, so get him in for a checkup. - Digging
Dogs dig in the ground for many reasons: to escape, to track animals, to make a cool spot to lie, or to hide something important to them. However, some dogs "dig" inside as well. Have you ever noticed your dog scratching at the blankets or couch in order to find the perfect place to lie down? This dog behavior happens most often at night and during nap times, and it is completely normal. It is the dog’s genetic instinct to create a nest; before dogs were domesticated, they would circle and dig to press down leaves to create a comfortable sleeping spot. - Eating poop
Dogs eat feces for many reasons; it can be a normal (while distasteful to us) dog behavior. Young dogs may watch their mother clean them (who ingests feces as a result), and mimic her. Fear may even cause your dog to eat feces if he's afraid of the repercussions. Then again, your dog may just be curious. He may smell certain scents in the feces and wonder what it tastes like.
Eating poop can also be an instinctive solution to a nutritional deficiency. Make sure you feed your dog a well-balanced food so you can completely rule out malnutrition as a reason for his eating waste. Contact your veterinarian especially if your dog is losing weight as well. - Head Pressing
If you notice your dog pressing his head against the wall or another firm object, there's a need for your immediate attention. Head pressing is a common sign of numerous serious problems, such as toxic poisoning or brain disease. Make an appointment with your dog's vet right away. - Panting
Dogs expel most of their body heat from their mouths. When your dog pants, he's probably too warm, so he is regulating his body temperature. However, it's important to pay attention to panting, as he may do it when in pain as well. Help your pal regulate his temperature and make sure he's well hydrated before any physical activity–especially as the weather warms up. If your dog was injured, get him to the vet immediately. Some other health problems may also show increased panting as a sign, so if you have a question, don't hesitate to contact your vet. - Sitting on Your Feet or Between Your Legs
This is often mistaken for possessive behavior, but is most often a sign of anxiety or nervousness. "Dominance" is rarely the problem; your dog is probably trying to feel safer by staying close. - Scooting
Have you ever watched your dog drag himself across the floor . . . with his bottom on the ground? It is called scooting, and it means there's something irritating your dog's anus. It's possible that your pup's anal sacs are full and need to be expressed.
If your dog's anal sacs aren't backed up, the problem could be irritation for some other reason. Allergies may only show up as an itchy rear. While it's common to blame worms, it is an uncommon reason for the behavior. Check with your veterinarian to be sure your pal is on an appropriate parasite prevention program.
Finally, a dog who's a grass-eater, or likes to lick around the house, could have strands of grass or hair trapped in his anus that he's rubbing the ground to get out. This is the least-severe reason for scooting but the easiest for you to help him take care of. - Urinating
If your dog is house trained, it may come as a surprise if you see him urinating in your home. Dog behavior doesn't usually change without reason. Formerly reliable dogs who suddenly begin urinating inside need your attention! This is a sign that something may be very wrong with your furry friend, and when he relieves himself frequently–even if he is in the correct location–it can be a sign of a urinary tract, bladder, or kidney infection. In an older dog, it may even be a sign of dementia. - Yawning
Although you might think he needs some sleep, a dog yawn doesn't usually mean he's tired. He may be interested in napping, but he could also be showing a sign of fear or stress. If your dog appears to yawn at an increased rate around a new person, don't rush the introduction. He's either picking up vibes he doesn't feel comfortable with, or is fearful for a less-obvious reason. No matter what the case, a forced introduction isn't a good idea. - Anxiety Shows in Many Ways
Signs of anxiety include shaking, tail tucking, escapist behavior, defecating in the home, biting or injuring himself, barking, and many more, according to PetMD.
Because they're technically pack animals, your dog may become fearful when left alone. If separation anxiety is a chronic issue for your dog, you'll both need to learn how to create a relaxing environment when you leave the house. Consider taking your dog for a long walk or play a rigorous game of fetch in your backyard to tire him out before you go. Don't make a big deal out of your departure, either. If you're still having trouble with separation anxiety, consider involving a professional who can work on behavioral training.
Source: Hills Pet
www.instagram.com/cvcanineacademy : Many people don't or can't understand just how triggering our world can be to an animal. Don't rush them, don't judge them, teach them. Patience is key.
Understanding Reactivity
Dog Reactivity
More often than note, when a dog reacts it is because its human has missed key cues the dog is giving its owner and fails to remove the dog from a situation in which it is afraid and feels it must react to protect itself and its owner. For most dogs, the last thing they want to do is to bite and risk getting attacked themselves, so they have a nice vocabulary of warning signals.
"Reactivity" means, quite simply, that the dog reacts to another dog, a person, or an object. Essentially, something or someone triggers the dog to do things like bark, growl, and lunge — which can look like the dog is being aggressive.
But that's not always the case. Sometimes the dog is distressed and reacts out of fear, and other times, the dog is perfectly fine and has no inclination to attack the trigger.
There are two basic kinds of reactivity:
The differences can be hard to spot for many people, but with a little knowledge and a better understanding of canine body language, we can better determine which type of reactivity we've got.
"Reactivity" means, quite simply, that the dog reacts to another dog, a person, or an object. Essentially, something or someone triggers the dog to do things like bark, growl, and lunge — which can look like the dog is being aggressive.
But that's not always the case. Sometimes the dog is distressed and reacts out of fear, and other times, the dog is perfectly fine and has no inclination to attack the trigger.
There are two basic kinds of reactivity:
- Reactivity related to what's called "barrier frustration"
- Fear-based reactivity
The differences can be hard to spot for many people, but with a little knowledge and a better understanding of canine body language, we can better determine which type of reactivity we've got.
TWO TYPES OF REACTIVITY
Barrier Frustration
It can be incredibly stressful for a dog to not be able to check out something on the other side of a fence, a door, or even a leash. (Yes! Many dogs become highly frustrated by the mere fact that they are tethered to a leash — especially if another dog or other animal strolls by.) But, and this is a big BUT, barrier frustration does not mean the dog is going to behave aggressively to whatever thing he wants to check out. If the dog gets along with others when his access to them is not blocked, he is likely not upset with them. He’s just frustrated that he can’t go say hi, play, or sniff out some info. What does a barrier-frustrated dog look like?
Fear-Based Reactivity In fear-based reactivity, the dog is more likely to go through orderly steps to tell an animal (or person) to back off. For dogs experiencing this type of reactivity, we most likely see the body language shown on the left. For some dogs experiencing fear-based aggression, walking at off-hours, walking in less populated areas, and/or using muzzles (see video below) can help both ends of the leash find walks safer and more enjoyable. Source: iSpeakDog |
Reading Your Dog’s Body Language
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Resource Guarding
Resource guarding is a hereditary instinct in dogs that many have to “unlearn”. Find out how to identify this behavior & correct it.
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Sleep Time & Crate Training
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Puppy Problems
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Bring your puppy our every time it wakes up, every time it eats, every time it’s done playing… and since the puppy is being stubborn. during the day every 2-3hours. Taking it to the same spot each day is good too, leave poop there for a day or two so it knows where to go. Just a really consistent schedule and restrict him to crate or extremely monitored out of crate time
You can also teach training bells, just jiggle them every time they go out; use the puppy’s paw until he or she gets it. HIGH praise & reward (high value like chicken or hotdog) when puppy does go outside, as well as using the same command as it is going potty.
You can also teach training bells, just jiggle them every time they go out; use the puppy’s paw until he or she gets it. HIGH praise & reward (high value like chicken or hotdog) when puppy does go outside, as well as using the same command as it is going potty.