Dog Behavior

Aquaphobia by definition is the irrational fear of water. While it is typically connected to humans, it can also occur in our four-legged friends. When you do a simple online search, dog aquaphobia usually goes hand-in-hand with rabies. However, that is not always the case. Aquaphobia in dogs can range from fear of snow and …

We have all had that moment as dog parents — witnessing our fluffy children do something so painfully adorable that the world needs to see, and then failing to capture the moment. It’s as if our four legged companions have a “camera sense” and immediately abort mission. If capturing every moment of your dog’s cute …

You have a new dog and you can’t wait to take them to your favourite hiking spot or on a camping trip.  You get all organised and ready to go and then your dog is terrified of getting in the car.  You keep trying until they get themselves really stressed out. Eventually they are in …

Looking for the best dog coats? Doggy fashion is a booming business these days.  Pictures of dogs in cute outfits regularly go viral on social media.  Whilst many of these outfits are an indulgence for us as owners rather than for the benefit of our dogs, there are times when dressing up your dog can …

Ever wondered why does your dog eat grass? Are you finding that everytime your dog goes out into the garden or on a walk they always gravitate towards the grass and they want to gobble it down with great gusto?  Have you heard that dogs only want to do this if they are unwell, have …

It might sound like something from a science fiction novel but there is now strong scientific evidence to show that our dogs can actually detect human cancers.  This fantastic ability is now being honed by dog trainers and clinical researchers with the hope that this will enable cancers to be discovered in the early stages, …

Are you super proud of your beautiful green lawn and pretty plant borders?  Have you introduced a new puppy or rescue dog to your family? Have you discovered that your dog has an obsession with digging and now your once well-manicured lawn has turned into a potholed mess? It can be incredibly frustrating but at …

There is almost nothing worse for your dog than being bored, but with some creativity you can bring fresh air into your daily routine. Joint activities are great to tire out your friend and will strengthen the bond between you. You can turn a simple walk into an adventure by giving your dog different challenges …

Hollywood often portrays wolves as dangerous, mysterious animals, but truthfully they have more in common with our beloved dogs than most people realize. Both are beautiful, intelligent, and complex creatures, and both are worthy of our respect. In my time volunteering at Shy Wolf Sanctuary, I had the opportunity to work with wolfs one-on-one and …

It is amazing how much a dog communicates through their body language.  Unlike humans, it is so much more than any vocalisations they use may convey. When we think of canine body language we often think of tail wagging, lip curling when growling and a dog putting their hackles up.  It is so, so much …

If you your dog is a tail-wagging shredding machine, don’t despair. You can save your home (and your shoes) by understanding the root of the problem and by taking small steps to help your dog overcome it. Dogs rarely destroy things out of spite. It’s tempting to take the annihilation of your favorite jacket personally, …

All too often we read on social media about dogs that go missing.  Many times the missing canines have escaped from their home, garden or car and this is how they ended up on the run.  It is a serious problem, the dogs can risk injury or death and they are also putting others at …

Does your dog have issues with resource guarding? Here are 10 tips for how to deal with resource guarding in dogs. We will show you what is the most appropriate dog training to help your dog overcome its guarding behavior.  1. What is Resource Guarding? Resource Guarding is a guarding behavior shown by your dog …

Imagine the scenario; your young puppy, who is not yet used to car journeys, is bundled into a car, feels sick on the journey and then arrives at a strange smelling new place.  In this place there are wails and cries from other animals, he is hissed at by a cat in a nearby basket …

Want to stop puppy biting? New puppy teeth are like little needles.  They can give you a real sore one if they catch you and they can create a nasty hole in trouser legs if they get a good grip.  It may seem funny and cute the first time they get hold of your child’s …

What is Coprophagy? Coprophagy is a strange word, but it basically means “to eat poop”! While poop eating is a very disgusting habit to our eyes, there are various reasons for coprophagy or eating poop in dogs, and some of them are even natural and instinctive! Eating poop is a common behavior among wild canides, …

Want to know how to calm an anxious dog? Living with an anxious and fearful dog can be a challenge.  You often have to make compromises on a daily basis and working towards removing a fearful reaction, whatever it may be towards, can be a long process.  There are no quick fixes. At the same …

There are so many times I have watched a clip on Facebook of a child having a “cute” interaction with the family dog and cringed.  This is usually a clip that has gone viral because people love seeing the kid riding the dog like a horse, or being pulled along by the dog’s tail.  Perhaps …

We may love going along to an impressive fireworks display at New Year, Bonfire Night or on the Fourth of July, but for our canine friends with dog fireworks anxiety it can be one of the most stressful times of the year. If you have a dog that does not bat an eyelid at fireworks …

Dog separation anxiety is fairly common and can result in destructive behavior. In this guide, we share how to break a dog’s separation anxiety based on our personal experiences. How do I know my dog has separation anxiety? Have you come home one day to find that your dog has scratched all the paintwork off …

Annie, my dog, and I are gearing up for a winter season in the Italian Alps.  Whilst I arrange snow shovels and snow tyres for myself, I am also making sure I have all the right gear to ensure Annie has a great time too. If you have a dog, it can be wonderful to …

Why do dogs chase their tails? We’re all familiar with the stereotypical image. Dog chasing tail is a behavior that has been immortalized in movies and plastered in funny videos across YouTube. As far as many people are concerned, these behaviors are entirely normal. But, in more cases than not, this is actually a sign …

Ever since my wife and I became dog owners I have been wondering: why does my dog lick me? When my wife and I got our Maltese puppy, Schlumpf, back in 2013, he couldn’t stop licking me. At the time, I was overwhelmed to be a first-time dog owner, and since Schlumpf is primarily a …