Dogs whine to communicate they are afraid, upset, uncomfortable, in pain, or lonely. But whining also can be a ploy for attention and control. If whining is a rare occurrence, check if the dog is sick or injured. If whining is the result of your dog feeling great discomfort (such as being wet or afraid), [...]
Begging is not an instinctive behavior. It’s learned. If you’ve succumbed to begging one time, the dog will keep begging until trained not to — and may start challenging you in other areas. What you need is a measure of courage. If you’re watching TV with a bowl of popcorn, and your dog is nosing [...]
In the first weeks your dog is in its new home, it will likely experience separation anxiety each time you leave. Gradually acclimate your dog to your prolonged absences. When you’re leaving, don’t make a big production. Calmly say, “Good dog” and give it a small treat — then leave. Don’t say, “Good-bye.” Make sure [...]
Keep your dog on a leash at first and let it check things out. If other dogs approach, let them get to know each other while your dog is leashed. Since the other dog was in the park first, it considers the area its territory. If dogs that approach and smell your dog prove friendly, [...]
If your dog pulls a lot on the leash, consider a harness. This will distribute the pulling weight across the dog’s chest and shoulders. I like harnesses for small dogs that have skinny necks and can get hurt on a regular leash. Harnesses are also good for large dogs prone to chase after other dogs [...]
Your goals are finding a veterinarian within easy access of your home, and with whom you and the dog are comfortable. Ask for recommendations from other dog owners, or the owner of the pet-supply store you patronize. If two or three people give the same veterinarian’s name, that’s a good sign. You also can seek [...]
Teach young children that a dog is not a toy. This means not running at it, screaming at it, throwing things at it, chasing it, pulling its tail, poking it, teasing it, restraining it, or interfering with its eating or sleeping or its playing with toys. Eighty percent of cases of children being bitten by [...]
She will after enough days have passed so that she feels comfortable. The first few days in a new home are a big adjustment for any cat. Here are steps to ensure its safety and comfort: If you brought the cat home in a cage, set the cage on the floor and leave the door [...]
The older cat will probably be jealous of its territory being invaded, and your attention being directed toward the newcomer. Introduce the cats carefully. Make sure the area is large enough to allow each to maneuver. Keep an eye on them. They may just stare at each other from a distance. If they tangle, scold [...]
Buy a scratching post from a pet supplier, or build your own with a piece of towel or carpet flipped upside down, or a panel of corrugated fiberboard, hung by a loop from a doorknob or stood up. If your cat likes scratching on wood (such as doors), bring in a tree log with rough [...]
