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

How Do I Communicate Better With My Dog?

Author and animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., was recently hired to stop an aggressive dog from biting so much. When introduced to the chomp-happy pooch, Dr. McConnell was surprised to learn that the canine’s name was Baby. “His owner was treating him like a baby,” explaining that the dog had a problematic sense of entitlement and needed a name change for a start.

In her latest book, A Tale of Two Species: Essays on Loving and Living With Dogs (Dogwise Publishing 2008), Dr. McConnell offers tips on strengthening the connection between you and your furry friend. She shared some of her best advice for loving and living with a dog.

Understand Your Common Experience With Your Dog

Dogs, humans, and all mammals appear to share many underlying feelings. “We share primal emotions, like fear, anger, and happiness, with dogs,” says Dr. McConnell. It’s essential to make an emotional connection. For example, when your dog rushes to greet you on your return from the outside world, recognize and share its excitement and joy. If a knock at the door sends Rover into a fearful frenzy, soothe him like you would want to be comforted when afraid.

Walk on All Fours With Your Dog

Trying to imagine a dog’s perspective beyond basic emotions can be difficult. So much of a dog’s world is defined by smell, while we use that sense much less. While we can’t make our olfactory sense more powerful, we can adjust our perspective differently. “Get down at your dog’s eye level. It’s shocking how different the world looks,” says Dr. McConnell.

Dr. McConnell also recommends using your nose a little more than usual. “When I was writing a chapter on smell, every time my dog would stop and sniff, I’d get down and sniff, too. You can smell a lot of things you didn’t know you could.” Keep in mind that dogs and humans have different ideas about what odors are aversive. Your dog feels the same way about aftershave that you do about rotten fish.

Learn Body Language

A typical training problem is that people are often unaware of how they’re moving their bodies when communicating with their dogs. They’ll say “lie down” but will move their own body in the same motion as asking the dog to come. “We rely so heavily on verbal language, we’re not conscious of our body movements,” adds Dr. McConnell.

A dog looks to body movements for cues on what its owner wants, she notes. It’s, therefore, essential to be consistent and match your commands with the same actions.

Don’t Choose Domination

While dogs need consistency and order to feel safe and loved, they don’t need a marine drill sergeant for a caretaker. “There’s an old-fashioned concept that you have to establish dominance by eating first and things like that. However, if you look at the behavior of species with social hierarchies, like dogs, dominance is something designed to resolve conflicts without fighting because fighting is dangerous.” She believes that getting your dog to come when you call has nothing to do with dominance.

As another example, instead of insisting that you walk through the door before your pooch does, think of enforcing rules necessary for your dog’s safety. 

Your dog should be able to stop on command or not to take people’s food from the table.

How Can I Understand My Dog Better?

Your dog is virtually living with an alien. It doesn’t speak your language. It tries to figure you out, but if you are inconsistent and unclear, your dog has no idea what you want. “Dogs I see who suffer the most are those who live their lives confused and exhausted,” says Dr. McConnell. “It can break your heart.”

Keep in mind that dogs need to understand their environments, just like we do. Maintain consistent expectations for your dog and communicate them clearly and in the same way every time. She concludes, “That’s the most important thing that people can do: create a world that makes sense to their dogs.”

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

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

When a technician comes to my house, my next-door neighbor’s friendly yet hyper dog often dashes outside. Goober jumps on the startled individual in the middle of the street. I also jumped the first few times the large dog leaped on me. But a stern “No!” and “Sit!” calms him down and leads to “the look.” Does that look mean that dogs know they’ve done something wrong?

You’re probably familiar with this look. It’s the “I’m so sorry, please don’t be mad at me” face, which can melt even the hardest of hearts. Two-year-old children seem to have it mastered. “He knows he’s done something wrong! He looks guilty!” How many times have you heard someone say that? You may have said it yourself. Your dog’s expression is familiar: crouched low, tail between the legs, eyes averted and licking nervously. 

Maybe he’s moving slowly away from you with a fearful look.

Do Dogs Feel Guilt?

He’s not feeling guilty, and he’s not acting guilty either; he is acting submissive because you’re angry. As you know, dogs are descendants of wolves. When the lead wolf in a pack (called the alpha) gets mad at another wolf, the lower wolf becomes submissive. The more subordinate wolf averts his gaze, crouches, and licks nervously. The alpha growls until he’s satisfied that the pack member is submissive enough.

When you growl (yell, punish, etc.), you’ve become that alpha. Hence, the submissive behavior toward you. Although I don’t advise it, you can also elicit the same response by pointing your finger at your dog and telling him he’s a bad dog.

Do Dogs Remember Punishment?

Dogs don’t feel guilty, but they do react submissively to your anger. They don’t think about right or wrong, good or bad. They do think about whether or not the leader is angry. Sometimes they even anticipate your anger based on your body language or your usual patterns of behavior. For example, if you yell at your dog when you come home for his occasional lapses in behavior, he will assume that you will yell at him every time you come home. He associates the yelling with you coming back, not with anything that he did.

Study Examines Dogs That Behave and Disobey

Canine expert Alexandra Horowitz recently conducted an extensive study on what we perceive as dog guilt. The Barnard College Assistant Professor gathered dog owners and their pets, and she asked the owners to leave the room after ordering their dogs not to eat a yummy treat. While the owners were out, Dr. Horowitz gave individual dogs the treats before the owners returned. During some trials, she told the owners that their dog had eaten the forbidden treats, even if they had not and had behaved.

Owners told that their dogs had misbehaved, even if that wasn’t the case, reported that their dogs looked guilty. These dogs were said to look more guilty than dogs with their fill of treats, especially when owners admonished the innocent dogs. The study, published in the journal Behavioral Processes, could be interpreted as suggesting dog guilt is all in our minds, but Dr. Horowitz disagrees.

“Based on the experiment, ‘the look’ that we, humans, believe indicates their disobedience did not prompt dogs’ guilt,” says Dr. Horowitz. “Instead, it appeared most when they were scolded or about to be scolded.”

Do Dogs Know If They Did Something Wrong?

Guilt requires more complex thought than merely realizing that some behavior is forbidden, harmful, or wrong. Dr. Horowitz thinks that feeling guilt involves understanding a moral code of conduct, which one is conscious of violating and realizes that others are aware of the violation. That requires more complicated mental processing than learning that certain behaviors are punishable or may lead to undesired consequences.

“Dogs learn that they can show the ‘guilty look’ when we approach them with a particular posture or tone of voice. They know it may lead to a scolding because it has in the past,” says Dr. Horowitz.

So dogs may not know that they have done something wrong, but they know if you are upset with them.

Discouraging Unwanted Dog Behaviors

Guilty face or not, since dogs understand the connection between punishment and particular actions, Dr. Horowitz offers the following advice:

• If possible, ignore your dog when it first misbehaves. Getting your attention, even if you are angry, can be an award for your dog. The same holds for individual children who sometimes act out just to become the center of attention.
• Try to avoid the situation that leads to misbehavior.
• Most important, praise your dog when it performs desired behaviors. Your pet will remember positive feedback and be more inclined to do “good” in the future.

Theory of Mind in Dogs

Central to guilt is something called the “theory of mind.” It’s the ability to attribute 

mental states, such as beliefs or intentions, to oneself and others. Dr. Horowitz believes dogs may possess a rudimentary theory of mind. She says dogs seemed to be attentive to other dogs’ attention during studies, not merely which way the dogs were looking but also whether they were distracted in play, gazing blankly into the distance, or ready to play.

Dr. Horowitz cautions against anthropomorphizing dogs or attributing human looks and characteristics to them. She concludes, “The best tactic is always first to step back and look at what the dog is doing, without imagining them as little furry people.”

Article written by Author: Margaret Bonham, and The Dog Daily Expert

To get a feel for what your dog is telling you, it is essential to look at his whole body to read the signals. Here we look at a dog’s eyes, mouth, ears, and tail and the messages each of these body parts is telling you.

What Does a Dog’s Body Language Mean?

The movie Up features a dog with a collar that translates his thoughts into sentences like “I have just met you, and I love you!” Real dogs, however, speak more with body language than with barks. “While there are fewer than a dozen types of barks, there are hundreds of different ear positions, tail positions, paw positions, and more, which dogs use to communicate,” says Lisa Mullinax, CPDT-KA. Lisa is a certified professional dog trainer-knowledge assessed for 4Paws University Inc.

“Body signals give dogs a much more elaborate language than vocalizations could.”

Focusing on just a handful of body parts will give you a sense of the basics.

What Do a Dog’s Eyes Tell You?

All mammals communicate information with their eyes. In any given moment, we humans are not that consciously aware of it, even though we are taking it in. For example, you might notice that someone looks angry or sad, even though you haven’t analyzed why. Looking into a person’s eyes helps reveal how that individual feels.

Direct stares often signal confrontation. Pay particular attention to the pupils, says Dr. E’Lise Christensen, a veterinarian and behaviorist at NYC Veterinary Specialists. “Pupils that are dilated indicate a dog that’s not comfortable,” she adds. Dogs with “soft eyes” that tend to avert their gaze are less likely to be confrontational.

In their book Good Dog!: Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training, Evelyn Pang and Hilary Louie share how dogs can communicate with their eyes. Here are some common emotions and how your dog shows them with its eyes:

Happy –  Your dog looks at you but does not stare. Your pal’s eyes will look relaxed yet not sleepy.

Scared –  A frightened dog will tend to look away, shielding its eyes from the person, the other dog, or the object causing the fear.

Angry –  Just like a mad person, a mad dog will look at you right in the eyes and stare glaringly.

Really Angry –  Pang and Louie warn against what they call “the half-moon.” The half-moon is when the whites of your dog’s eyes take on a half-moon shape. If you see this, be prepared for trouble. According to the authors, dogs often display this look when they are about to bite or attack someone.

What Does a Dog’s Mouth Tell You?

Tight lips are often signs of stress, but the difference between uncomfortable and threatening can be subtle. Another clue might be breathing changes: Going from panting to closed-mouth breath indicates a shift to discomfort, and the opposite suggests increased happiness. 

Is Yawning a Sign of Stress in Dogs?

Two indicators of stress or anxiety are tongue flicking and yawning. “Yawning, when the dog is not relaxed or tired, is a common sign of stress or conflict,” says Mullinax. “Sitting in the waiting room at the vet’s office, you may see a lot of yawning in the dogs there.” 

Why Does a Dog Yawn?

Yawns are “contagious,” meaning that if you see someone else yawn, you are more likely to yawn too. Dogs may do this as well, and not just after seeing another dog yawn. If you yawn and your dog is nearby and paying attention, there is a good chance that it will stretch and enjoy the extra inhale/exhale.

Dog’s Yawn to Cool the Brain

There are many different theories about why people, dogs, and other animals yawn, not to mention why this behavior is contagious. Compelling evidence suggests that yawning helps cool off the brain. Like the fan turning on in your computer when it reaches a specific temperature, it’s thought that the brain may need extra air during particular times and situations.

“Brains are like computers,” says Andrew Gallup, a researcher in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. Gallup led a study concerning yawning that was published a few years ago in the journal Animal Behaviour. He adds that brains “operate most efficiently when cool, and physical adaptations have evolved to allow maximum cooling of the brain.”

Dogs Yawn From Stress

I recently taught Riker, my four-year-old Australian Shepherd, a new scenting exercise in which he had to find a scented article hid among other items with different scents. (This is similar to the AKC scent discrimination exercise in Utility-level obedience.) I thought the training was progressing well, but then I noticed Riker was yawning at me. He would make eye contact, hold it for a second, look away, and then yawn. He was trying to tell me to ease up a bit. We did something else (a few easy retrieves) to stop his training session with praise for him and then took a break from our training for a few minutes. I let him run, relieve himself, I rubbed his tummy, and then we went back to training. With that break, he was back on course, and our training session ended well.

Although some experts have suggested that dog owners can use yawning to change their dog’s behavior (for example, to calm a tense situation), I have not seen that work effectively. A human yawn to change canine behavior would require the dog to be willing to accept that kind of guidance, and if the dog were ready, other training tools or techniques would work just as well.

However, knowing that your dog may yawn to calm you or relieve stress you may be putting on the dog (especially in training situations) can be very useful. Just recognize that a yawn may signal more than sleepiness!

Dog Yawning

Since you and your dog share the same living environment, it makes sense that your pet would copy your yawning. This copying likely happens as a sort of knee-jerk reaction, just like you might yawn when a co-worker does, not even thinking about your behavior.

Another theory is that yawning shows empathy and therefore helps build social connections. A recent study conducted at Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University determined that chimpanzees yawn more after watching familiar chimps yawn than watching strangers.

“The idea is that yawns are contagious for the same reason that smiles, frowns and other facial expressions are contagious,” write researchers Matthew Campbell and Frans de Waal. “Our results support the idea that contagious yawning can be used as a measure of empathy because the biases we observed were similar to empathy biases previously seen in humans.”

Dog Empathy Through Yawning

Although the Yerkes study focused on primates, findings could most likely apply to dogs since they also exhibit contagious yawning. So the next time you let out a soft, relaxed yawn, take a look at your dog and see how it reacts. If your dog yawns, it’s a good sign that your pet is paying attention to you and is working to maintain a connection.

Yawning is something many animals do, from lizards and snakes to almost all primates, including people. Often yawning signifies sleepiness or boredom, but many experts believe yawning is also social behavior. Psychologist Robert Provine of the University of Maryland in Baltimore County notes that human yawning is not just a gaping mouth but a gaping mouth combined with a stretched jaw, a tilted head, and squinting eyes. And a real yawn can be contagious; one person yawns and those watching all soon begin to yawn. Provine suggests this infectious yawning could be a subconscious behavior that ties people together, a signal of empathy.

Several canine behavior experts believe yawning plays a similar role in canine social behavior. Recently I saw dogs playing at a local dog park use yawning behavior to slow down a rough play session. Several large dogs were running around the dog park, with a few small terriers in pursuit. When the terriers caught up with the big dogs, they began nipping at legs, jumping at faces, and otherwise showing some rough play. In the middle of the rough play, two of the larger dogs sat down, scratched, and yawned. After these two dogs yawned, a third and fourth yawned, and the play’s activity level slowed significantly. A potential dog fight was averted, all because a few of the dogs scratched and yawned!

What Do a Dog’s Ears Tell You?

Erect ears reveal a dog on high alert while ears are pulled back to show an anxious or stressed dog. And that spot on the back of the neck behind the ears? This area, called the hackles, sometimes stands up in a spiky row.

“This is called ‘piloerection’ and is the same thing as goosebumps in humans,” says Mullinax. “Since arousal and aggression are closely linked, hackles often get labeled as a sign of aggression, but it is not always the case. Like we get goosebumps at a scary movie or hearing a heartwarming story, dogs get goosebumps when emotions run high.”

What Does a Dog’s Tail Tell You?

Your dog’s tail is an essential indicator of your pet’s emotional state. It’s a form of body language that dogs take very seriously, and you should too. It can be a lifesaver, mainly when teaching young children how to react toward strange dogs.

The tail is perhaps the most expressive part of your dog’s body, but it might also be the hardest to read. 

A Wagging Tail

A wagging tail is simply an indication of arousal, good or bad; it doesn’t mean the dog is friendly. A high, tense wag could indicate a potential for aggression, while a low wag could indicate nervousness. A happy, relaxed dog usually has a tail that swings in circles or from side to side. On the other hand, “tail between the legs” is a cliche for a reason: It indicates a scared or stressed dog.  

Stanley Coren, author of the book How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication, explains that when a dog holds its tail lower than the horizontal, but still some distance away from the legs, the dog is usually relaxed and communicating, “All is well.” An occasionally relaxed swishing back and forth may happen during this state.

When your dog’s tail is down and near straightened hind legs, your dog may be communicating some distress, either physical or mental. If your dog’s hind legs are bent slightly inward, your dog is probably expressing insecurity. Coren explains that dogs will often assume this posture and tail position when introduced to a new, unfamiliar environment. They may even do this when a favorite family member leaves, with the dog knowing (from experience) that the person’s return may take a while.

A Tucked Tail

When a dog’s tail is tucked, the dog’s apprehension has now turned into fear. Coren says that it communicates, “I’m frightened!” or, “Don’t hurt me!” Tail tucking makes sense, as the dog is protecting its vulnerable tail from possible attack. While the dog might be feeling submissive, it could also attack in perceived defense. Therefore, it’s best not to approach a strange dog that is displaying this level of insecurity.

Reading Specific Canine Behavior

Aside from communicating with body parts, dogs also convey information through behavior and posture. For example, bowing forward on the front paws, known as a “play bow,” signifies a dog’s playful mood. A slightly different bow is a greeting bow, which is usually accompanied by a stretch.

“Curving” is when dogs bend their whole body into a banana shape and move slowly in a circular fashion. Curving is a sign that the dog is trying to calm a situation.

One behavior that’s often misread is a dog that lies on its back. “Some dogs, especially those that are anxious, may roll on their backs to indicate their wish to end an interaction,” says Mullinax. 

“This is sometimes misinterpreted as the dog offering its belly to be petted or a sign of submission.”

Humans Often Misunderstand Dog Body Language

Being aware of these subtle hints will make for a more harmonious existence with your dog and other dogs. Consider how we tend to greet new dogs; we look them in the eye, bend over them, and put a hand on their heads. In dog language, says Christensen, “these gestures can be pretty threatening.”

That doesn’t mean you should curve into a banana, pant, and wag your butt every time you meet a new dog. But having a walk-a-mile-in-their-paws perspective could put you and your four-legged friends closer to being on the same wavelength.

Article written by Author: Brad Kloza, Liz Palika, the Dog Daily Expert

When a wolf bites, it can inflict up to 1,500 pounds of pressure per square inch. Yet, when two wolves square off in a playful wrestling match, each usually barely grazes its rival’s skin surface. Why?

In their book Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals (University of Chicago Press, 2009), authors Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce argue that wolves, dogs, and other animals display a wide range of what we would consider being moral thoughts and actions. These include empathy, fairness, trust, and reciprocity.

Good Dog, Good Manners

The best and most evident example of morality among dogs and other canines, such as wolves and coyotes, comes from detailed studies on social play behavior, according to Beckoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and Pierce, a bioethicist at the same university. “Although play is fun, it’s also serious business,” they point out, adding that the four fundamental aspects of fair play in animals are:

1. Ask first
2. Be honest
3. Follow the rules
4. Admit when you’re wrong

Because actions like biting, mounting, and body-slamming can easily be misinterpreted, your dog will signal in advance with a bow that what’s to follow will be playful and non-threatening. According to the authors, if a dog violates this “rule of bowing,” fairness breaks down, and so does play. Beckoff adds that his work on coyotes living in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park shows that coyotes who don’t play reasonably often leave their pack because they don’t form strong social bonds. Such loners suffer higher mortality rates than those who remain with others. At the very least, he says, “cheaters have a harder time finding play partners.”

From Play to Morality

Beckoff and Pierce claim it’s just a step from play to morality, with studies on children showing similar fairness development. Like dogs, kids devise rules or follow pre-existing ones that allow for a certain degree of justice. Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall says, “As a child, I learned that behaving fairly during play with others was a significant social rule. As a mother, I learned that treating my child fairly was key in building his trust and cooperation.”

No one is perfect, but fair players usually apologize. Dogs do this, too, according to the researchers. For example, a bow might communicate something like, “Sorry I bit you so hard — I didn’t mean it, so let’s continue playing.”

Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

Both Beckoff and Pierce say it’s not fruitful to ask if members of one species are more moral than members of another because “animals do what they need to do to be card-carrying members of their species.” But morality appears to vary among individuals. For example, some people display more empathy than others. Some dogs are less aggressive. These differences are likely due to genetics, environmental influences, and daily life experiences.

“It may be that dogs have fewer vices. They don’t seem to experience schadenfreude [pleasure derived from the misfortune of others], nor do they seem to take pleasure in being cruel,” says Pierce. She adds that she and other dog-loving friends think dogs are better friends, more loyal, trustworthy, faithful, unconditional in their love, and more attuned to our needs and moods than other humans. So there may be a sense in which dogs are exemplars of particular human virtues.

Lessons to Learn from Dogs and Other Animals

Gorillas mourn their dead for lengthy periods. Elephants care for the sick and wounded

in their herds. Rats refuse to push food-rewarding levers when they know that doing so will cause another rat to receive an electrical shock. These are just a few examples of animal behaviors that might fall under morality issues if enacted by humans.

By studying such behaviors, “We learn about honesty, trust, cooperation, justice, fairness, and empathy,” said Pierce and Beckoff. “We can be reminded that we need each other, just like wolves in a pack need each

other. And we need to treat each other well if we want to live in a well-balanced, harmonious social group.”

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

Barking is a natural canine method of communication. Through barking, dogs can indicate that they are curious about something that they want to play or as a warning about boundaries, i.e., when the dog’s personal space is not being respected. Dogs can also use barking for disciplining puppies or for threatening an intruder.

Constant barking may have an emotional or medical cause; this is your dog telling you that they are bored, lonely, or unwell. Take your dog to your veterinarian to have any medical reasons ruled out if your dog’s barking is becoming problematic.

Why Is My Dog Barking At The Mail Carrier?

The United States Postal Service reports that thousands of urban and rural mail carriers are bitten each year by dogs. It’s such a severe problem that the U.S. Postal Service helps spread the word about National Dog Bite Prevention week every May.

Individual territorial dogs are very disturbed by mail carriers. Think about it from your dog’s perspective: An individual shows up daily, so he or she means business and poses a potential threat. The carrier often comes right to the door. The carrier may even slide scary objects through the door, invading your dog’s space.

Some dogs even become conditioned that their bark helps to ward off the carrier. Each day the mail delivery person comes, your dog barks and the carrier leaves. To the dog, that means its loud technique is working. 

Why Is My Dog Barking For No Reason?

If you can’t find any reasons for your dog’s barking, have your dog checked by your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for your dog’s barking.

Once any medical causes have been ruled out and if your dog is still seemingly barking at nothing, then it may be because your dog is bored and/or is looking for your attention. Ensure that your dog is receiving the amount of stimulation and socialization he needs each day. 

Communication, either visual or audible, can be contagious. We do this too. For example, when someone, even your dog, yawns, you will likely yawn also. In that case, yawning is thought to be a reflex-type action that cools the brain during hot conditions or provides the body with more oxygen when necessary. Similarly, if someone starts yelling at us or cries tears in front of us, we may react in the same way. All mammals, and other animals, too, are driven to learn from and respond to others.

Why Do Dogs Bark When They Hear Other Dogs Bark?

Therefore, when a dog barks after hearing another canine vocalize, it’s not necessarily a competition. Alexandra Horowitz, author of the book Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know, points out that “barking together with others may be a form of social cohesion.” She further adds that “barks might be used to affirm a dog’s identity, or reveal an association with a group.” Studies show such barks can reveal emotions and intentions, such as playfulness, excitement, and fear. The barking can get out of hand at places like shelters, where many dogs nearby start to bark. (A contagious infection, however, is behind the illness known as “kennel cough.”)

How Do I Stop My Dog From Barking?

Better socialization of your pet, such as through training classes, can improve its behavior around all people, including your dutiful mail carrier.  

Most owners make the mistake of yelling at their dogs during such noisy times. This scenario is amusing to consider because you are just another barker from your dog’s perspective. Your pet will probably then bark more, depending on how you’ve trained him or her.

Instead of yelling at your dog, I suggest rewarding your dog for silence. You will need to call your pet to you, say “Sit!” followed by “Stay!” and then offer a food treat when your dog is still and quiet. The commands should be familiar to your dog and provide a mini time-out transition to peace and silence.

If your dog is barking out of boredom or is attention-seeking, then ignore your dog while he is barking (which can be difficult, especially if he’s persistent), and reward him either 

with a treat or attention when he stops. Ensure that your dog receives plenty of stimulation during the day, so by the end of it, he is too tired to bark out of boredom.

If your dog is home alone during the day and his barking is upsetting the neighbors, have a dog-loving friend or a dog walker spend some time with your dog. The stimulation and exercise should help to tire him out until you return.

Dogs are social animals and can get bored quickly. It is essential to make sure that your dog receives the stimulation and company he needs – if only to keep the neighborhood peace!

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

If your dog has gone to the bathroom on the floor while you were away from home, you’re probably wondering if it did this deliberately.

Humans are not the only animals who plot conscious revenge on others. As Stephen Beckerman, a Penn State anthropologist, points out: “Widespread in the animal kingdom is the behavior of returning injury for injury. Animals as varied and as far from us as blue-footed boobies, elephant seals, side-striped jackals, and European moorhens are called punishers. They regularly respond to injuries by attacking the culprit who has injured them.”

You might think that mental injuries could be included. Your dog gets depressed because it is lonely and restless. It, therefore, acts out by doing something you hate.

However, this is not the case.

Although dogs have good memories, they live more in the moment. When you come home and find the mess, your body language before you even say something to your dog may reveal your anger and cause your dog to react. Your dog, however, is not necessarily waiting for some mental satisfaction that it got a reaction out of you. That behavior is tied to a phenomenon known as “theory of mind,” which requires a complex ability to understand and possibly even predict others’ thoughts.

Revenge is also more complicated than you might think. “Revenge is a desire to not just punish the culprit, but to change his mind, to make him see, if only in his death throws, that he was wrong,” says Beckerman. Do you think your dog is plotting and planning all of this with its bowel movements? I strongly doubt it.

Do Dogs Poop For Revenge?

The more simple answer is that your dog is either stressed out or has no appropriate place to go to the bathroom without your guidance. Some owners crate their dogs during the day, but I view that as more of a last-resort solution. Try to reinforce bathroom training. If your dog is not very big, you might install some baby gates to prevent access to certain areas of your home. Dog bathroom mats can also help. They often have the look and feel of grass but keep the waste contained for easy disposal.

If possible, you should also consider getting a dog walker, pet sitter, or someone else to look in on your pet during the day. Boredom can lead to anxiety and then to bathroom issues in dogs. If your dog stays active and social, those problems are less likely to surface. Health issues could also be at work, so you might additionally schedule a veterinary visit to rule those out.

For more suggestions on curbing your dog’s indoor bathroom behavior, see our article ‘What Do Dogs Do When They Poop?‘

Can Dogs Chew For Revenge?

Your dog chews on your favorite shoes while its favorite toy bone is just a foot away. Is your dog crazy, lazy, or what?

Most dogs that chew, whether on shoes, facial tissues, or table legs, are just looking for a diversion, says Wayne Hunthausen, DVM, director of Animal Behavior Consultations in Westwood, KS. “Dogs chew to entertain themselves,” says Hunthausen. “Destructive chewing typically occurs between 4 and 18 months, when dogs are the most curious. Thankfully, most dogs grow out of it.

How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Destroying Things When Left Alone?

A variety of chew toys can help reduce inappropriate chewing, though some dogs will gnaw no matter what. “A puppy may tire of rawhide and want to explore new textures,” says Hunthausen. “Shoes and socks have an organic odor many dogs can’t resist.

Separation anxiety can also provoke destructive chewing. Tamara Prince of Montclair, N.J., was surprised when Jake, her 4-year-old Cocker Spaniel mix, started snacking on clothing from the hamper as soon as she left the apartment. “I would come home to find him looking like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He looked guilty but chewed up my clothing as revenge for leaving him alone all day.” Tamara eventually had to use a crate training regiment to break Jake of the chewing habit and be more careful with her laundry placement.

Inappropriate chewing can also be dangerous since many household items are harmful to your pet. Some plants, for example, such as certain types of ferns and lilies, are poisonous to dogs. Chemicals in furniture, bedding, and clothing may also cause harm to your pet, not to mention the mouth splinters your dog might suffer if it chews on anything made out of wood. These household dangers make it even more imperative that non-toxic toys designed for dogs should be in easy nibble reach of your dog. If you ever suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, the ASPCA operates a 24-hour telephone hotline every day of the year: 888-426-4435. (Please note that calls may result in a consultation fee that could be applied to your credit card.)

How Do You Stop Destructive Chewing?

Save your shoes for walking. Keep these tips in mind to help your dog stop inappropriate, excess chewing:

• Offer a variety of chew toys.
• Don’t leave young dogs unsupervised. Crating is OK for a brief period, but a special room or exercise pen is recommended if you’ll be gone for a long time.
• Never physically punish your dog for inappropriate chewing. Clap your hands when you catch your dog, then redirect the pup to a more appropriate object.
• Exercise your dog often.

Your dog may still choose to chew regularly, but at least you can rest easier knowing that it will be less likely to chew on something undesirable, like your favorite tennies or that heirloom blanket. 

Jealousy and Dogs

For ages, many animal experts held that all dog behavior, including possible jealous tendencies, stemmed from instinct rather than emotions, but new research is proving that theory wrong. So, if you recently brought a new friend or another pet into your life, and your dog suddenly seems less than friendly, you may have a jealous dog on your hands.

Do Dogs Get Jealous?

Paul Morris, Ph.D., a psychologist and animal behavior expert at the University of Portsmouth in England, determined that certain animals, including dogs, experience a wide array of emotions. Along with jealousy, these emotions include anger, anxiety, surprise, pride, embarrassment, and shame.

While cats, pigs, horses, rabbits, and hamsters also seem to get jealous, dogs appear to feel this emotion more often and with greater intensity. Dog owners included in the study consistently reported that their dogs pushed in between themselves and third party rivals for their attention.

Scientists still can’t communicate with dogs to know what they are truly feeling, but the evidence so far suggests that canine emotions, including jealousy, are comparable to what we experience.

“All we can do is look at behavior and context,” Morris said. “Both the behavior and the contexts observed are consistent with current scientific definitions of jealousy. I suspect that a highly social species such as the dog has a very developed repertoire of social emotions.”

He and others plan to study animal emotions more in the future. 

How Do You Know When Your Dog is Jealous?

Like a spurned lover, your dog will have a hard time containing itself if it feels jealous. Sulking, snarling, growling, fighting, and sluggishness can be symptoms of jealousy. Some dogs even get so upset that they stop eating. In that case, be sure to schedule a veterinary check-up to rule out possible medical causes.

Do Dogs Get Jealous When You Get Another Dog?

Dogs can behave jealously if a new dog comes into your home. If we look at this from your dog’s perspective, it was with you first. Your dog has attempted to earn your loyalty and affection over the years while sharing those same gifts with you. Its jealousy is a measure of how much it values both you and its position within your now-growing pack.

How Do I Stop My Dog Being Jealous?

What should you do if you suspect your dog is feeling jealous? Here are a few guidelines:

1.  Recognize the Signs of Jealousy in Your Dog

Your dog can be showing a range of jealous-like behaviors, such as; aggression towards the ‘opposition,’ attention-seeking (pushing in, doing something good or bad for a reaction, licking you), sulking, or even withdrawing. These are all signs that your dog is feeling insecure.

2.  Maintain Routines For Your Dog

You likely have a daily routine for interacting with your dog, even if you did not establish this routine consciously. Think back to what your schedule and habits were like before the new pet or person was introduced, and, whenever possible, try to reestablish that pattern with your dog. Routine is essential to your dog because its jealousy, in part, comes from fear of losing its place in your life. By continuing to feed, walk, and play with your dog on a regular schedule, you reassure your pet of its place in your heart.

3.  Give Extra Attention to Your Jealous Dog

Try to spend even more time with your dog than usual during the transitional period. If the subject of your dog’s jealousy is another person, encourage that individual to play, pet, and otherwise positively interact with your dog as much as possible.

4.  Reinforce Basic Dog Training

Your dog thinks of you as part of its pack. Now it must share you with another 

individual. You must remain the leader, so gently show your dog who is boss by verbally scolding negative behavior as soon as it starts. At the same time, reward positive behavior with sweet talk, head rubs, and treats, especially if your dog makes an effort to socialize with your new pack member.

5. Empathize With Your Jealous Dog

Put yourself in your dog’s paws and see it from his point of view. He now has to share his world with someone else. Show your dog some empathy to help him through this period of insecurity.

Article written by Author: Scott Rose, Mary Kirkland, and The Dog Daily Expert

Last spring Lori Taylor, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, was as happy as she’d been in recent memory. After being laid off eight months earlier, she had a new job, a steady paycheck, and somewhere to go every morning.

But the other member of Taylor’s household—a two-year-old Dachshund named Oliver—was markedly less excited. “Oliver had gotten used to me being home with him,” said Taylor. “He kind of freaked out when that changed.” Suddenly her landlord, who lived upstairs, complained that the once quiet Oliver was spending his late afternoon hours each day barking.

The pair could not remain in the apartment if something didn’t change.

So Taylor consulted her veterinarian, who recommended as much exercise as she and her pooch could fit in. “I started getting up an hour earlier each day and walking fast around the park with Oliver for that entire hour to wear him out. It was either try that or move. Luckily it worked.”

Dr. Trisha Joyce, a veterinarian with BluePearl Pet Hospital Brooklyn NY, says canine exercise is often the first defense against loneliness and other emotional issues that lead to dogs’ behavior problems. Below, Dr. Joyce weighs in on how to identify and alleviate loneliness in your best doggy friend.

Do Dogs Get Lonely?

Dogs are social animals and generally don’t tolerate long periods of being alone. “Whether it’s ‘lonely’ as we feel it or not, we don’t know, but they do exhibit signs that being alone is not good for them,” says Dr. Joyce. Signs can include behaviors like barking, chewing furniture, excessive self-licking, and soiling the house. “Different breeds have different tolerance for being alone,” explains Dr. Joyce. “For example, Border Collies and other dogs bred to be on high alert are likely to be the most sensitive. Also, younger dogs, or dogs accustomed to spending most of their time with others, won’t likely respond as well to long periods of being alone.”

How Do You Know If Your Dog is Lonely?

Dogs communicate with their owners through their actions. A dog that is injuring itself (like with excessive licking or tail biting), or causing other disturbances (like barking or destroying property), may react to feeling lonely during more extended periods spent alone. This behavior change will be more likely if the amount of alone-time has recently increased. Once your veterinarian has ruled out medical explanations for the problematic behaviors, emotional problems can, and should, be addressed.

One caveat: it is essential to distinguish loneliness (which crops up during repeated, lengthy periods of being alone) from separation anxiety, diagnosed when dogs become very upset as owners prepare to leave, and then exhibit behaviors like not eating when the owner is away, or gnawing at doors and windows even during short periods of solitude. Your veterinarian can help you understand whether your pet’s problem likely results from loneliness or separation anxiety, the latter of which is often treated with a combination of behavioral techniques and medication.

How to Help Your Dog Cope with Loneliness

While quitting your job is not likely a viable option, many dog owners have found the strategies below useful:

• Wear Your Dog Out

Dr. Joyce notes that a dog worn out from a healthy morning exercise session is calmer and happier throughout the day. Just ask Taylor, who continues to exercise Oliver every morning. (“He’s stopped barking, and I’ve lost 10 pounds!” Taylor says.)

• Entertain Your Dog

Dogs do better alone when they have something to do. Interactive toys (like puzzle toys and the red rubber Kongs that allow you to hide food for your pet to excavate) can lie around until Fido needs to busy himself with something.

• Buy Your Dog Some Company

Wear an old t-shirt as you are getting ready to leave. As you are about to head out for the day, put the t-shirt somewhere your dog can find it. Your dog will enjoy smelling the scent of their favorite human while you are out.

If a midday dog walker is in your budget, it’s a good option for the lonely dog. Just 20 minutes of social interaction with the walker and others they meet on the street can go a long way toward improving your dog’s mood.

Do Dogs Need Another Dog?

Having a Fido playmate can be helpful for some dogs, especially if they are lonely. A second dog (or even a cat) can provide some much-needed company for a lonely dog. As well as company, two dogs can provide each other with stimulation and a playmate.

Getting a second dog is not a decision that you should take lightly; Your dog’s personality needs to be considered. Having a second dog who clashes with your first dog

will not help resolve any home alone issues for your dog. Financials – ask yourself if you are ready and able to double your pet ownership costs (vet bills, vaccinations, food, etc.). Commitment – dogs can be hard work, especially if they need training or regular grooming (you can exercise both dogs together).

And finally, Dr. Joyce adds, make the most of your time together when you can be with your dog. “Engage with your dog,” she says. “Toss a ball, give him a good brushing, or even watch some television together. At the end of the day, dogs are happy to sit on the couch with you, too.”

Article written by Author: Rose Springer, the Dog Daily Expert