A decade of research indicates that domestic dogs are sensitive to a variety of human social cues, including pointing with the hand and arm. They say an old dog cannot learn new tricks, but what if the dog is a stray? Scientists have investigated whether man’s best friend’s capacity for obedience is inborn or only … Read more
All was well this morning when I took Claude for a good walk in the nearby forest, but then a German Shepherd became overly excited and attacked him. After the owner and I separated the two dogs and brought order to the situation, I detected the most repulsive smell of rotting fish. A short while … Read more
Dogs are incredibly intuitive animals and possess a wide range of communication skills. They can exhibit signs of affection to us humans in many ways, from wagging their tail to curling up next to us on the sofa. One of the more curious behaviors dogs may exhibit is sneezing. But does sneezing by a dog … Read more
Just like senior citizens need more sleep, an older dog sleeps a lot when compared to their younger counterparts. On the higher end of the scale, a senior dog can sleep up to 18-20 hours a day, says Dr. Rossman. She estimates that the lower end is probably around 14-15 hours per day. Respect the … Read more
Dogs communicate pleasure, happiness, excitement, and affiliation through their vocalizations. The most common sounds of pleasure are moans and sighs, although dogs also use whines and growls to communicate happiness. Do dogs sigh when they are happy? It may seem like a silly question, but animal behavior experts have been debating this for decades now. … Read more
The short answer: yes. Regular vaccines greatly increase your dog’s protection against serious diseases—some deadly, like distemper. Vaccinations are an important part of dog health and wellness. While some vaccinations are necessary, many pet owners and veterinarians are questioning whether yearly vaccinations are necessary for dogs. Yearly vaccinations can be expensive and may present certain … Read more
The last few days before your dog passes you may notice: extreme weight loss, a distant look in their eyes, a lack of interest in anything, restlessness or unusual stillness, a change in the way that your dog smells, and a changed temperament. When a beloved family pet reaches the end of their life, it … Read more
Yes, a dog can resource guard their owners. This is usually seen in dogs who are very attached to their owner. The dog may become territorial and protect their owner from other people or animals. If you think your dog is resource guarding you, consult with a professional trainer to help address the behavior. Resource … Read more
Your dog will know when you are mad. Dogs hate to disappoint and can sense the emotions and body language that comes with an upset “parent”. When you are upset with your dog and he gives you those “sweet puppy dog eyes” he knows that you are upset and is hoping to change things. Have … Read more
Research suggests that dogs are able to recognize their siblings and their parents later in life as long as they spent the first 16 weeks together. Intuitively, the less time dogs spend with their families as puppies, the less likely it is they’ll be able to recognize a family member later on. There’s a good … Read more