The majority of people seem to like their dogs licking them because they believe their dog loves them. Nevertheless, it would be best if you remained cautious because dogs can accidentally harm you. Their mouths may be clean, but they contain a lot of natural germs that can be dangerous to humans; that’s why your dog licking you might be hazardous. You shouldn’t worry much, though, as long as it doesn’t touch an open wound, your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Why Does My Dog Lick Me In the Face?

People love their dogs. These animals aren’t only adorable additions to the family – they are participants.

Dog owners tend to spend a great deal of time looking for the ideal food, buying toys, and even clothing for their best friends, searching for ways to train them, adjust the houses, and make their dogs’ life extra comfortable and more secure. It’s no surprise they observe their dog and wait for a signal that their love is reciprocated.

That’s just how they see their dog licking them in the face. Dogs seem to be licking a whole lot. Most dog owners see it as an indicator of affection. Is it the case? Some dogs tend to lick people’s faces more than others. Does it imply that they are much more caring? Or is there something more to it? Possibly they greet in that way, or attempt to taste you? Sadly, there is no specific answer, but dog experts have some theories:

• Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much?

Your dog licking you may be for attention. Dogs are quick to observe which behaviors force different kinds of reactions, so they probably recognize that licking will certainly always provoke a response. Many people laugh and smile when their dog licks them, yet some will certainly get annoyed. It does not matter if the reaction is unfavorable or favorable when your dog desires attention. They just want you to notice them when they feel sad, bored, or lonely, as well as they feel compensated even if you are busy with something else. Barking isn’t always as efficient as licking.

• Do Dogs Like How You Taste?

Do not stress; it does not suggest that your dog will ultimately wind up eating you. But dogs can indeed appreciate your taste. Besides, it’s a little salty and extremely particular, and also, dogs often tend to lick these kinds of flavors. Dog licking is also their way of discovering their surroundings – dogs need to touch and taste almost whatever they see. And you become part of their world.

• Can Dogs Pick Up On Human Anxiety?

Dogs appear to understand whenever you’re stressed out, anxious, or sad. So if you come back from work feeling exhausted and upset, and you lay on the couch, you may anticipate your dog running to you to bring you some comfort. Your dog will do so by licking your feet or hands. And also some people find it is quite calming.

• Are Dog Licks Really Kisses?

Yes, one of the reasons dogs lick you is probably affection, as they tend to lick people that they spend a great deal of time with. Besides, that’s what their moms do when they have their puppies – they lick them to show them love and make them feel safe. Dogs lick your face if they can get to it, or any other spot of skin available, like hands, neck, or a leg. So why do some dogs tend to lick more than others? It’s much like with people – not everyone loves embracing and kissing; however, it does not indicate they like you less. They may have different methods of revealing affection, or they do not like licking.

How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Licking Me?

You may love your dog’s kisses; however, no one wants them all the time. You might also assume that having a dog licking your face is horrible – it’s ok; it does not suggest that you don’t love your dog. Among the most reliable methods to stop your dog licking you is to quit showing your emotions while being licked. Don’t show your happiness, and do not reveal to your dog that you’re angry about those licks. Turn your head away and act like it didn’t occur. When they’re not licking you, reward him with love. A little bit complicated, but still feasible, is to train your dog to kiss you just when he hears a specific command. You might try it on your own, by awarding those wanted kisses as well as overlooking unwanted kisses. You can also turn to a dog instructor.

Can Dogs Have OCD?

It’s not very common, yet it’s possible in the case of dogs that have experienced trauma and prolonged stress and anxiety. If it seems like your dog is licking every little thing too often, including himself, you must think about talking to your veterinarian or going to a pet behaviorist directly. Your dog may likewise require medications to alleviate it’s anxiety, as they aren’t capable of finding out if they’re stressed. Yet medications must regularly be combined with proper training. If your pet has an unidentified history (or you recognize that he has been abused in the past), it’s particularly vital to respond.

The Area Surrounding My Dog’s Feet Is Red, and He Licks It a Lot. What Kind of Treatment Can I Apply?

Most of your dog’s sense of touch is located in its paws, and it sweats there too, so it’s good that you noticed the problem so you can keep your dog’s paws in good shape. The good news is that the symptoms you describe, redness, and your dog’s paw licking, are quite common. The bad news is that any number of causes can lead to this behavior. They include:

• Skin irritants, such as salt or chemicals on the ground 
• Infection due to parasites, fungi, or bacteria 
• Allergies, arthritis, or some other more internal problem 
• Cysts or other growths. 

Paw redness can also be due to dogs habitually chewing and grooming the area, similar to a child biting its fingernails a lot. It could be your dog reacting to stress and boredom. Schedule a visit for your dog with his veterinarian to determine precisely what’s going on. If there is no medical cause, behavior modification might be needed to break your dog’s paw-licking habit. You would also need to identify the source of any stress and try to resolve that issue.

How Do I Treat a Yeast Infection On My Dog’s Paws?

If your dog’s paws are always damp from excessive licking, they will be more susceptible to developing a yeast infection. Things to look out for include skin redness, itching, odor, thickened skin, swelling, warmth, and flakey or crusty skin. Bathe your dog using an antifungal shampoo, ensuring that you clean the affected areas thoroughly. For the next step, use an antifungal spray, or you can make up a spray at home using half organic apple cider vinegar and half water. As yeast needs a moist environment to thrive, keep your dog’s paws as dry as possible.

It is essential to determine what caused the yeast infection to prevent it from coming back. Some common causes include; allergies (food, pollen, skin, etc.) and often damp skin (from licking, swimming, etc.). Sometimes hot, humid weather can increase the chances of a yeast infection developing.

How Can I Get My Dog To Stop Licking His Paws?

If your dog is licking his paws occasionally, then it is part of his self-grooming routine. However, if it is occurring frequently or aggressively, then that indicates that there is a   

problem. Check the paws carefully for signs of injury or other health-related issues such as a food allergy or a fungal infection. It is essential to have your dog checked out by your veterinarian to ensure there is no medical reason for your dog licking his paws. 

If there is no medical cause, behavior modification might be needed to break your dog’s paw-licking habit. You would also need to identify the source of any stress and try to resolve that issue.

Excessive dog licking should stop once the cause has been determined, and treatment sought.  

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

Dax is my nine-year-old female Australian Shepherd. She is very dominant and cuts Riker, my four-year-old Aussie, absolutely no slack. This morning, he felt a little brave, so he tried to sneak one of her favorite toys away from her. With his front teeth, he grabbed it gently by the end and slowly pulled it. Dax growled–a deep, throaty growl–and lifted her top lips enough to show a big canine tooth. Riker dropped the toy and walked away.

Dax’s communication skills were superb! She didn’t get overly excited, nor did she bounce around and yell. She was calm yet expressed her displeasure to Riker in no uncertain terms. Her growl and showing of a tooth was a simple yet effective correction that stopped his unwanted behavior. It was excellent dog training.

Positive-Only Dog Training Techniques

Many dog trainers have decided to use only positive training techniques. By helping the dog do what is asked and then rewarding that behavior, they hope unwanted behaviors will disappear. With some dogs, this training can be very effective, and many owners are thrilled to keep the training process so positive.

Unfortunately, some dogs find their bad behavior self-rewarding, and a positive training technique can then be challenging to implement. For example, one of my dogs years ago discovered that trashcans have food in them. Since she was very motivated by food, this was a significant discovery for her. I tried to prevent her access to the trash and rewarded her liberally when she ignored the cans, but that wasn’t enough. Whenever she got into the garbage, there was a tasty “reward” waiting for her. With Ursa, I also had to use the word “no!” when she tried to raid the trash.

Using “No” Wisely With Your Dog

Owners can use mild corrections–including verbal corrections such as “no” — with most dogs without harming. When Dax corrected Riker for trying to steal her toy, he stopped his behavior, and Dax’s correction stopped at the same instant. The correction was over, and she didn’t hold a grudge. And he bounced back quickly; a few minutes later, they were playing together (although not with that particular toy). Dax’s correction was just firm enough to stop the behavior, and then it was over with no damage to Riker’s psyche or emotional health.

Dog owners can use a verbal correction such as “no” in the same way as dogs do. A quick, sharp “no!” given right as the dog is making a mistake can be very useful. If we use Ursa’s fascination with trashcans as an example, I would watch her walk up to the trash. If she walked past it without sniffing, I praised her, “Good girl!” My praise was in a higher tone of voice than my normal speaking voice; I sounded pleased she made the right choice. However, if she stopped to sniff the can, I corrected her as she sniffed, “No, leave it alone!” I didn’t yell; my voice was deep, growly, and no-nonsense.

Finding a Balance In Dog Training

Positive-only training techniques are prevalent right now and can be the right technique for many dogs and dog owners. Although I try to keep my training very positive, I don’t believe the word “no” is a dirty word. My dogs are happy, healthy, well adjusted, and obedient. Using the word “no” in an effective, appropriate, and timely manner has not scarred or harmed them. Also, in some instances, it has kept them safe from harm. We recently came across some trash that someone had not picked up recently on a walk, including chicken bones. As Riker reached to grab some, I told him, “No! Leave it alone!” and he closed his mouth before grabbing a mouthful of bones. I then, of course, praised him liberally for listening to me!

The choice of training method is up to you. You know yourself and your dog better than anyone else, and you must find a balance that you can live with. Emphasizing the positive is essential to almost all training techniques today, but can you live with a positive-only approach? Can it teach your dog everything you want him to know? If that’s what you want, find a trainer in your area who can help you implement that. Ensure you know what to do if your dog does something you don’t want it to do again. If you decide you would like to use some mild corrections, find a trainer who will help you find a balance between positive techniques and just enough discipline to accomplish your goals.

Article written by Author: Liz Palika

There are things that you can do to help your dog fit properly into your life. Perhaps most important, never reward a behavior you don’t want to encourage. Additionally, here are some common issues with ideas to help prevent inter-species clashes.

Barking
When you yell at your dog to be quiet, it thinks you are just doing it for fun. Avoid this by training your dog to bark on command, then training it to be quiet on command. If you catch it barking, praise it and say a command word like “speak.” Then encourage and reward it. Make it a game — you can even bark at your dog if it doesn’t catch on. If your canine lets loose with a rowdy bark, suddenly say, “Quiet!” and put your finger to your lips. If you surprise your pet enough, it will stop barking. Be sure to reward and praise your dog enthusiastically. Keep practicing, and your dog will soon understand what “quiet” really means.

If your pooch discovers it can bark freely when you’re not at home, try a “set up” when you have a weekend to experiment. Here’s an example:

• Leave your dog for a few minutes — you might even get in the car and drive down the block. Then get out of the car and walk back home
• When you return, if your dog is barking, surprise it by rushing in. Squirt it with water and/or scold your dog seriously and give it a gentle shake
• Repeat the exercise. Leave for varying amounts of time. Your dog will come to the conclusion that you could burst in at any moment, so it’d better be good! If your furry friend remains quiet, reward and praise your pet

Biting
Your dog must learn that it is never okay to bite a human. In our society, there is a strong possibility that an adult dog that bites a person will have to be destroyed. Learning proper socialization with people and other dogs, and exposure to slightly stressful situations, is crucial at an early age. This way, a puppy will learn to keep its cool and not bite out of fear when it’s confronted with unusual situations.

Puppies use their mouths on everything. When they play together, they bite each other. When one puppy bites another too hard, the victim yelps, then the first puppy lets go and learns to bite more gently next time. According to Sirius radio’s Puppy Training instructor, Doug Hostetter, a puppy can be trained not to bite if you yelp loudly when it chomps you hard. Then, gradually yelp more softly with softer bites. Soon, the puppy will learn to control itself so it doesn’t damage your fur-less, sensitive human skin. Yelping, combined with gentle, but firm, scolding, can produce a dog that will not bite at all.

Here’s another successful approach from Dorothy Mash of Deep Peninsula Dog Training Club in Mountain View, Calif. Puppies usually bite a hand, arm or leg that is moving. This is a natural expression of their chase instinct, or prey drive. Try holding the body part it is biting very still. Then, with your free hand, point at your dog and firmly say, “No.” When the dog releases, praise it and give it a treat.

Chewing
Dogs, especially puppies, need to chew, so always provide a good chew toy. Praise it for using the toy. If it’s chewing your furniture when you’re gone, a repellent such as Grannick’s Bitter Apple can discourage your pet from tasting the sofa or other furniture.

Digging
Some dogs just love to dig. Digging is instinctive and pleasurable for them. It’s a way to bury good stuff for later, to find cool earth to lie in and to build dens. The easiest way to prevent your dog from digging is to confine it to a run with a cement or other non-diggable floor surface when you cannot supervise your pet. (It also helps if you don’t give your dog anything to bury when it’s in the garden.)

You may have some success by training your dog to dig in a place reserved just for digging, like a sandbox or a pit. You can loosen the earth in the area and bury all kinds of treats. Praise your dog for digging them up. If dirt gets too messy, try redwood chips.

Jumping Up
It’s cute when a puppy jumps up to greet you. But when that puppy grows up to be 150 pounds of dog, or when its paws are muddy, you or your guests may not find it so charming. Start training your puppy not to jump from the beginning, and remain consistent.

If your young puppy jumps on you, simply walk backwards. Say, “Off” and praise and reward the puppy when all four feet are on the ground. You can also have the dog sit whenever it greets newcomers. This way it has an alternative, positive behavior it can substitute for jumping. If your dog needs more control, put a leash on it until your pet learns to receive company politely.

Still having trouble? Have a friend come to the door over and over again. Instruct the dog to sit each time the friend enters. Reward your pooch for the correct behavior. Frequent repetition may make jumping up a less exciting experience for your dog and, at the same time, reinforce correct behavior enough to help it form a new, positive habit. Do this exercise at least 10 times. Twenty is even better!

Separation Anxiety
Since your dog is a social animal, it may experience separation anxiety when you leave it home alone. It may whine, cry, bark or become destructive. But you could correct this behavior by setting aside a special time to play with your dog and to exercise it each day. Don’t then make a big event of your departure. Just leave quietly. You can also reserve a day or two to work on the problem. Come and go frequently to show your dog that you will always return. This can reassure your pet. If problems persist, consult a professional trainer.

Submissive Urination
Excitement could trigger a piddling urge, aka “submissive urination” in your dog. Never correct the animal for this problem. Scolding only makes it worse and your dog may become even more submissive. Instead, ignore it for 10 minutes when you first come home or when people come to the door. Let it outside to potty immediately.

If problems persist, talk to your vet. Though a dog’s natural, instinctive behaviors can get it into trouble in our society, your canine can learn to live within your rules. However, we often need to help our dogs adapt.

That “aha” moment, when an idea suddenly clicks, isn’t just reserved for people. Dogs also observe and learn, particularly from one another. Ana T. Pieruccetti, president and CEO of Dallas-based Lucca Bella Doggie Spa & Boutique, has witnessed this dog curiosity on several occasions. For example, Bailey, one of the dogs that visits Pieruccetti’s spa, watched as another dog, Katie, ran through a play tunnel, and received a treat. Recognizing the connection, Bailey quickly followed suit. For Pieruccetti and others with expertise in dog behavior, this ability is not surprising. But until recently, there wasn’t definitive proof of what most dog owners know — canines are canny.

Researchers from the University of Vienna in Austria demonstrated that dogs don’t just blindly imitate an action but rather use reason to assess the action’s usefulness. In the study, conducted between March 2006 and February 2007, the canines watched a trained dog use its paw to open a food container, rather than its mouth, as is the norm. In one test, the demonstrating dog had a ball in its mouth while, in a second test, its mouth was free. After witnessing the demonstrating dog perform the task, the other dogs followed suit in both the mouth-occupied and mouth-free test, indicating what the report refers to as “an imitative form of social learning.”

Dogs Teach New Tricks

Dog behavior and training classes, or even simple tricks taught at home with the aid of a few tasty treats, reveal just how rapidly dogs can learn. “Studies have shown that dogs have relatively high cognitive skills and are supremely sensitive to human cues,” Pieruccetti says. “It is believed they also have some predictive abilities.”

But the University of Vienna study also shows that dogs take their cues from their fellow dogs, not just from us. Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., professor emeritus of Ecology and Revolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, animal behaviorist and author of The Emotional Lives of Animals (New World Library, 2007) has observed that dogs adopt different play styles with different dogs, suggesting they are flexible and creative learners. So, with the right approach, if you are bringing a new dog into a household with other dogs, you may be able to enlist the help of the long-term residents in teaching the newcomer some ground rules.

“To teach our dogs not to crowd the front door when visitors come over, we set a boundary back from our front door: a thick white rope on the floor that means respect this boundary, don’t cross the line,” says Jim Burwell, retired owner of the professional dog training franchise Petiquette. “When we adopted Cooper, he learned very quickly, by observing the other dogs, not to cross the rope.”

Cautionary Tales

It’s not always good news, though. Just as children tend to pick up one another’s bad habits or to latch onto the first utterance of a swear word, dogs also learn unwanted behavior from one another.

“One backyard dog barking at the mailman will cause the other dog in the same yard to also bark at the mailman,” Burwell says. “If dogs are allowed to rehearse this behavior, it can lead to territorial aggression, which could transfer inside to territorial greetings at the front door, leading to more serious problems to sort out.”

Of equal concern is how owners act around their dogs. “Dogs are extremely sensitive to their environment, and we need to be very careful what we do and say in front of them,” Dr. Bekoff says. Burwell adds that, like children, dogs demonstrate be-like-act-like behavior, and therefore an owner could, unwittingly, exacerbate his or her dog’s problems.

“If an owner gets angry and scolds a child quite often, the dog may start getting edgy when the child is around it,” he warns. “On the other hand, if the owner punishes the dog often, the child may start punishing the dog and may get into trouble when the dog defends itself.”

Dogs Provide a Calming Effect

Despite the caution warning, inter-dog relationships are both healthy and beneficial. If your dog is young, undisciplined, or just plain difficult, another calm, well-behaved dog can work wonders in teaching good behavior. “Owners can maximize training their animals by placing them in the presence of other trained animals and being able to understand their pets’ behaviors better, responses and/or change in behavior depending on the presence of other animals,” Pieruccetti says.

If you have taken on a rescue animal, the problem of calming an abused and terrified dog can be overwhelming. Again, bringing other socialized dogs into the mix may help.

To approach a fearful rescue dog named Jack, Burwell used his 10-year-old Husky/Golden Retriever mix, Boo. “Jack spent the first 18 months of his life in a crate — 23 hours out of a 24-hour day,” Burwell explains. “He was scared to death of being approached by strangers, especially men. I intended to trigger an acceptance of me by Jack because of my very close proximity to Boo; a kind of, ‘if it’s okay for him, it’s okay for me.’ It worked.”

Article written by Author: Kim Ribbink

Most dogs like to dig, and getting them to stop can be like withholding candy from a trick-or-treater. Christi Jones of San Fernando, Calif., an active participant in the Westside German Shepherd Rescue Group, learned this the hard way with Boaz, her four-year-old Shepherd. She says, “My dog didn’t dig until my two boys dug to make mud pies. Then, Boaz decided to help them out.” After that, her dog was hooked. “It was annoying because I’d fall into the holes or trip over them.”

Depending on the holes’ location, dog digging can range from a nuisance to a serious hazard. It almost always drives dog owners — and their neighbors — crazy. Rest assured, if you have a digger on your hands, you are not alone.

Do All Dogs Dig?

Laura Bourhenne, a Los Angeles dog trainer, who was the go-to trainer when VIPs on the hit TV show Frasier needed help with their pups, says, “Most dogs experiment with digging at some point in their life… The dogs that make a habit of it usually do it because they are bored to death.”

The following steps will help to minimize your dog’s desire to dig:

• Tire out your dog 

Jones, who has not only resolved her own dog’s digging issues but who has also worked with foster dogs that dig, suggests, “Walk your dog for at least 45 minutes once a day. Play with him and stimulate him mentally with exercises and so forth.” Bourhenne points out that your involvement is critical. “The time your dog spends alone in the yard does not count since your dog is most likely sleeping.”

• Keep your dog busy 

On those days when you know your dog’s exercise or playtime is going to get cut short, Bourhenne recommends you spread kibble over a clean surface in your home or yard area. She says, “Your dog has to use his brain when he uses his nose to find every piece of food, which will tire him out.” This activity also takes up a fair amount of time, which will keep your dog occupied.

• Make your dog part of the family 

According to Jones, “If your dog hangs out in the house with you — if he’s part of the family and in on the fun and fellowship, he’s less likely to dig.” Remember, dogs are pack animals, so even if you are doing something solitary, like reading or watching TV, your dog will be happier in your presence.

Still digging? 

You’ve exercised your dog to the point that you’ve lost 10 pounds, you’ve developed tennis elbow from the endless games of fetch, and family time has become so canine-inclusive that your friends and kids have started setting a place for your pup at the dinner table. And yet, your dog is still digging. Don’t throw in the towel yet. Even if you have a committed digger, you can stop your dog from digging destructively. When working with clients privately, Bourhenne recommends the following tips you can use with your dog.

Diehard Diggers Do’s and Don’ts

• Do deter your dog from digging 

Fill your dog’s favorite hole with dog poop and then cover it with dirt or lay chicken wire under gravel, mulch, or decorative bark. (Can’t stomach dog poop? Some dog trainers recommend rocks as an alternative.)

• Do create a designated digging hole 

Follow these steps:

1) buy a big, sturdy plastic bin

2) dig a hole and put the bin in the ground

3) fill the bin with sand

4) bury treats and toys in the sand to entice your dog to dig

5) shower your dog with praise and affection for digging in the right spot.

• Don’t let your dog see you dig 

According to Bourhenne, “Dogs dig to hide things for later. If your dog sees you digging, he is going to think you are hiding something that he may want.” Be sure your dog does not see you planting in your garden or flowerbed. Otherwise, your dog will assume that beneath those flowers lay treats.

• Don’t play with your dog right after it has dug 

Do this, and all your dog will learn is that digging gets you to play. If you catch your dog in the act, Bourhenne says, “Scream to get your dog’s attention, such as by shouting, ‘No!’ and then walk away.”

• Don’t leave your dog unsupervised in the presence of fresh dirt 

According to Bourhenne, dogs are drawn to freshly planted flowerbeds and gardens.

“The dirt is fresh. It smells different, and it is softer, which all make it more fun to dig in.”

If you have a setback, do not be too hard on yourself or your dog. Bourhenne, a professional dog trainer, said she always knew when she wasn’t playing with her Terrier enough when she would walk outside and “the backyard would look like the Grand Canyon.” Be diligent about making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, stimulation, and family interaction. Also, follow these do’s and don’ts, and your dog’s desire to dig will be stopped (or appropriately channeled) in no time.

Article written by Author: Cricky Long

Aggression is a term to describe a set of behaviors that can begin with a simple warning and end up a full-blown attack.

Dogs can show symptoms of aggression, such as:

• Staring
• Rigid body
• Lunging
• Growling
• Snarling
• Biting

Dogs behave aggressively for many reasons, and it is vital to understand the cause of aggression so you can modify this behavior.

There Are Some Common Types of Aggression Shown by Dogs Such As:

• Territorial 

A dog protects its territory or home from threats such as intruders. To an aggressive territorial dog, an intruder doesn’t necessarily have to be a stranger; it can be a human or another dog they know.

• Protective

When a dog protects fellow pack members from perceived threats (other dogs or humans), the dog feels they need to protect their own, and this protection can be primarily reserved for pack members they perceive as being vulnerable.

• Possessive

Possessiveness occurs when a dog is overly protective of objects such as toys or food. The dog may become aggressive when approached while eating or playing with their favorite toy. They may also protect their favorite hang out spot.

• Fear

Aggression is shown when a fearful dog is trying to retreat from a scary situation but has been cornered (flight response).

• Defensive

Instead of retreating when fearful, a defensive, aggressive dog will attack first. (fight response)

• Social

Can be aggressive towards another pack member (another dog or human) if he feels that pack member has overstepped acceptable pack boundaries.

• Frustration-Elicited

A dog can feel frustrated when restrained (either by a leash, crate, or fence) from approaching something exciting, leading to aggressive behavior.

• Redirected

A dog shows aggression towards a human or another dog who has interfered or interrupted aggression being shown caused by another trigger.

• Pain

Signs of aggression being shown by a dog who is in pain. Handle an injured dog with care as they may lash out if you unintentionally hurt them. Never use punishment methods on a dog. Inflicting pain on a dog through punishment can lead them to become aggressive towards the pain source.

For more information regarding health related behavioral problems see our article ‘Behavior Problems as a Symptom of Illness in Dogs‘

• Sex

Aggressive behavior exhibited between two intact same-sex dogs in an attempt to vie for a mate.

• Predatory

Aggression is shown by dogs who love to chase moving things. The aggression can come without any warning, and as a result, they may bite or kill whatever they are pursuing.

Why is My Dog Aggressive to Other Dogs?

There are a variety of reasons a dog behaves aggressively towards another dog. Providing there is no medical cause underlying aggression. The dog may have been conditioned to react aggressively towards other dogs by not being appropriately socialized as a puppy, a traumatic encounter with another dog, and being part of a dogfighting operation or other abuse and neglect. A dog could also be aggressive to protect its territory or social status.

We’ve all been there. You go to visit your friend, your neighbor, your co-worker, etc., and then before you even walk in the door, you hear it. Barking. Growling. Lots of anxious movement.

Dealing with an anxious and aggressive dog is scary and, for the owners, can be a bit embarrassing. Barring the invention of a time machine that would allow you to go back in time to when your dog was 6-12 weeks old to focus on behavioral training. Time travel is what Oscar E. Chavez, DVM, MBA, Member of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, says he likes to suggest to aggressive dog owners. You can do a few specific things to try to help curb your dog’s wrong (and often dangerous) behavior.

Can You Train Aggression Out of a Dog?

“Aggressive dogs, if truly aggressive, usually require professional behavior modification and the attention of a trainer or professional,” says Dr. Chavez. “This doesn’t mean you need to work with them at all times, but it does mean that they need to be a part of the behavior modification program.”

When dealing with aggressive dogs, the key is to identify which type of aggression your dog is exhibiting and then develop an appropriate strategy to reverse it. “This process can take days, weeks, months, or even years,” says Dr. Chavez. “But if done right, it can be effective over 90 percent of the time. Truly ‘evil’ dogs are rare, and most of the time, it’s poor socialization or training during puppyhood that leads to problems.”

When it comes to training, the key is to ignore bad behavior (provided it’s not immediately threatening) and reward good behavior with attention. “Negative attention is still attention, so yelling and shouting your dog’s name when it’s lunging and growling may only fuel the problem,” says Dr. Chavez.

One common technique that helps in the initial stages is Dr. Chavez called the ‘invisible dog’ approach. “This is where you are instructed to ignore the dog completely, except for only feeding and potty walks for two weeks,” he said. “Even during these allowable interactions, you are instructed to avoid eye contact and be very cold to the dog.”

Dogs who are being given the ‘invisible dog’ technique go through a mourning phase, where they miss the attention and affection of their pet parent so much that they become open to training and to being very cooperative. After this period, the dog’s behavior is usually better modified. “Invisible dog is tough because the last thing we want to do is ignore a pet we love,” says Dr. Chavez. “But it must be adhered to very consistently for it to work, and when it fails, it’s usually our fault for giving in.”

If your dog’s aggressive behavior worries you, Dr. Chavez suggests checking out The Animal Behavior Network as a great place to start for advice.

Handling Dominance Aggression in Dogs the Alpha Way

Has your dog ever raised hackles at the letter carrier or growled at the neighbor’s kid? Untreated aggressive behavior in your dog can escalate to tragic consequences unless you take control. By treating domestic dogs more like the wolves from which they originated, trainer Jennifer McCarthy of Longmont, Colo. believes severe dog behavioral problems, most notably aggression, can be solved. “I have a better success rate with this approach than with other methods I’ve used,” she says. “It’s a different mind-set on how to communicate with dogs.”

McCarthy’s wolf approach can help you to take control of your seemingly “angry” dog or prevent your dog from trying to step over you in an attempt to become the leader of your pack. “We can’t completely take aggression out of a dog since a dog has the capability for it,” she explains. “The difference is that your dog should look to you to decide whether or not to be aggressive.” In short, you need to be the alpha dog in your pack.

Growl like Wolves

The concept came to McCarthy while she was researching Mission: Wolf, a sanctuary located in the remote mountains of Westcliffe, Colorado. McCarthy placed her three German Shepherd dogs fence to fence with a female full-blooded wolf to document how the wolf’s behavior would affect her dogs. “When the wolf growled at my dogs, her meaning was profoundly clear,” McCarthy says. “Wolves only bark in fear.” She adds, “We’ve bred barking into dogs for guard use, but I growl at them as a wolf would.”

Along the same lines, McCarthy believes that it’s best to instruct and not ask your dog to follow basic commands, such as to stay, stop, move forward, and so on. She even recommends growling instead of saying, “No.” Growling can be imitated with a deep, low voice that commands attention. If you want a dog to wait patiently for a treat in your hand, growl, she advises.

Of course, all growl and no approval would disturb anyone, including your dog, so McCarthy also emphasizes that you should frequently praise your dog when appropriate, such as providing your pet with a good rub down after it demonstrates good behavior.

Nip Dog Aggression in the Bud

Like any true leader, alpha wolves take on more responsibility than anyone else in the pack. You can assert leadership by making the decisions with a calm, no-nonsense disposition. Imagine that your dog is like a kid in the backseat, and you’re the driver. Take control by providing direction, and don’t let it get away without listening to you. Dogs are hard-wired to vie for alpha if they think the leader isn’t strong enough. When you’re in control, your dogs are less likely to become aggressive or defensive.

Here Are Some Other Wolf-Inspired Tips to Improve Your Chances of Gaining the Top Dog Spot:

• Feed According to Pack Status 

As a dog owner, you need to establish your rank as a leader. You can learn to do it in the same way McCarthy does by replicating wolves’ behavior in the wild, which can even apply to dinnertime. Wolves usually run before eating, so exercise your dog before feeding. Feed multiple dogs according to their pack status because, after a wolf pack has hunted, the alpha wolf eats first and then decides which dog gets to eat and which has to wait. To do this with her own, McCarthy first dishes out her dogs’ meals. She then gets on the floor and growls at them to back off until she instructs them to have the food. When she walks away, they’re allowed to eat.

• Be Alpha and Don’t Baby 

Dogs, like humans, rest easier under good leadership. If you are a thoughtful yet decisive head of the group, you will help reduce your pet’s stress levels and probably your own. “Anxiety often stems from confusion about a place in a pack,” says McCarthy. She believes that the largest single cause of dog/owner problems is treating dogs like spoiled children. Instead, set boundaries for your dog and don’t praise lavishly for anything. Reserve your approval for when they have earned it.

• Be Decisive 

Being alpha is all about attitude. If you give mixed messages that you are the alpha in one context but not in others, your dog may show signs of dominance, anxiety, fear, or aggression. McCarthy says to present yourself as confident but kind, fair but tough, loving, but firm. Prove your leadership to earn respect. A true alpha never gets into a fight because the pack leader wouldn’t need to do this. Your dog sees your confidence and leadership as safety and security. If you assert your leadership through body language, attitude, and, yes, a little growling, your dog will understand.

Article written by Author: Cheryl Lock, Phyllis DeGioia, and The Dog Daily Expert

A few years ago, veterinarian Sophia Yin took her Australian Cattle Dog, Zoe, to a horse ranch and let the dog sleep in the stables overnight. In the middle of the night, Dr. Yin was startled by a strange, loud howling sound. “It sounded like the loneliest dog in the world,” recalls Dr. Yin, DVM, a certified applied animal behaviorist who worked at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. She then realized it was her pet, Zoe. “She thought she had been left and abandoned,” Dr. Yin recalls.

Your dog may howl when you least expect it — as you’re warbling a tune at the piano, when a fire engine siren sounds or if your dog is left alone in a strange place. Howling may not be music to your ears, but to your dog, it is a throwback to its wolf instincts. The purposes, meanings, and triggers of howling may surprise you.

Why Dogs Howl

Howling — like barking — is one way that dogs communicate with other dogs, and to a lesser degree, with people. Studies have found that dogs bark for different reasons. While less research has been done on dog howling, researchers believe that dog howling is a throwback to wolf heritage and that howls also have various meanings.

Dogs often howl out of boredom or loneliness, seeking to communicate with others, as was the case with Dr. Yin’s dog. They may also be trying to summon other dogs or alert them about their location, identity, territory, and more. In the wild, wolves howl in an attempt to reassemble the pack after individuals travel far and wide. Dogs — descendants of wolves — may sometimes be trying to do the same.

“Because howling is long and sustained, its carrying distance is further than a bark, which is short and brief,” says Lisa Peterson, communications director for the American Kennel Club. “It’s like a ‘long distance’ doggie telephone call since the long, drawn-out sound can travel for distances of several miles.” 

Howling may be triggered by sirens, singing, or other noises the dog finds similar to howling, says Dan Estep, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist in Colorado and co-author of Help! I’m Barking, and I Can’t Be Quiet (Island Dog Press, 2006). Social facilitation convinces dogs to copy another dog’s behavior, such as when one dog barks at the mail carrier and the rest of the dogs on the block do the same.

Prolific Howlers

Some dog breeds tend to howl more than others, such as hound dogs or Northern breeds, like Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes. That’s because humans have encouraged this type of vocalization over the years for hunting, sledding, and other activities. “The hunter needs to hear them, so they want to breed a dog with a loud bay or howl that they can hear over distances,” Peterson explains.

On occasion, dogs will preface a howl with a few short barks. Researchers believe that this type of howl is meant to try to attract extra attention, sort of like tapping a fork on a glass in a crowded room. Other research has found that dogs have distinctive barks, and the same is likely true of howls. “With wolves, the thing about howling that makes it different from barking is that it’s not only longer but more musical in tone,” Dr. Yin says. “It can be carried farther and carry more of an individual characteristic.”

How to Control Dog Howling

If your pup’s howling gets on your nerves or your neighbors complain, you may want to try these tips:

• Mask triggers 

If the doorbell or a noon siren from the firehouse causes your dog to howl, leave the television or radio on to mute the other sounds, Peterson suggests.

• Try an anti-bark collar 

Suppose you live in an apartment and need to curtail the howling or else. In that case, Estep suggests trying a training collar that either sprays citronella oil or emits an ultrasonic sound when the dog attempts to vocalize.

• Behavior modification 

Desensitization to triggers may work, Estep advises. Set up training sessions during which you keep your pet calm and reward it with treats while exposing your dog to what makes it howl — the ringing of a doorbell or a telephone, for example.

You can also avoid situations in which you know your dog may howl. After hearing Zoe’s plaintive howl once, Dr. Yin let her dog sleep in her car whenever they went away on subsequent trips. Given the familiar environment and Dr. Yin’s frequent safety checks, Zoe napped in peaceful silence.

Article written by Author: Elizabeth Wasserman

On a recent errand run, I stopped by a local bank, post office, and coffee shop. My dog companion, Bertie, the Scottish Terrier, had his plans. Bertie, who belongs to a vacationing colleague, investigated a corgi mix’s nether regions near the bank, then relieved himself briefly on a light pole. Then while approaching the post office, and performed an impressive tree-side No. 2, complete with some vigorous hind leg back kicks, as a grand finale toward the journey’s pooper scooper end.

While Bertie looks about as menacing as a furry doorstop, all of his actions connect him to his distant wild wolf ancestors. Both animals are what some experts have described as “in-your-face poopers.” Forget shy and squeamish bathroom behaviors. Wolves and dogs take pride in their poop, and they’re not afraid to share their eliminations with the rest of the world.

Dog Poop Prominence

Isabel Barja, a zoologist at the Autonomous University of Madrid, recently had the inelegant task of inspecting wolf scat in the Iberian Peninsula’s mountainous region. In a study published in the journal Animal Behavior, Dr. Barja found that wolves chose to do their business on plants that maximized visual impact and odor distribution. She now believes that “in wolves, visual aspects govern the choice of plants for fecal marking.”

She explains that fecal marking is when an individual’s feces can provide information to others about territory control, identity, mating status, foraging efficiency, and more. Lisa Peterson, director of communications for the American Kennel Club, says dogs do something similar when they pee or poop on fire hydrants and other urban landmarks. “A dog could probably smell another dog’s urine on a central fire hydrant from 30 yards away,” Peterson guesses.

Height Matters

Barja suggests wolves would go on the highest plants and trees possible if it were not for their body size limitations. That’s because height can be associated with strength and intimidation, especially among male dogs. Like an athlete pumping up his chest and muscles to look big and impressive, male dogs “literally compete to be top dog by leaving their mark on prominent landmarks,” Peterson explains.

That’s easier said than done for dogs like tiny terriers, Chihuahuas, and Poodles. When little dogs urinate, they often lift their back leg as high as possible, sometimes looking as though they’re falling over, because they’re trying to pee as high as they possibly can.

Dog Hind Leg Kicks After Pooping

Dogs also may perform a hind leg kicking ritual under certain circumstances. Think of a matador and bullfighter in a ring. Each may move its limbs back and forth in the substrate to demonstrate territory marking. Peterson has observed dogs doing something similar after running through an agility course.

Instead of performing a football player-type victory dance, the dog might “voom-voom” with its back legs after going to the bathroom, spreading around its feces scent. Agility and other group events involve many competing dog participants, so there’s often a lot of leg action taking place behind the scenes.

Dog Butt Scoot Boogie

Even if your dog isn’t much of an athlete, you might have seen it scooting its butt along the ground or sniffing the rear end of other dogs. That’s because all dogs and wolves possess internal glands called anal sacs. They release “calling card” odors with each bowel movement. And when dogs sniff each other, they’re investigating the scents released by the anal sacs.

Butt scooting can be just another marking move, or it could be a health problem symptom, since the sacs may become infected. Be sure to do the following:

• Regularly inspect the area to make sure it is clean, dry, and free of welts and bumps.
• Take note if your dog frequently licks the sac region, or if your pal often drags its rear end across the floor.
• Be aware of unpleasant odors that could be coming from the sacs.

If you detect any of the above symptoms, visit your veterinarian, who will empty, or “express,” your dog’s anal glands. Some groomers can also perform this procedure, but if you suspect that your dog’s sacs are infected, it’s better to have your veterinarian do it.

Whether your dog is an Irish Wolfhound or a furball like Bertie, there is a method behind its bathroom behavior madness. 

Why is My Dog Suddenly Pooping Inside?

There could be many reasons why your housetrained dog suddenly decides to do his business on your lounge carpet when he was previously happily going outside. As frustrating as this behavior is, your dog’s way of communicating that something is wrong. Your dog’s change in behavior is probably happening because he is either stressed or has a health condition, and it is up to you to investigate.

Take your dog to your veterinarian to have any medical causes for pooping inside ruled out. These conditions are varied and can include intestinal worms or other parasites, a bladder infection, kidney failure, dietary reactions, and dietary allergies. If you have a senior dog, it may even be as simple as your dog’s age. An aged dog may not be able to hold it in like they used to, or they may forget that they need to go outside. If this is the case, limit the areas your dog has access to inside, preferably to rooms that are not carpeted. Use absorbent pads to protect your flooring.

Once medical conditions have been ruled out, you can look for other reasons that may cause stress and anxiety in your dog. 

Some reasons can be pronounced like, for example, if you come home from being out all day and your dog has pooped inside, it may have happened because they were inside for too long. If your dog is house trained, they would have waited for as long as possible and would have only pooped inside if that was their only option.

Has your dog been let outside for enough time? If your dog has been inside all day and you let them outside, the first thing they will want to do is explore and smell the array of exciting scents that are in the air. With all these exciting things going on, it is no wonder they forget why they are outside in the first place. Allow your dog enough time to finish exploring their outdoor environment. If you are outside with your dog, avoid interacting with them until they have pooped not to distract them further. 

A dog will only poop when they feel safe to do so as the very act of pooping puts them in a vulnerable position in regards to predators. If your housetrained dog starts pooping inside, maybe something is happening outside, or on your walks, that makes them not feel safe to poop. Observe your dog in these contexts to see if there is something they react to fearfully.

Have you recently moved house? It is not unusual for a dog to relieve themselves inside in a new environment. If so, this should be temporary, however, and cease once your dog is comfortable in its new environment. Other changes, like a new baby or a new puppy, can also cause anxiety in dogs. Routines are essential for dogs, so keep feeding regularly and going outside times, and your dog’s accidents should settle down.

If your dog feels anxious when you leave them alone, especially for more extended periods (half a day or longer), they may suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety will express their distress in several ways, such as panting, howling, barking, pacing, and pooping.

How Do You Stop a Dog From Pooping Inside?

Essentially you need to understand the cause of your dog’s behavior so you know how to stop them from pooping inside. Firstly, take them to your veterinarian to have any medical reasons ruled out. Once any medical issues have been ruled out, you can then look to your dog’s environment for an answer. Identifying and removing factors in your dog’s environment, causing them to feel stressed, will stop this behavior.

If you think that your dog is pooping inside because they are anxious or the timeframe of being inside is too long (more than half a day), ask a friend or neighbor to call in and take your dog for a walk. This walk will give your dog time to poop as well as burn off some of that nervous energy. If it is not possible to have a friend or neighbor do this, then there are dog walking services who will come in to walk your dog for you.

If your dog is incredibly curious and relishes exploring and smelling exciting scents, try leaving them outside for a bit longer. This longer time will give them more time to deal with all those distractions before getting down to business. If you are outside with your dog, avoid interacting with them until they have pooped not to distract them further. Playtime with you is the best reward your dog can have.

Environmental changes such as moving house, or a new puppy or baby arriving into the family can cause anxiety in some dogs. If your dog is susceptible to anxiety, then changing their environment may make your dog stressed. Once your house trained dog is comfortable in their new situation pooping inside should cease. To help your dog adjust it is essential to keep to a schedule. Routines are necessary for dogs, so keep regular feeding and going outside times, and your dog’s accidents should settle down.

There are cases where there is nothing that you can do to stop this pooping behavior. A senior dog may not be able to hold it in like they used to, or they may forget that they need to go outside to poop. If this is the case, limit the areas your dog has access to inside, preferably to rooms that are not carpeted. Use absorbent pads to protect your flooring.

Should You Punish Your Dog for Pooping in the House?

Never punish your dog or puppy for pooping inside, regardless of the reason why it happened. If your dog poops inside, he is communicating to you that something is wrong. As a dog owner, it is up to you to decipher his message.

Dogs live in the moment; punishing them after the fact leaves your dog confused about what he did wrong. Administering a punishment only makes your puppy or dog afraid of you and possibly afraid to poop in your presence. This avoidance will not work for you when you want your dog to poop while you are outside with your dog or taking him on his walk.

Why Does My Dog Get Hyper After He Poops?

There are a couple of theories on why your dog does an after poop dance or run. One of these ideas is that your dog remembers back to their toilet training days, back to the days when you praised your puppy for pooping in the right place and maybe even gave them a treat as a reward for doing so. Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, so the theory is that your dog is excited to have done something that pleases you. Adding to the excitement is there could be a reward in it for your dog like a treat. Just like the early days!

Another theory on why your dog performs an after poop dance is that your dog may be excited to have relieved themselves. This display of excitement would especially be the case if your dog had to wait to be let outside. It must be a welcome relief to your dog to finally be able to poop if they had been holding it in for some time. 

Do Dogs Poop Out of Spite?

Dogs are usually proud of their poop and use it to communicate valuable information to other dogs, such as territory and status. Some dogs also spend a bit of time tracking down the poop of other animals so that they can roll in it. At the same time, some dogs eat the poop of other dogs. While we find these behaviors offensive, they are natural and normal for dogs to do, indicating that dogs do not find poop offensive at all; in fact, they find it fascinating.

A dog’s brain does not work the same way as a human’s brain, and they also do not have the same characteristics and traits as a human. Spite is a human characteristic and is   

one that dogs are not capable of. Your dog will never poop inside out of spite. If your house trained dog starts pooping inside, it is your dog’s way of communicating to you that something is wrong. 

Your dog will never understand why he can poop in one place and not another; he will accept that this is how it is.  

While no owner looks forward to doggie cleanups, at least consider that you’re not just picking up any old poop. You’re hauling away a sophisticated marking tool, unique to your dog, which is part of a communication system that took thousands of years to evolve in your pet’s distant wolf ancestors.

Article written by Author: Steve Jortsman and The Dog Daily Expert