RSS feed for Dog Behavior

The Importance Of Understanding Dog Behavior

To understand behavior of the domestic dog, you must first consider the effects of the human contact that occurs from the moment the domestic puppy is born until the end of its life. These interactions are strong catalysts that add to the inherent differences between the wolf ancester and the domestic dog. The domestic dog easily weaves into the family and social structure of humans, while the wol...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs

Why Dogs Roll In Smelly Things

No one really knows for sure why dogs love to roll in stinky things. People who study animal behavior have some pretty good ideas. Some experts believe that dogs like to mark themselves with their territory. A dog wearing a bit of rotting carcass or cow poop is a lot like a man wearing a gold chain around his neck. It says something about him and where he lives, something like, "I am a dog of mea...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs

Living With An Energetic Dog

The expected energy level of a dog breed is a very important factor to consider when choosing a dog. Unfortunately, the expected energy level of a dog may not always be what you get. There are always exceptions. The dog that you expect to spend most of his life on the couch may turn out to be much more active than your expect. The exuberant Springer Spaniel that should be an active dog may end up ...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs

Dog Body Language

Dogs use their bodies and paws to express a variety of different things. Below are some examples and what dog body language means. When a dog crouches with front legs extended, rear up, and head near the ground, this is the classic play bow which means simply, "I want to play!" Stiff-legged, upright posture or slow, stiff-legged movement forward means "I am in charge around here!" and "I challen...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs

How Dogs Communicate

Dogs are one of the most intelligent animals among the ones we keep as domestic pets. Dogs have the ability to communicate with humans, with other dogs and even with other animals. Dogs communicate by using various body language signs and different vocals. The dog body language signs are made with the help of body movement involving eyes, ears, eyebrows, head, mouth and tail. Different vocals incl...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs

Behavior Problems Associated With Parasites

Some of the problem behaviors in dogs are a result of an infestation of dog parasites. These dog parasites include internal parasites such as heartworms, hookworms, ringworms, roundworms and tapeworms. External parasites such as fleas, ear mites, and ticks can also cause dog behavior problems. It is important that all puppies be dewormed and accinated against dog distemper and hepatitis. Many dog...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs

Why Do Some Dogs Hump Everything

No one would mind if their dogs only humped other dogs at the appropriate mating times. It's how dogs reproduce. Some dogs aren't very selective about the objects of their affections. Some dogs try to hump people, stuffed animals, sometimes even cats. This type of indiscriminate dog humping behavior isn't about mating. Even a dog who is frenzied by hormones knows the difference between a receptiv...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs

Signs of the Submissive Dog

The submissive dog, like the fearful dog, will try to appear smaller and will rarely raise his hackles. The submissive dog will either scoot along the ground in a sit position to get closer to the dominant entity or roll over on the ground to expose his belly and genitals, displaying vulnerability to the aggressor. The dog may even urinate during this display. The head of a submissive dog is held...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs

Signs of the Hyperkinetic Dog

Anyone who has worked extensively with dogs has occasionally been confronted by an overactive, sometimes raging, vicious kind of dog, the handling of which has required a heavy duty tranquilizer and several helpers. In many cases, such behavior cannot be explained by improper handling or cruelty and neglect by their owners. When it seems that nothing can be done to correct the dog behavior problem...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs

Signs of the Psychotic Dog

A psychosis is defined as a mental disturbance of such degree that there is personality disintegration and loss of contact with reality. The line between neurotic and psychotic behavior is not well defined, even by psychiatrists and psychologists. Two prevailing criteria can be added to the definition of a neurotic dog to describe, for this purpose, a psychotic behavior. These two prevailing crit...More on Hyperkinetic Dogs