You Have to Be The Alpha Dog

 Solutions To Stop Your Dog from Whining 

There are a number of reasons your dog could be whining at night, however they all have one thing in common, they result in you having a broken night's sleep. To help you deal with this behaviour problem and sleep through the night, we've listed 10 solutions below that could bring peace to your house after the lights go out.

1. Work out Why Your Dog is Whining

If you can work out what lies behind your dog's whining you stand a better chance of choosing the right approach and being successful in stopping the problem. The three most common causes of dog whining is anxiety, discomfort or attention seeking, so watch your dog closely to see what clues they give you. Notice how you react when they start whining and how they react to you, as it should give you all the information you need to decide on your approach to the problem and start taking action.

2. Make Basic Checks Before You go to Bed

We sometimes overlook the most obvious reasons, so make sure your dog isn't whining because they are hungry, thirst or need to urinate at night. Get into the habit of always letting your dog out last thing at night, as beyond the puppy stage they should be able to go through the night. If they need to urinate frequently, check with your vet as they could have a urine infection. If you do need to let them out at night, do it with as little attention paid to your dog as possible, as if you play with them or pet them they could start to wake you up at night for the attention.

READ ALSO 

•     Why Do Dogs Howl?
•     5 Reasons Why Dogs Eat Their Poop
•     Why Do Dogs Shake?

3. Check That Your Dog Isn't Cold

Some dogs start whining at night because they are cold, so if they sleep in a kennel outside, make sure it is out of the wind and that you provide lots of warm bedding and if they sleep in the house, check that their bed is not in a draught. Some dog owners use bean bags that can be warmed up to keep their dog warm, cosy and asleep all night and I have heard of others who even use heated blankets. However, if you are going to use this method, always make sure your dog does not get too hot and that they are unable to chew any wires attached to the blanket.

4. Deal with Dog Separation Anxiety Issues

A lot of dog whining is driven by separation anxiety in dogs, so if your dog sleeps separately from you and starts being vocal the moment you leave them alone, anxiety could well be the reason. Another clue that this might be the cause is that they respond in this way whenever you leave them, day or night. You will need to use desensitization training to help get rid of separation anxiety and a lot of patience, as they can take a while to respond positively. Another way to help with this problem is to learn how to show your dog that you are the decision maker or pack leader, which can be very reassuring for an anxious dog.

5. Make Sure Your Dog is Tired

If your dog gets restless at night, struggles to settle down and then starts whining at you, try exercising them an hour before bedtime to use up some of their excess energy. Many dogs will instantly flop down on their bed to sleep after a long walk, but if walking after dark doesn't appeal to you, try an energetic game of tag or fetch in the garden or house.

6. Soothe Your Dog with Sounds

A ticking clock placed in the dog's bedding can help keep a dog calm as the ticking mimics the regular heartbeat of another dog. This can be very useful with dogs that don't like to be left alone and especially with puppies that could be missing their Mum or brothers and sisters. Just beware that your dog cannot reach the clock and use it as a chew toy.

7. Soothe Your Dog with Smells

If you think your dog is whining at night because they wake up and want you, put something that smells of you in with their bedding, like an old jumper or T-Shirt. This may provide just enough comfort to keep your dog sleeping until morning.

8. Make Sure Your Dog is Pain Free

Pain or discomfort of some kind could be causing your dog to wake and start whining, for instance a dog may not notice joint pain until they lie down at night. If you think that could be the case with your dog, have them checked over by your vet as soon as possible.

9. Get Your Dog a Crate

A crate can feel like a den to a dog, so if you think your dog is feeling a bit insecure left alone downstairs at night, a crate could give them the extra security they need. When you introduce them to a crate, make it a nice place to be with bedding and toys and treats. Gradually build up the time they spend in their crate during the day until you feel like they will be all right to be left overnight.

10. Ignore Your Dog's Noise

If your dog's nighttime noise is all about getting your attention, the fastest way to stop it is to ignore it completely. That means not responding in any way to their whining, don't speak to them, touch them, or even catch their eye. It's not always the easiest way to break this pattern of behaviour, as you can feel really guilty for a few days, but if your dog is healty, has been fed, watered, exercised and let out to toilet before bedtime, you know they are fine, so invest in a pair of ear plugs and stick with it. It shouldn't be too long before they work out that their whining is not getting them the attention they were looking for and they should stop.

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Do you want to know the secret for getting your dog to stop howling excessively? Keep reading to discover my top 3 tips to achieve this by gaining an understanding of your dog's behavior.

There are several reasons why your dog howls. Let's find out what they are and what you need to understand in order to eliminate the problem. Usually howling is a sign of loneliness, boredom, separation anxiety, howling in response to other dogs, howling at triggers like sirens, or just making their presence known to other dogs in the area. Understanding your dog's behavior can be a daunting task. So in this segment I hope to shed some light on why dogs howl.

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So why do dogs howl?

It is an instinctive behavior for dogs to howl, although some dogs have stronger or weaker drives and instincts than others. Dogs, like people, are simply different from one another. Some dogs howl at a trigger like a siren while others do not. Some dogs may feel a need to communicate with the source of the sirens, answering the ancient call of wolves, believing it is actually a pack of dogs communicating from afar.

If your dog is howling excessively, it may indicate that he is bored out of his wits and needs play, love, and attention. A dog should not be deprived of human touch or deprived of a means to entertain himself. If your dog is trying to get your attention by howling, it means there is something lacking in his environment, be it food, water, toys, or companionship.

Everyone enjoys the howl of a wolf now and again, but if your dog is howling excessively, there is something you can do. Simply apply my top three tips.

Tip number one

Spend more time with your dog, even if it is just sitting and watching television. Dogs love companionship and interacting with their owners. Provide your dog with toys and chews to occupy his time while he is enjoying your company. Pay attention to your dog more frequently. Your dog will be too preoccupied with you, and as a result, will howl less often.

Tip number 2

Exercise your dog. Take him for walks so his horizon is expanded and his mind stimulated. The exercise and mental stimulation will make for a restful evening, and night, for both of you.

Tip number 3

Enrich your dog's life with play. Do not just hand him toys and walk away. Get involved in his life and do things your dog likes to do also.

My tips are for healthy dogs who exhibit their natural instinct to howl as wolves do. If your dog has a behavioral disorder, then your dog needs more than tips for normal dog behavior. Your dog needs the help of professionals. Separation anxiety is an example. This kind of howling is usually accompanied by at least one other symptom of separation anxiety such as pacing, destruction, elimination, depression, or other signs of distress.

Now let's recap.

After thousands and thousands of years dogs still cannot shake wild instincts ingrained in them. The key to raising a well adjusted dog is finding balance between the wolf and the pet in your dog. Understand your dog's right to behave like a real dog and make sure his wild side is properly fulfilled by providing an alternative outlet to accommodate his canine instincts and instinctual behaviors.

Hope you enjoyed this segment on Dog Behavior, specifically on the topic of why dogs howl, and hope you walked away with something of value. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to my channel on YouTube, Dog Behavior Videos. Thank you so much for reading. I look forward to seeing you inside my next article. Please like, share, comment, and subscribe. Until next time. Bye Bye.

By understanding canines and their behavior, you will be able to connect with them on a new level and gain their trust. Series 4 focuses on providing pet owners with answers to why dogs howl. It is an instinctive canine behavior that is rarely understood.

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Have you ever seen someone's dog or worse your own eating his own poop. It is a very unpleasant and disgusting sight isn't it. This habit is commonly called coprophagia. Dogs naturally sniff other poops to "read" or find out who has taken a particular territory. To some dogs, however they go the extreme by consuming the altogether.

So why do dogs eat their poop? There are many reasons why some of them resort to this disgusting habit. Below are just 5 of the most popular theories:

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1. To supplement his own diet. 

A dog that eats poop is naturally deficient of nutrition. The food he is given at home is probably lacking enough nutrients or vitamins that the poor dog opts to eat the poops of other animals.

2. Stressed or bored dogs. 

Poop eating may be related to boredom or stress. This applies to dogs that are excluded from family life, hence lacking human affection and or attention. They are normally under exercised and stimulated so they resort to habits such as pulling their fur, spinning in circles for hours and ultimately eating their own poop.

3. Dogs carnivorous or scavenger heritage. 

This behavior may be derived from the their natural instinct of being scavengers or carnivores. Carnivores typically will eat the entire carcass of the animal they killed; everything including the digestive tracts that contains poop.

4. Parasites inside the dog's stomach and digestive tract.

 Flat worms or other parasites robs the calories and nutrients from their stomach and digestive tract. Dog with worms will naturally have a voracious appetite to support the parasites in his stomach. An infested dog will turn to even as poop to satisfy the needs of the parasites within.

5. Improperly house trained dogs. 

Dogs that are improperly house trained sometimes will eat their own poop to conceal or attempt to conceal their inappropriate behaviors. This usually happens to dogs who are punished for mistakes.

In addition to the above theories, nursing dogs eat the poop of their puppies to keep the den area clean and hide her pups from potential predators. Puppies too eat their poops because they are emulating the behavior of their mother.

Coprophagia or dog eating their poo is a disgusting habit of some dogs. They naturally sniff other dog poops to "read" a particular territory. To some dogs, however they go the extreme by consuming the poops altogether. You don't want your dog to form this kind of habit; so learn why from the above mentioned theories.

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 Best Puppy Food -

He or she is fun, playful, and mischievous and hopefully you and your puppy will enjoy many future years together, which you can do if you get a few simple steps right at the beginning of your life together.

Few people realize the importance of starting a puppy on the right food, for better health and less complications in later life for the dog, yet it is so easy with just six main considerations.

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1st Consideration: Solid food too early.

If your new puppy has only had milk from the mother then you should do a transition changeover using a special puppy formula. These formulas are readily available at specialist pet food stores and also online.

Changing from formula to solid food needs to be done gradually by introducing the puppy to the new food in small increments over a couple of weeks, until the formula is fully replaced by solid food.

2nd Consideration: Feed what has been fed.

It may be that your puppy has already started on solid food and if that is the case then continue to feed the same style and preferably brand of food. If you wish to change the food brand, or type, make the change over a number of feeds, and by small amounts at a time.

Failing to change slowly will probably result in your puppy having an upset tummy, which could easily cause vomiting, or diarrhea or both. This will be very upsetting for the puppy and could lead to a distrust of the food bowl if the puppy thinks it has unwanted results after eating.

3rd Consideration: Feeding "adult" food straight away - or too early.

Whilst they are growing puppies need a different formula in their food make - up, which in most cases will be their first year. Yes 12 months, and even longer for the larger breeds, that period of time will be around 18 months or so. A rule of thumb for defining a "large breed" is if the adult weight of the dog will fall into the 50lbs (23kg) or above range.

Some foods will accelerate the"body building system" too fast, causing the real danger of major joint and skeletal problems in later life, and that is a common factor for all sizes of dog.

Buy food that states it is suitable for puppies and look for the notation whether it is NOT suitable for large breed, if that is the category size for your puppy. Many puppy food manufacturers will specify if suitable or not for large breeds on the label or on their website. If in doubt telephone the customer service department of the manufacturer or even choose another product.

Ingredient quality is vital in this "formation" period for puppies. You need to ensure they get the right food and vitamin balance to meet their nutritional needs.

Puppies should be fed 3 or 4 times a day for say the first six months, if that is possible. Then the food amount can be split down into one less feed, and then a few months later reduced to two feeds a day. Many people will then reduce down again for once a day feeding, although as it is better in later years, of a dog's life, to feed twice a day, perhaps this would be a preference to maintain throughout life.

4th Consideration: Food "testing" and Treats.

Many new owners are tempted to give a puppy a piece of food to see if the puppy likes it, or the food is given as a "special treat". This is so wrong because puppies will chew on everything and anything. A grape or piece of chocolate, plus so many other "human" foods, can have a dramatically bad affect on puppies (and adult dogs) some of which are fatal.

Puppy food is the only food that should be given to your puppy.

5th Consideration: Variety is the spice of life.

Let your puppy enjoy the different styles of food such as dry, canned, raw etc. and two things will happen, you will not be developing a fussy eater and every meal time will be an adventure for your puppy! Certainly there is nothing better than a sparkle in the eyes and a wagging tail to enhance feeding time for the owner!

Changing food brands and styles around has the added benefit of preventing any vitamin or mineral "build up" that may occur if only the same brand and style are a constant food source.

There is no better time to encourage acceptance of all food styles than during the puppy stage of life. Do remember though when changing food to do it small steps, and that way you should get acceptance and not rejection.

6th Consideration: Do not impose your lifestyle food preferences.

Your diet may be protein or carbohydrate enriched or you may be vegetarian but these eating regimes should not be imposed on your puppy. Any such preference you may have should only be introduced when the dog has reached adulthood, and only then by consultation with your vet or preferably a canine nutritionist.

As was said earlier this puppy period is highly important in joint and skeletal development, plus long term health, so the best puppy food is one that gives all the essentials needed.

Puppies are a delight and will bring endless hours of fun and excitement for you, your family and those around you.

Your starting point is just six simple considerations in relation to that puppy food.

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  Dog Behavior : Why Do Dogs Shake?

Do you want to know the secret for getting your dog to stop shaking? Keep reading to discover the top 4 common reasons and what you can do for your dog by gaining an understanding of your dog's behavior.

Let's start by clarifying the term 'Shake', and what I'm referring to when I use it. I'm referring to dogs that shiver or tremble while in control of their bodies. If your dog is making eye contact and responding to you, as he is shaking, then your dog has full control of his body; unlike dogs who lose control during a seizure.

So, why do dogs shake?

Your dog could be shaking for common reasons that are easy to remedy or your dog's shaking could indicate that something is medically wrong. I'll discuss those potential medical issues later in this segment. Knowing why your dog is shaking allows you to make an informed decision about his well being with a little more confidence. Now, here are the top four common reasons dogs shake, and what you can do for your dog to help and comfort him during those trying times.

One - Your Dog is Cold

Not unusual, especially for short coat breeds. When a dog is cold, his body shakes to generate heat through muscle movement. It is easy to provide your dog with a little warmth to stop his shaking. Get your dog into a warm environment and/or provide him with a warm bed and blanket.

Two - Your Dog is Anxious or Frightened

Adrenaline release often produces shaking. Dog's adrenal glands release adrenaline to help them deal with the situation. Thunderstorms, fireworks, air travel, car rides, vet visits, grooming parlors, meeting strangers, loud noises; any type of environmental change can cause a dog anxiety or fear. Hold your dog close and reassure him, with love and attention, that there is nothing to fear. He'll feel safe and loved and before long his shaking will cease.

Three - Your Dog is Excited

Your dog is excited about dinner, chasing a squirrel, seeing you after a long day alone, eager to play; for whatever reason, your dog is shaking in anticipation of something happening. Nothing to be concerned about here; your dog will stop shaking when the excitement is over.

Four - Learned Behavior

Your dog has learned that, if he shakes, he will get a desired response from you, whether that response is a sign of affection and attention or a yummy treat. To stop this dog behavior, ignore the shaking, and instead, reward your dog with affection and attention when he is not shaking. Spread your attention, affection, and treats, throughout the day and evening, so your dog will learn he doesn't have to shake to get what he wants.

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Now it is time to talk about other reasons why dogs shake.

If your dog is shaking uncontrollably, determine when the shaking initially occurred, any symptoms the dog has, and what parts of the body are affected. All of these are clues to help you recognize a potentially serious health problem. For example, some dogs will shake if their blood sugar is dangerously low or immediately prior to having a seizure. In this segment, some of the reasons why dogs shake are alarming, but will help you determine the difference between healthy dog behavior and signs of a serious illness, and what to do if you suspect a medical condition.

One - Poisoning

A dog that has ingested chocolate, poisonous plants, cigarettes, insecticides, contaminated food, and other harmful materials in high doses may suffer vomiting, diarrhea, and uncontrollable shaking. If you suspect poisoning, get your dog to an emergency hospital immediately.

Two - Distemper

Distemper is a virus that is often seen in puppies before they reach adulthood and dogs that have not been vaccinated. Symptoms are fever, coughing, and nasal discharge; and can also cause shaking and seizures. Puppies that have not been fully vaccinated are at a greater risk of getting the virus. See your vet immediately if you notice symptoms or suspect your dog has been exposed to distemper.

Three - Kidney Disease

Dogs can be symptom free for a very long time. If your dog suddenly starts drinking and urinating more frequently, there is cause for concern. Other signs, including shaking, might follow as your dog's condition progresses. See your vet immediately for therapy and treatment options.

Four - Addison's Disease

Dogs with this disease will show signs of gastrointestinal problems, loss of energy and strength, and little or no appetite; along with shaking. Addison's is often misdiagnosed, which can lead to more severe problems. If your dog seems chronically ill and undernourished, talk to your vet about possible causes.

Five - White Dog Shaker Syndrome

It is a serious illness in small breeds, such as Maltese and West Highland White Terriers that may cause your dog to shake and causes full body tremors in young dogs. Anxiety related dog behaviors are ruled out, as this Syndrome is not a reaction to specific stressors. If you suspect your dog is shaking as a result of this syndrome, consult with your vet immediately.

Six - Fever

If your dog appears to be shaking from the cold while in a warm environment, then your dog might have a fever. Your dog is shaking in an attempt to raise his body temperature. Take your dog's temperature with a rectal thermometer, if possible. If his temperature is above 104 degrees then take your dog to the vet immediately. A temperature above 104 degrees is a medical emergency.

Seven - Pain

Shaking can be a sign of pain. Signs that your dog is in pain are restlessness, changes in behavior, enlarged pupils, over sleeping, hiding, limping, excessive licking or biting, increased vocalization, in need of attention, poor coat, vacant stare, glazed expression, and decreased appetite. Signs of pain are hard to detect in dogs and vary based on the cause of the pain. Because most dogs are very good at hiding pain, your dog is usually in considerable pain by the time you notice a problem. If your dog is shaking and displaying any of the signs discussed, get your dog to a vet.

Eight - Advanced Age

Unfortunately, aged dogs are more vulnerable to shaking and deterioration. Weakened muscles paired with a touch of arthritis make it painful for elder dogs to stand and walk. These symptoms can't be reversed, but you can consult with your vet to discuss available therapies and treatment that will help reduce your dog's discomfort and pain.

Now let's recap.

Dogs shake for many reasons. Recognizing why your dog is shaking is important, especially if there is a health problem. The earlier an illness or disease is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated.

When dogs are fearful, anxious or excited, their adrenal glands release adrenaline to prepare their bodies to escape from or deal with the situation causing the excitement. If your dog continues to shake in a warm environment, he may have a fever, or another health problem unrelated to the cold. If you are not 100 percent certain, have your dog medically cleared by your vet before assuming the shaking is normal dog behavior.

If your dog shakes and it is not apparent why, then take him to a vet. If your dog's shaking is not constant, then it is a behavioral problem. Are you dealing with normal dog behavior, medical problems, or behavioral problems? If your dog is displaying normal dog behavior, then follow my four tips to help and comfort him. If you are dealing with behavior problems, then work with a professional trainer that offers positive, reward based training. If you suspect you are dealing with a medical problem, consult your vet immediately.

Hope you enjoyed this segment on Dog Behavior, specifically on the topic of why dogs shake, and hope you walked away with something of value. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to my channel on YouTube, Dog Behavior Videos. Thank you so much for reading. I look forward to seeing you inside my next article. Please like, share, comment, and subscribe. Until next time. Bye Bye.

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 GDV Dogs

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or dog bloat or gastric torsion is a serious life-threatening disease in dogs. Gastric dilatation-volvulus is the condition where the stomach rotates on itself causing a twisting of the esophagus where it enters the stomach and the pylorus where the stomach normally empties into the intestines, thus reducing the ability for things to get in or out of the stomach. Once twisted, the stomach starts to distend with gas turning into a large balloon within the abdomen, leading to impairment of blood flow in the body and to the stomach wall dying because of overdistention. Left untreated, almost all dogs with GDV will die.

Dog bloat affects mainly large breed dogs with deep chests.

 Common breeds include the Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, Weimaraner, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd dog, and Irish Setters. Why canine bloat occurs is not known. There are some predisposing factors that have been identified such as exercising after eating a large meal, elevated feeding, having a fearful temperament, and having a parent or close relative that had a GDV.

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The classic signs of bloat 

include nonproductive retching, hypersalivation, restlessness, and a progressively distending and tight abdomen. Diagnosis of GDV is made with radiographs. Radiographs taken with the dog laying on the right side show a classic "reverse-C" or "double bubble" sign which is the malpositioned pyloric region of the stomach sitting above the fundic region of the stomach.

Initial treatment for dogs with GDV 

involves fluid resuscitation to improve blood flow to the heart, and some form of decompression of the stomach, either by an orogastric tube or by trocharization of the stomach. An orogastric tube is passing a tube from the mouth into the stomach. This can be difficult in an awake dog and with the stomach severely dilated. Trocharization involves passing a large sterile needle or catheter through the abdominal wall into the stomach to relieve the gas within the stomach. Both of these are temporary ways of relieving the pressure build-up within the stomach to make the dog more stable.

Surgery is always recommended for dogs 

with gastric torsion. Surgery is necessary to reposition the stomach and to pexy or permanently attach the stomach to the abdominal wall so that it cannot twist again. If a pexy is not performed, the chance that the dog will bloat again is as high as 80%. After pexying the stomach to the abdominal wall, the chances of bloating again are less than 10%.

In some cases, the stomach wall shows areas of necrosis or death. If areas of the stomach wall are not viable, then these portions need to be removed. When a gastric resection needs to be performed, the mortality rate associated with surgery increases to around 60%.

Post-op dogs need to be monitored 

closely for arrhythmias which can occur within the first 24 hours after surgery. With gastric resection, other conditions like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are common and potentially life-threatening. A majority of dogs recover with no problems and once they are eating, can go home, usually within 48 hours of surgery. Owners are instructed to feed smaller, multiple feedings rather than one large meal. Exercise is restricted for two weeks while the abdominal incision heals then the dog can return to normal activity.

Prophylactic gastropexies are commonly recommended for high risk breeds. 

These are sometimes performed during spaying or neutering as puppies and can be done using a laparoscope to assist the procedure so the incisions in the abdomen are kept to a minimum. Or if surgery into the abdomen is required for another reason such as to remove an intestinal foreign body, a prophylactic gastropexy can be performed during the same surgery.

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 why my dog has diarrhea?

Diarrhea is an extremely common condition which affects dogs of all ages. If your dog has soft bowel motions, it indicates something is not quite right in his intestines. It also means you may have extra cleaning up to do!

Loose stools have many causes, some more serious than others.

 Here are the most common reasons your dog may develop diarrhea.

1. Dogs aren't always sensible about what they eat, and don't snacking on any spoiled food or even dead birds they come across during the day. As you can imagine, this upsets their gastrointestinal system, and will cause diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting.

2. Still on the subject of diet, even a change in the brand of kibble you feed your dog may result in loose stools for a few days as his intestines adapt to the new food. You can avoid this by gradually changing his food over the course of a few days. Increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food in his dinner bowl at each meal, and he shouldn't have any problems at all.

3. Worms often cause diarrhea, particularly in young pups. This too is preventable by using an effective wormer on a regular basis. Ask your veterinarian for advice about a suitable worming product and treatment schedule for your dog.

4. Loose stools can be associated with stress and anxiety in dogs. Has your dog had a recent change in his life? Perhaps you've moved house, or your dog is spending more time alone than he used to.

5. Dogs, like people, can have food allergies, and diarrhea is one possible symptom of such an allergy. These dogs often also have itchy skin and ears. Food allergies are often tricky to diagnose, and take a lot of discipline on their owner's part to manage.

6. Infection. Most dog owners will have heard of the dreaded parvovirus. This causes severe and bloody diarrhea in dogs, accompanied by vomiting and depression. Parvovirus can kill a dog. There are other viruses which aren't as severe as parvovirus but can still make your dog quite sick.

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What do you do if your dog has diarrhea?

If he is obviously sick, depressed and not interested in what's going on around him, you need to take him to your vet. If he does have a serious condition such as parvovirus, he'll respond better to treatment if it is started early. Similarly, if there is blood in the diarrhea, he needs veterinary attention sooner rather than later.

Many dogs develop diarrhea and are otherwise bright and alert, and still have a wag in their tail. If that's the case with your dog, you can watch him for 24 hours and see if his stools start to firm up.

It's a good idea to skip his next meal to give his intestines time to settle down, and then re-introduce food by giving him 3 or 4 small bland meals over the course of the day. Lean chicken and boiled white rice is ideal. Make sure you treat him for worms, and if the diarrhea persists for more than a day, or if he becomes unwell, it's time to call your vet.

Our dogs are like family to us and so naturally it's very upsetting when they become sick. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you knew how to give your dog a check-up, so you could spot a problem early? Before it became truly serious or even life threatening?

Well, now you can!

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If you are looking for help treating your dog's behavioral issues, or just curious about why your dog does what he does, then this  Article  is for you.

Most experienced owners are familiar with common dog behavior problems, but some may wonder why dogs exhibit these behaviors. Many behaviors are often misunderstood and mishandled by dog owners. Thoroughly understanding the most common behavioral problems is the first step to solving and preventing them.

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So why do dogs lick?

There are several reasons why your dog licks. Let's find out what they are and what you need to understand in order to eliminate the problem. Usually it's a sign of affection, a sign of love, or about tasty salty skin. Licking releases pleasurable endorphins that give dogs a feeling of comfort and pleasure, and relieves their stress. Dogs want you to know that they love you so they lick. You pet your dog and it feels good so your dog shows his/her appreciation by, you guessed it, licking. Licking is a natural instinct in the canine world and it is, therefore, normal canine behavior. Right from birth this is how birth mothers communicate with their pups, how canine families groom and interact socially.

There are other reasons why dogs lick that you need to be aware of.

If a dog is licking itself excessively, it may indicate that there is a medical issue with your dog. Consulting with a vet would be my recommendation because it may not be a behavior problem but a medical one. Rule that out and you will know you are dealing with a behavioral disorder. If we're talking about normal canine behavior, then it's a human problem. After all, dogs do lick. It's in their nature. What do I mean by a human problem? Let me explain.

If your vet determines your dog is displaying normal canine behavior and you don't like the licking then you are the one that has an issue. Not your dog. It is up to you to alter your dog's behavior and you can do that simply by applying my top three tips.

Tip number one

Don't reward your dog with a pet when he licks you. If that action is greeted with positive attention, such as hugs and human kisses, he'll want to repeat the behavior. He thinks you like it and have given him permission.

Tip number two

Walk away whenever your dog licks you. Over time your dog will associate a lick with you going away. Your dog will learn that licking never gets attention so he won't do it.

Tip number three

Be patient, gentle, and loving. Dogs lick to strengthen their bond with you. Dogs love to please. It makes them happy to make you happy. Your dog will soon realize that excessive licking doesn't make you happy so, again, your dog won't do it. The message your dog must learn is that one or two licks are sufficient to strengthen the bond between you.

Now let's recap.

It is up to you to let your dog know what licking is appropriate and what is out of bounds. While many dog lovers don't mind and may even enjoy it, some dogs can get carried away. Determine how you feel about your dog's licking and then train him to stay within the limits you set.

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Did you know that dogs can develop deafness at any age?

It is most noticeable when your dog ceases to react to typical occurrences like as the doorbell ringing, the sound of you pouring his food for breakfast, or calling his name to come.

While thinking about your dog's deafness might be difficult, the good news is that it doesn't mean he couldn't still have a high-quality life and do all of the things that other dogs do, or even the things he used to do. It simply entails a shift in how you care for him now that you are aware of his hearing impairment.

It is believed that 5 to 10% of dogs in the United States are deaf, either in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral).

So, what's causing this?

Deafness can be hereditary or acquired. The cause of hereditary deafness might be cochleosaccular or neuroepithelial. The most prevalent cause of deafness is cochleosaccular, which is connected with coat color patterns. It is most commonly observed in dogs with piebald or merle color genes. It can induce deafness in one or both ears and is more common in those with blue eyes and a white coat. This form of deafness usually appears between the ages of one and three weeks.

Neuroepithelial deafness is unrelated to coat patterns. It frequently affects both ears and appears at the same age. A variety of causes can contribute to acquired deafness. Some drugs might be harmful to one's hearing. The deafness produced by these medications is usually permanent, but some animals may recover their hearing over time. Many elderly animals become deaf. It usually begins with a loss of capacity to hear mid-to high-level frequencies and progresses to an inability to hear any frequency.

How to Determine if Your Dog Has a Hearing Issue

Dogs who are bilaterally deaf from a young age are typically straightforward to identify. They may not respond when called, be difficult to wake while sleeping or fail to recognize you when you reach home.

Unilaterally deaf dogs, as well as dogs who develop deafness later in life, maybe more difficult to identify.

A dog who is deaf in just one ear may have difficulties finding the source of a sound and will usually orient itself towards the good ear.

Having a Deaf Dog in the House

Deaf dogs may enjoy regular lives, but they require a committed owner. Deaf dogs are not suited for homes with small children since they are easily frightened. They should never be left unattended in an open place, and their owners must be willing to learn a new language.

 What Is a Dog Training Collar? 

Dogs are curious by nature and love to explore. They love to jump on you as a greeting: "Hi. Hi. I'm so GLAD to see you." Play dates with friends' dogs can be extremely chaotic and hard to control because the dogs are so excited. These can be very frustrating scenarios and leave the exasperated pet parents at a loss for how to enforce commands during trying times.

When your dog is curious or excited, getting your dog to obey simple commands can be challenging.

Even dogs that routinely stay within their boundaries or instantly respond to "Sit" under normal conditions many times fail to respond during even minimal excitement. Failure to follow your commands can be dangerous for your pet in unsafe conditions.

If you are considering purchasing a training collar for your dog(s), the first thing you need to do is some Internet research in order to gain some knowledge of their basic use.

Dog training collars are the solution for many pet owners who understand the value of a well-trained dog and desire a safe tool. Many pet owners don't understand how electronic training collars (also called shock collars) work. Here are 4 basic electronic collar facts to help educate the beginner researcher.

What is an electronic training collar?

All electronic dog training collars consist of a handheld transmitter and collar receiver. The collars are used for many training purposes.

Remote training collars work by emitting an audible tone followed by a static electric stimulation to the dog once the stimulation control is pressed on the handheld transmitter. Several dog training collars also have an option for tone only. Once the dog understands the voice commands and consequences, the tone is normally all the trainer needs to ensure the dog responds to the command.

Will the collar hurt my dog?

Remote trainer collars provide a static stimulation similar to the shock you feel when you rub your feet across carpet and touch another person. During initial training it is important to start at the lowest stimulation setting available and only increase the stimulation level if your dog does not show any response.

The stimulation from the collar is designed just to get the dog's attention and NOT TO PUNISH. Electronic collars should only be used to train your dog. That means you must spend some time training your dog to understand what behavior is acceptable and what is not. If the collar is used for punishment rather than a training tool, the dog will not respond and it will be very difficult to achieve results.

Who uses electronic collars?

Electronic collars are typically used by household pets and hunting dogs older than 6 months of age.

Pet parents can easily train their pet to follow voice commands, even under distracting conditions, such as "Come", "Sit", or "Stay."

Training collars are also commonly used for hunting or sporting dogs. With hunting dog collars, trainers use the transmitter and collar to teach dogs to retrieve, stay, return, etc. Training collars for hunting dogs have a much larger range and are usually manufactured to endure rougher environments.

What are training collars intended to accomplish?

Electronic trainers are intended for two basic purposes:

To reinforce already-learned behaviors like obedience commands - Your dog learns to "turn-off" the unpleasant stimulus by performing the command correctly.

To correct unwanted behaviors such as digging, chewing, jumping - Your dog learns to associate the unpleasant stimulation with the unwanted behavior.

With a training collar you can stimulate your dog in a painless manner to correct poor behavior or easily reward behaviors with a remote control. There is no reason to harm your dog and that is the exact opposite of what dog shock collars will do. But what it will do is put a stop to the poor behavior in no time.

The dog shock collar's effectiveness is based on your pet being startled, not on administering pain. Most models also have a vibrating or vibration collar mode instead of using shock. These dog training collars can be used for various training regimens including hunting exercises, agility training, pet containment, sport dogs, and anti-barking. Your pet will typically respond after only a few training.

Now that you know the basics of training collars, learn more in-depth knowledge of >> electronic dog training collars.

Why  my Dogs Eat Grass 

Veterinarians will tell you that they answer this question every day, every day, implying that many dogs eat grass. Pica is the eating of "weird" non-food objects (such as grass) and may be related to a diet low in nutrients, vitamins, or minerals. But, if dogs on well-balanced commercial meals are not nutritionally inadequate, why do they eat grass?

The question may be straightforward, but the solution is not.

Is eating grass a physiological requirement?

One frequent misconception is that dogs chew grass to treat stomach distress. Some dogs eat grass with zeal, only to vomit shortly thereafter. Here's the chicken vs. egg conundrum: Is it possible for a dog to eat grass to vomit and ease an upset stomach, or does he acquire a stomachache and vomit as a result of eating grass? Because studies demonstrate that less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass, it is doubtful that they use it as a kind of self-medication. In reality, just 10% of dogs exhibit symptoms of disease before eating grass. The basic conclusion is that the vast majority of grass-eating dogs are not ill and do not vomit.

        "The conclusion is that the vast majority of grass-eating dogs are not ill and do not vomit afterward."

Grazing, on the other hand, may satisfy another digestion requirement. Dogs require roughage in their diets, and the grass is an excellent source of fiber. Because a dog's capacity to digest food and pass feces is affected by a lack of roughage, grass may assist their physiological processes to operate more smoothly.

Caution: If your turf-eating dog exhibits symptoms of stomach pain, he may be suffering from a medical condition such as gastric reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, or pancreatitis. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any major medical concerns and to obtain the proper treatment.

Is eating grass a psychological requirement?

A dog's day revolves around his owners' activities, as he watches them go and waits for them to return. Although most dogs like being outside, others become bored when left alone and require stimulation. Nibbling on easily accessible grass helps pass the time.

Dogs seek human connection and may try to attract their owners' attention by engaging in undesirable behavior such as chewing grass if they feel ignored. Furthermore, worried dogs consume grass as a form of comfort, similar to how nervous people chew their fingernails. Whether dogs are bored, lonely, or nervous, it is common to see an increase in grass-eating when owner interaction time declines.

What can their owners do to help these grazing dogs? A new toy or an old t-shirt with its owner's familiar aroma may give some relief for frightened canines. A puzzle toy that contains food and challenges the dog will give mental stimulation and reduce boredom. More frequent walks and rigorous playtime benefit more active dogs. Doggie daycare may be a nice choice for dogs that want to socialize with other dogs.

Is it instinctual to eat grass?

Your dog's forefathers did not consume kibble in sealed sacks. Dogs in the wild balanced their meals by eating everything they hunted, including meat, bones, internal organs, and stomach contents. Eating a complete animal offered a rather balanced diet, especially if the prey's stomach contained grass and plants, which satisfied the dog's fiber requirement.

Dogs are not pure carnivores (only eat meat), but they are also not omnivores (eat both meat and plants); in the wild, dogs eat everything that helps them meet their fundamental nutritional requirements. According to stool tests, 11-47 percent of wolves consume grass. Modern dogs do not have to hunt for food, but that does not imply they have lost their innate scavenging instinct. Some dogs, even those that eat commercial dog food, will eat grass as a reminiscence of their ancestors and the necessity to be scavengers.

Eating grass is a behavioral issue for these dogs that may or may not be a problem at all. You do not need to be concerned if your dog does not become ill as a result of the odd grazing session, as constant parasite protection is offered (intestinal parasites may also be consumed with grass). Behavior modification may cause more harm than good by interfering with natural inclinations.