If you’re a dog parent, you’ve probably spent countless hours observing your furry friend’s every move. From the tilt of their head to the wag of their tail, dogs are constantly communicating with us in ways we might not even realize. The tail, in particular, is one of the most expressive parts of a dog’s body. As such, understanding what their tail is telling you can deepen your bond with your pet and help you take better care of their needs.

What is a dog’s tail made of?

Before we dive into the interpretations, it’s important to understand that a dog’s tail isn’t just a single muscle or cartilage. It is a complex structure composed primarily of bone, muscle, nerves, and connective tissue. The skeletal framework of the tail consists of a series of vertebrae — often referred to as caudal vertebrae — which can number anywhere between five to 23, depending on the breed and genetic factors. These vertebrae are smaller than those in the main part of the spine but are crucial in providing the tail with its flexibility and range of motion.

Encasing these bones is a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that allows dogs to move their tails in various directions. Additionally, the tail is rich in nerves, making it highly sensitive to touch and capable of transmitting a wide range of sensory information to the dog’s brain.

What is the purpose of a dog’s tail?

A dog’s tail serves multiple essential functions that are vital for their communication, balance, and overall well-being. Primarily, a dog uses their tail as a means of expressing emotions and intentions to both humans and other animals. Beyond communication, it plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and stability, especially during quick turns or when navigating tricky terrain. This is particularly evident in breeds known for their athleticism, like Border Collies or Greyhounds. In fact, certain breeds have tails adapted to their specific environments. For instance, Arctic breeds have bushy tails that they can curl around their noses to conserve heat in frigid temperatures.

What’s more, a tail can help with swimming, acting like a rudder to steer through water. Interestingly, some scientists believe that the movement of a dog’s tail can even assist with spreading their unique scent, helping them mark territory more effectively. So, while it might be easy to overlook, a dog’s tail is integral to their interaction with the world around them.

Common tail wags and what they mean

Many people assume that a wagging tail is a universal sign of a happy dog. While this is often the case, tail wagging is more nuanced than it seems. The speed, direction, and height of the wag all provide different clues about what your dog might be feeling. Here are some common types of tail wags and what they typically mean:

High and fast wag

This is perhaps the most iconic tail position. When a dog’s tail is held high and wagging vigorously, it usually signifies excitement or a high level of alertness. You might see this when you’re getting ready to throw a favorite ball or when your dog spots a squirrel in the yard. The broader and faster the wag, the more elated your dog likely is.

Low and slow wag

A slow wag with the tail held low can indicate that your dog is feeling uncertain or submissive but is also open to interaction. This is often seen when a dog is meeting a new person or animal and is still trying to gauge the situation. Your dog is essentially saying, “I’m not sure about this, but I’m willing to be friendly.”

Full-body wag

When the whole body is wiggling along with the tail, you can be pretty sure that your dog is super happy and relaxed. You’ll likely see this when you come home after a long day and your dog greets you at the door. The full-body wag is the canine equivalent of a joyful dance — signaling pure, unadulterated happiness. It can also mean that your dog feels safe and content in their environment.

Stiff wag

A stiff tail wag, especially when paired with a rigid body and a fixed stare, can be a warning sign. It might mean that your dog is feeling threatened or is on guard. In such cases, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. This type of wag can precede agitated behavior, so it’s best to give your dog some space and time to relax.

Half-mast wag

Sometimes, dogs wag their tails at a half-mast position, neither high nor low. This can indicate mixed emotions or a state of mild curiosity. Perhaps your dog is feeling a bit conflicted about something in their environment and is still deciding how to react.

Circular wag

If your dog’s tail is wagging in a circular motion — often referred to as a “helicopter tail” — you’re witnessing one of the most joyous tail movements. This usually happens during moments of intense excitement and affection, often when your dog is around their favorite people or anticipating a much-loved treat. It’s the ultimate display of canine happiness.

Right or left wag

Some studies have suggested that when dogs wag their tails more to the right side, it indicates positive emotions and comfort. For example, when greeting their human or a familiar, friendly face, you might notice the tail favoring the right side more. Conversely, wagging to the left might signal negative emotions or feelings of discomfort. This can happen when a dog encounters a new or threatening situation. Observing which way the tail wags can give you subtle hints about how your dog is feeling about their current environment or company.

Tucked tail

While not exactly a wag, a tail tucked firmly between the legs is a surefire sign of fear or extreme submission. Dogs adopt this posture when they feel threatened, scared, or deeply insecure. It’s a clear cry for help, and in such cases, it’s important to address whatever is causing the fear. Comforting your dog, removing them from the stressful situation, or providing a safe space can help alleviate their anxiety.

How tail signals vary between different dog breeds

Different breeds have different tail anatomies, which can affect how they use their tails to communicate. For example:

• Huskies and Malamutes: These breeds have bushy tails that curl over their backs. While a curled tail is normal for them, a stiff, high curl might still indicate alertness or aggression.
• Whippets and Greyhounds: These dogs have thin, low-hanging tails. A slight wag can indicate happiness, but a tucked tail is a clear sign of fear or submission.
• Retrievers: Known for their friendly demeanor, Retrievers often have a wagging tail. However, a high, stiff wag could mean that something has caught their attention.

Why do dogs chase their tails?

Dogs chase their tails for a variety of reasons, including playfulness, instinct, and even boredom. Often, young puppies chase their tails as a form of play, driven by curiosity and the discovery of their own bodies. It’s a harmless way for them to entertain themselves and burn off excess energy. However, if this behavior continues into adulthood, it could indicate something more significant.

Adult dogs might chase their tails due to anxiety, lack of mental stimulation, or even obsessive-compulsive tendencies. In some cases, medical conditions such as flea infestations, skin irritations, or neurological problems can trigger this repetitive action. If you notice your dog chasing their tail excessively, it’s always a good idea to consult with a vet to rule out any underlying health problems.

Context is important in understanding your dog’s tail behavior

While a dog’s tail can tell you a lot, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To fully understand what your pup is communicating, you need to consider the whole dog. Look at their ears, eyes, mouth, and overall body posture. Are they relaxed or tense? Are they making eye contact or looking away?

Understanding your dog’s emotions can help you prevent potential conflicts, ease their anxiety, and strengthen your relationship. So, the next time you see that tail wagging, pay close attention. Your dog is talking to you, and now you’ve got a better idea of what they’re trying to say.

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Lost Dog Syndrome — sometimes also called Missing Dog Syndrome — refers to a dog’s behavior after they have gone missing. Oftentimes, canines who’ve been missing from their homes for a few days or weeks may display specific mannerisms or respond unusually. If your pet has been gone for a prolonged time, they may have even developed other instincts to survive. As such, it’s not uncommon for that same dog to take time to readapt to their surroundings and stimuli once they have returned home.

While Lost Dog Syndrome isn’t a medical term, it’s important to take it seriously if your pup has been behaving in a strange manner after coming home. Most pet parents would be delighted to be reunited with their lost pet, but one must try and understand the dog’s physical and mental state of mind and accordingly prepare them for their journey to recovery.

What to expect when your missing dog returns home

Once your beloved pet returns home, the first course of action should be to take your dog to a vet to make sure the dog isn’t suffering from any illness or serious injury. Typically, lost dogs may have sore feet due to extensive walking or even cracked and raw paws.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that after returning home, your dog may seem confused or may not obey your commands despite being well-trained. This is because they may have developed certain survival instincts while they were on their own. However, this is mostly temporary, and with time, your dog can return to their normal self.

Most missing dogs may have also experienced dehydration and significant weight loss if they’ve been away for a while. So, make sure you strictly follow the diet recommended by your vet during this period. You should also make sure your dog does not consume excess food, which could lead to bloating or other stomach issues.

In addition, make sure your pet gets adequate rest since they are potentially exhausted from traveling. Moreover, your dog likely experienced heightened anxiety or panic attacks as a result of their uncertain surroundings. As such, they probably didn’t sleep as often as they would have if they had been safe and comfortable at home with you.

Factors affecting distance traveled by lost dogs

There are several factors that affect the distance traveled by your missing dog. These include the canine’s temperament, circumstances, weather, and more.

The dog’s temperament

Friendly dogs tend to remain close to home while aloof and fearful pups may travel further away from their residence. That said, a friendly dog is more likely to end up in the hands of a stranger than a more aloof one who tends to avoid contact with people.

The scared dog may, however, tend to become less aggressive with time and come in contact with people if they get hungry. Typically, aloof pups wandering around may be rescued by experienced trappers or rescuers.

The dog’s appearance

A dog’s appearance can also determine the distance they’ve traveled after going missing from home. A popular breed like a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever might get picked up by someone, whereas one perceived to be aggressive, like a Pit Bull, may continue to wander around since people might be concerned about their temperament and may not pick them.

The dog’s size is another important factor to consider in this situation. People generally tend to pick up small dogs since they’re easier to carry and take care of in apartments as compared to large dog breeds. Moreover, people are often less weary of smaller canines.

Location and population density

A dog from a residential area may not travel as much distance as a pup who went missing from a mountainous area. Additionally, population density is another major factor influencing the distance traveled.

A pup lost in a city inhabited by a large number of people might be found close to their home since someone is likely to pick up the dog and return them to their owner. However, if a dog goes missing in a rural area with low population density, they may end up traveling more distance since chances of human contact are less likely.

Circumstances that led to the dog disappearing

If the pup went missing while trying to chase a scent, then they may not have traveled a lot of distance. However, if the dog ran away due to fireworks or a thunderstorm, they may end up at a place quite far away from home.

This is because the noise of fireworks or thunderstorms can trigger anxiety and fear in them, causing them to flee as a fear response mechanism. So, it’s important to understand the events that led to your dog disappearing and accordingly search for your pet.

How to help your pup overcome Missing or Lost Dog Syndrome

There are numerous ways by which you can help your pup overcome Lost Dog Syndrome. Every dog is different. Hence, it’s imperative you understand both your pup’s nature and temperament and accordingly plan the recovery process.

First, make sure you create a safe and secure environment for your pet. After being lost for several days or weeks, your dog might still be going through stress and anxiety. So it’s important to make them feel secure in your home. Ideally, the space you provide for your dog should be warm, calm, and comfortable, with no potential anxiety triggers. Give them some toys, a blanket, and make sure they get some rest.

Another important thing to do is to keep a respectable distance from your pup for a while during their recovery process. It’s possible they may need some time to process their emotions and trust their owners again. So, make sure you don’t forcefully hug or initiate physical contact if your dog feels uncomfortable. However, it’s important to keep a constant eye on the dog at all times and observe their behavior. Undoubtedly, you’ll be able to tell when they want attention from you and feel more at ease again.

How to prevent your dog from going missing

To avoid such incidents or mitigate the actions of any potential Houdini-level escape artists, ensure you microchip your dog. A microchip contains all the necessary details required to get in touch with the pup’s owner. So if a shelter or a vet finds your pet, they can scan the microchip and reach out to you.

Another important thing to remember is to update your microchip details if your contact number changes or if you move to a different address. In that case, you must reach out to your microchip database provider and share the new details with them. In many cases, you can even update your account online.

You must also use a proper leash whenever you take your dog outside. This can help prevent your pup from running away or wandering off. Another easy way to ensure your dog’s safe return if they wander off is to keep your pup’s identification tags updated.

In addition, make sure there are no holes or spaces in your fence through which your dog can escape. There are many ways to create a dog-friendly yard. In particular, it’s important to stay with your pet at all times whenever they’re outside. Moreover, your best bet is not to leave them unsupervised.

Remember, if your dog does pull a fast one or becomes startled and jolts, getting them back home as soon as possible is key. The less time away, the less likely your pup will experience the behaviors associated with Missing or Lost Dog Syndrome.

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If you’re someone who’s even mildly interested in the supernatural and you own a dog, then you must have wondered if your dog can see ghosts. The answer to the question “Can dogs see ghosts?” is not straightforward. That is so because, simply put, there is no definitive scientific proof to suggest that ghosts exist. However, many people believe that canines can perceive ghosts or spirits.

Can dogs see ghosts?

While the notion of dogs sensing the paranormal can be appealing, the scientific consensus remains uncertain. The enigmatic nature of animal behavior leaves room for the possibility that dogs may perceive things beyond human comprehension.

While your furry friend’s behavior can remain a mystery to you, several instances prompt contemplation on the seemingly unimaginable. A certified animal behaviorist and director of the AKC Family Dog Program, Dr. Mary Burch, suggests that an individual’s own beliefs in the paranormal correlate to the belief in their dogs seeing ghosts. For instance, a dog abruptly stopping and standing still at specific locations might indicate to its owner that it is sensing a loved one’s spirit.

Can dogs sense things humans can’t?

Apart from the conventional five senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing), dogs also possess a sixth sense. This sixth sense is similar to what humans call intuition. However, dogs are more inclined to trust their instincts and act upon them, unlike most humans, who tend to rationalize the possibility of auras or spirits. Dr. Burch also points out that dogs’ sensory abilities surpass those of humans in many cases.

In addition, dogs excel at detecting movement, particularly in low light conditions, according to Jill Villarreal, PhD, head animal behaviorist at Open Farm. They are, in fact, much better at it than humans. Therefore, if ghosts exist and prefer appearing in darkness, dogs would possess a distinct advantage over humans in perceiving them.

Dogs’ hearing capabilities also exceed those of humans, enabling them to detect higher-pitched sounds from much farther distances. Russell Hartsein, a dog behavior consultant and trainer, states that dogs perceive the world differently from humans through auditory senses. This suggests that these differences may allow them to pick up on various sounds that humans cannot detect.

Furthermore, canines have another superpower — ESP, which is extra smell perception. According to Dr. Aramendi, a senior veterinarian who spoke in an interview with Reader’s Digest, dogs possess one of the most powerful senses of smell in the animal kingdom. Their olfactory abilities are 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive. In this regard, dogs exhibit a form of ESP, which suggests that dogs could potentially perceive ghosts through scent.

Dogs’ remarkable sensory abilities imply they may perceive ghosts if the supernatural is real. This adds yet another layer to the age-old mystery of the canine-human bond.

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Your dog’s sleeping position, the way they twitch or move, and the amount of time they spend napping can reveal a lot about how they’re feeling. Sleeping habits can give clues about a dog’s health and happiness that you can interpret if you know what to look for. Of course, if you spot anything unusual or different about your dog’s sleeping behaviors, you should get to the vet for a checkup. Here are a few things to take notice of when your dog is sleeping and what they might mean.

Dog sleeping positions

Pay attention to the position your dog sleeps in most frequently. Your dog’s favorite sleeping position might change based on where they’re snoozing, who they’re sleeping near, or if they’re feeling a certain way. Because injuries or soreness can cause a dog’s sleeping position to change, keep an eye out for signs of pain. Get to the vet if anything seems off.

Below are some common sleeping positions and what they might mean.

Supine position

The dog supine position refers to when a dog is lying on their back with their belly and underside exposed. So why do dogs sleep on their backs? Here are a few reasons:

• It’s a sign of comfort and trust – When dogs voluntarily flip onto their backs and expose their bellies, it shows they are fully relaxed and comfortable, letting their guard down. A dog only enters this position when they feel safe.
• Invitation for belly rubs – A dog rolling onto their back and showing their belly is often an open invitation for an owner to give them belly rubs and scratches. The belly is a sensitive area dogs don’t allow just anyone to touch, so this shows trust.
• Submission signal – Exposing the belly can also be a dog’s way of showing submission, communicating they are not a threat. It may be an appeasement behavior when they are being scolded or disciplined.
• Regulates temperature – Dogs can roll onto their backs to help cool down, pressing their underside to a cool surface. Belly up also exposes less fur to direct sunlight on hot days.

When a dog flips onto their back into the supine position, they are signaling trust, showing they are at ease, inviting affection, demonstrating submission, or just trying to beat the heat! It’s an important calming and communicative posture for dogs.

On the side

A dog who sleeps on their side feels safe and comfortable, as this position leaves the vital organs exposed. Dogs who favor this position tend to be pretty easy-going and relaxed. That said, they may switch to a different position if they’re sleeping somewhere new or around someone they aren’t familiar with. This position also leaves their limbs free to move during sleep, so you may see more twitching and leg kicks.

Curled up

A very common position dogs take when sleeping is to curl up in a ball. This is also called “nose-to-tail.” It’s a common position for animals to take in the wild, too. This position protects the vital organs, helps conserve warmth, and makes it easy to get up quickly. It restricts movement during sleep, so you may see less twitching from a dog who snoozes in a ball.

You might think that a dog who sleeps in this position would be uncomfortable in their surroundings. That’s not necessarily true. It’s a common position in the fall and winter months when the weather is cool. Also, it may just simply feel better for a particular dog to sleep in that position.

Sprawled out on the tummy

This is sometimes called the “Superman” position. It allows for a dog to pop up and be on their paws right away. You often see this position with puppies who need to nap frequently but also want to be ready to jump up and play at a moment’s notice. Dogs who sleep in this position don’t want to miss a chance to be in the action. It’s the position of choice for high-energy pups or pups who get sleepy during play.

Back-to-back or snuggled up

You may catch your dog sleeping back-to-back with your other pets or snuggling up to you. Either way, it means the same thing. Your dog is bonding and showing that they want to get close to you or their furry siblings. A dog sleeping this way feels very loving and affectionate, and they’re completely comfortable with whoever they’re napping with. Try showing your love in return by taking a snooze with your pup.

Sleeping behaviors

Once your dog is napping, you may get some clues about the quality of their sleep from their behavior. Sleep is important for healing and repairing the body, and REM sleep, which is the deepest stage of sleep, is the most restorative. Pay attention to these signs and behaviors to make sure your dog is getting the best sleep possible.

Circling and digging

It’s normal behavior for dogs to circle their sleeping area or even dig a bit before lying down for sleep. This is behavior that comes from dogs’ wolf ancestors who would often trample down grass, leaves, or snow to get comfortable. They might also dig a hole that would help keep them warm in winter or cool in summer. Though dogs tend to circle a few times before lying down, doing it too much or having trouble settling in might be a sign of pain, arthritis, or a neurological issue. Consult a vet if you notice excessive circling.

Light dozing

A dog might doze off during the day if they’re bored or just getting a rest. This is not a very restful sleep, and your dog may just be waiting for something more interesting to come along. Watch your pup’s ears and see if they perk up at any movement or unusual noise. This probably means that your dog is still fairly alert and looking for something worth getting up for. Maybe it’s time to do something fun like go for a walk or play fetch.

Twitching, wagging, or soft barks

Dogs tend to move a bit during REM sleep when they’re most restful. They could very well be acting out their dreams, but they are getting a nice, deep sleep. Twitching, tail wagging, leg kicks, and occasional barks or grunts are common. This is a good time to let sleeping dogs lie. This stage of sleep is very restorative and good for their health. Movement during sleep is actually more frequent in puppies and senior dogs for unknown reasons. Sometimes your dog will move from spot to spot while sleeping. A less common reason for twitching during sleep is if a dog is cold. The twitches are the body’s way of warming up. If your dog is cold, get a blanket or move them to a warmer sleeping place.

Signs of distress

Like humans, dogs can have nightmares. If your dog seems particularly agitated during sleep with more movement, barks, or whimpers than usual, you can try gently calming your pup down. Call their name softly and stroke their back or side. Use soothing tones. Your pup may wake up or may just simply relax and continue on with a more pleasant dream after you’ve comforted them. If you notice your dog frequently seems agitated during sleep, you may want to schedule a vet visit to be on the safe side.

Seizure

When twitching gets excessive, it could be a sign of a seizure that requires immediate medical attention. Try calling your dog’s name and waking them up if you suspect their movements are abnormal. If they wake up, it may have just been an intense dream. If they don’t respond to your calls, continue to shake, or feel stiff, get medical help right away. You should pay attention to your dog’s usual sleeping habits so you know the difference and can tell when something is out of the ordinary.

Why does my dog sleep against me?

There are a few key reasons why dogs commonly like to sleep pressed up against or in contact with their human owners:

• Comfort & security – Sleeping right against you brings feelings of warmth, comfort and security for your dog. Your presence next to them makes them feel protected and less anxious.
• Bonding – Being physically close while sleeping fosters bonding, attachment and trust between a dog and human caretaker. This skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.”
• Your scent – Your unique scent is soothing and familiar to your dog, while also letting them make sure you are close by. Sleeping against you allows them to inhale your scent and always know where you are.
• Warmth – Your body radiates heat that keeps your dog nice and cozy while they sleep curled up against you. Sharing body heat is appealing for warmth-loving canine companions.
• Pack mentality – Since dogs are pack animals, sleeping huddled together is natural. Being right against you fulfills their instinct to sleep as part of their pack for comfort and protection.

So in many cases, your dog sleeps pressed up on or very close beside you because it makes them feel safe, secure, loved and comforted – reflecting their natural tendencies as domesticated animals evolved to view their owners as family!

How much do dogs sleep?

Dogs sleep a lot more than people do. On average, dogs need about 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day. Big dogs tend to take longer naps than smaller dogs. Puppies can sleep about 12 to 20 hours a day, usually waking up for an hour after every few hours of sleep. Take notice of your dog’s normal sleeping habits. If you notice a change in how long your dog sleeps, it could mean a lot of things from a dietary change to a thyroid problem. If your dog is spending too much time napping, it could be time for a vet visit.Save

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Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at 2:00am. For humans, the extra hour is a great way to catch up on sleep. But for dogs, the effects can be very different.

Animals don’t set their routines by the clock that we use as humans to keep on schedule. They have their own circadian rhythm — a biological clock that helps them know when to eat, sleep, go potty, and do everything else in their day.

So when humans change the clock for the end of Daylight Saving Time, it can affect dogs more strongly. Here are a few ways your dog might struggle during this time and what you can do to help them adjust.

Potty Time

Many dogs need to go outside for a potty break first thing in the morning.

When you sleep in for an extra hour, your pup might be confused and sit next to your bed waiting for you to put on your slippers and grab the leash. If you ignore their pleas, they might not be able to hold it in. An unfortunate plan or rug to will be the spot to do their morning business.

Most pooches stick to regular potty times throughout the day, so it will take some time before they can adjust.

Feeding Time

If your dog is used to eating at a certain time, they might be a bit upset when breakfast or dinner is coming an hour late.

Don’t be surprised if your pup sits by their empty bowl, looking up at you with their best “feed me” puppy dog eyes.

When food doesn’t come on time, your pup might act out by begging, chewing things they shouldn’t chew, or raiding the garbage cans.

Together Time

When you go to work, your dog misses you. You’re their family, their pack. They’ll probably be happy to get an extra hour with you in the morning, but they expect you to come home when the sun is at a certain point in the sky.

When you return an hour late, especially when the sun goes down, they can suffer added anxiety.

This stress can lead to all sorts of unwanted behavior, including having accidents or destroying your belongings.

What You Can Do About It

You can help your dog prepare for the end of Daylight Saving Time in a way that will reduce stress or unwanted behavior.

In the weeks leading up to the end of Daylight Saving Time, adjust your schedule by a few minutes at a time. Hold off on morning walks for a couple minutes. Don’t force your pup to hold it for long — just enough to get used to the new time.

Feed your dog meals a bit later in weeks leading up to the time change so they can acclimate gradually. Run a short, few-minutes errand or two before you get home from work so your pup can adjust to you arriving when the sun is down.

Most of all, pay extra attention to your dog’s needs during this transition. It is important to offer them extra comfort if they show signs of anxiety.

As Daylight Saving Time ends, make sure you ease the effects of your new schedule on your dog. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep, but take steps to reduce your pup’s anxiety. This way you can make the Daylight Saving Time switch a positive experience, rather than a stressful one.

The post How The End Of Daylight Saving Time Affects Your Dog appeared first on DogTime.

Training your dog to come should be as easy as, “Rover, come on over!” And sometimes it is, at least with puppies. Brand-new pups will approach anything with a pulse. Other dogs, however, will need more training to learn the “come” command. We’ll show you how to help your dog learn this crucial command.

Training your dog to “come” with praise

Praising your pup when they do what you ask is common sense. During early training, it is important to praise your pup all the time they approach. However, do not think of puppy recall as an all-or-none response. Instead, reward your puppy’s first step towards you, and then continue to reward the pup all the time it approaches.

At some time in your puppy’s life, they will: 1) start towards you but run off when they sees a distraction, 2) run off when you reach for their collar and 3) not even bother to come at all.

Later on in training, you can reprimand the pup if they try to run off, but punishing the pup during early training will decrease the likelihood of coming when called. Also, it would be unfair to reprimand the pup for doing something wrong if you didn’t previously praise the pup for doing what is right. So, praise your puppy all the time it is headed in your direction.

If the pup does not come or if it reverses direction mid-recall, immediately get the pup’s attention by shouting their name, and then quickly run away from the pup. Immediately begin praising your pup as soon as they head towards you again.

Using treats to teach the “come” command

Why give your puppy a treat? Well, eventually, recall should be an all-or-nothing response. The food treat is a special reward for your pup once they obey. If you give your pup a treat immediately after taking hold of their collar, they will soon anticipate you grabbing their collar. And they will grow to love it!

The wrong way to train

It’s crucial to train your pup before they reach adolescence and start training you! A growing puppy may rebel during training. At first, the pup may duck their head as you reach for their collar. Then, they may approach you but stay an arm’s length away. Next, they’ll play “catch me if you can.” Eventually, your pup won’t come at all. Why? Because you inadvertently trained the pup not to come when called. How? By punishing the dog when it comes.

Never call your dog to punish it! For example, if your dog soiled the house in your absence, it’s too late for punishment now. Your dog will not associate the delayed punishment with the crime, but they will definitely associate the punishment with approaching you! Just put your dog outside while you clean up the mess. And in the future, until you have housetrained your dog, don’t let them have the run of the house when you are not at home. If you do call your dog and punish them, not only will you still have to housetrain your dog, but also you will have to repair your dog’s damaged confidence and retrain them to come when called.

Do not use “come here” as a control command until you have practiced and perfected reliable, integrated recalls. Until then, use “sit” or “down,” which are much simpler commands. Then, say “come here” once you know you have the dog’s attention (because they are sitting). A reliable recall is one of the most difficult commands to maintain, whereas “sit” and “down” are the two easiest.

Never call your dog to confine them. Instead use a place-command, such as: “Go to your crate,” “Go to your mat,” or “Outside.”

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Believe it or not, our canine companions get stressed. The circumstances and degrees of this can vary from dog to dog since no two are exactly alike, but it’s still something all dog parents must be wary of. Like humans, dogs can show their stress in different ways. To be a responsible dog parent, you must understand your dog’s signs of distress to ensure that both you and your canine companion can maintain a happy and healthy relationship together.

For the record, each of these recommendations for solutions should never replace the advice of your veterinarian. If one or more of these issues appear in your pet’s life and show no signs of stopping, please take your canine to see a vet as soon as possible.

1. Digestion issues

To be fair, the underlying cause of digestion problems can be hard to pinpoint. Because dogs don’t usually eat like humans do, digestive issues could signify almost anything.

However, if symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, or other digestion issues last longer than two to three days, consider if there are external stressors that are factoring into their overall health.

Most of all, be sure to visit your vet. They can determine the cause of your dog’s tummy troubles and help you identify stressors that could be causing them.

2. Sudden aggression

Aggression is a major issue no matter what, but if it seems to be directed toward a particular person or animal, it may be best to remove the cause until a better solution can be reached.

Naturally, this is a heartbreaking side effect for any pet parent to see their animals exhibit, but the importance of aggression in an animal who hasn’t otherwise shown it before cannot be overlooked.

Dogs can act aggressively when they’re stressed, in pain, or facing some medical condition. See your veterinarian to find the cause. You may also need to consider finding a professional trainer if the aggression continues.

3. Body language

You might hear some people say that dogs are unpredictable because they can’t communicate with their human family. This isn’t totally true. Dogs have their own forms of communicating that experienced and observant dog parents can identify.

Ears, eyes, and position of the tail are key factors for interpreting your dog’s state of mind and are just as important for determining whether or not your dog is stressed.

However, other signs that you might not notice include things such as itching and scratching, excessive drooling, shaking, shedding, yawning, and licking.

Again, none of these signs — either separate or together — are a sure way to tell if your dog feels stressed.

However, if you see your pet exhibiting new behavior and doing these things regularly, it might be time to take them to a vet to rule out any alternative health issues such as allergies, skin conditions, and more.

4. Accidents

Going potty in the house when your dog is already housetrained can be another major sign of a stressed animal. Once or twice may not be a big deal, but if it becomes a habit, it might be time to investigate further.

Check to see if there’s a reason your dog may not want to go outside. Is there a new dog in the area? Or a wild animal? Perhaps a major life change has thrown your pup out of sync.

It may also be important to consider your dog’s age in this one. If they are older, stress may not be a factor so much as them not being able to move fast enough to get outside, or they may be suffering from incontinence. Again, this is a harder symptom to pinpoint.

Remember to always be patient with your dog. They’re telling you something is wrong the best way they know how.

5. Sleep (or lack thereof)

If your dog is sleeping less or more than normal, something may be up. Like humans, dogs can suffer disruptions in their sleep schedule when they feel stressed.

Sleeplessness or excessive lethargy might also be a sign of something more severe, so if these issues persist, be sure to take your pup to a vet as soon as possible.

Remember, these signs are not guaranteed indicators of stress. No one knows your dog better than you, but if one or more of these things are recurring in your dog, please take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

The sooner you do, the sooner your dog will be happy, and you will be, too.

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You’re absolutely wild about your dog, and you’re not afraid to show it. However, all the treats, toys, fancy collars, and comfy beds can’t let your dog know just how special they are to you. Sure, they appreciate all that stuff. But in order to show your dog love, you have to speak their language. On the positive side, just because you don’t speak dog doesn’t mean you can’t convey your love in a way your pup will understand.

Here are a few ways you can express your true feelings to your dog that will leave no doubt in their mind about your love and devotion.

1. Ear rubs make your dog high on love

Have you ever scratched behind your dog’s ears only to find that they lean into your hand and slowly drift into a sort of doggy trance? That’s because ear rubs literally make your dog high.

A dog’s ears are full of nerve endings that send impulses all through the body, triggering the release of endorphins. These hormones act as painkillers and are natural “drugs” that are also released when dogs feel love.

When you show your affection for your pups with ear rubs, you can be sure that they’re getting the message.

2. Try feeding your dog by hand

Some experts recommend that, especially with puppies, you try feeding your dog by hand. This not only shows your dog that you’re a food provider and reduces food aggression, but it’s an intimate experience that creates a strong bond between you and your pup.

As your dog grows older, the need to feed by hand may fade, but offering treats during training is still a great way to show your pup that you care. Just don’t overdo it.

3. Just tell them you love them

A study published in Science found that dogs do, in fact, understand some human speech.

Dogs were studied in an MRI scanner that showed that they experienced the most happiness when they heard not just a praising tone, but words of praise, as well. This suggests that they don’t just listen to our tone of voice, but they interpret meaning from words, too.

So, sometimes just telling your dog how you feel is a great way to express your love.

4. Train your dog

Positive reinforcement is an excellent way to communicate your love, and training your dog will give you that opportunity. It will also make your bond stronger.

Moreover, it will let you present your dog with their favorite forms of motivation, whether that’s food, praise, or play. In doing so, your dog will come to see you as a provider of the things they love the most. They’ll see that when they work with you, they’re making you happy, and your rewards will make them happy in return.

When you both work to make each other happy, you’re both showing your love for each other.

5. Learn what your dog is saying

Did you know that many dogs don’t like to be hugged? What’s more, is sometimes they really hate when you approach them directly. Others are not excited to meet your friends or strangers.

Dogs can express a lot through body language if you know what to look for. By learning how dogs communicate, you can reduce their stress and work on making them feel at ease. This will increase their trust in you and build your loving relationship.

When you’re their protector, guardian, and friend, you can be sure that your dog will be feeling all the love.

The post 5 Ways to Show Your Dog Love That They Can Understand appeared first on DogTime.

Almost every dog seems to have a matching personality type in people’s heads. We think of Golden Retrievers as friendly. Shih Tzus are regal and aloof. Chihuahuas appear to be very nervous. Collies are affectionate. Some stereotypes are cute, while others are harmful.

Most of us know at least one dog who proves that stereotypes about breeds are not always true. However, we have to wonder if certain breeds do, inherently, have distinct personality or behavior traits. Are these traits passed on genetically through breeds?

Researchers undertook an ambitious study to pin down how a dog’s genes and breed affect their behavior and personality. Comparative psychologist Evan MacLean, Ph.D. of the University of Arizona and University of Washington assistant professor Noah Snyder-Mackler, Ph.D. studied 17,000 dogs of different breeds. The researchers then compared the personalities of those dogs to the genomes of 5,700 dogs to see if there is a relationship between DNA and traits.

The result was astounding. They found 14 personality traits showed in 131 sections of the dogs’ DNA. The study used the Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire to determine the traits. This confirmed that almost every breed has a predisposition for specific personality and behavior traits.

Traits that are more common in dogs

The study found that there are three traits that are likely to be heritable in dogs: trainability, chasing, and aggression. Furthermore, other traits found to be inherited by different dog breeds include fear of strangers and other dogs, attention-seeking behavior, sensitivity to touch, and energy level.

Dog breeds naturally behave differently, which makes sense. For instance, even in the wild, canines have certain traits that make them more fit for their environments. Therefore, it follows that dogs bred for specific purposes would be prone to certain behaviors.

However, even though the researchers found a link between dog genes and behaviors, that does not guarantee that a dog of any particular breed will behave a certain way. According to the researchers, the training, environment, and owners will also add to this natural variation.

“While one breed may exhibit more or less of a particular behavior on average, you never know exactly what you are going to get in any individual dog — you only know, on average, what you might expect to get,” said MacLean.

Breed variations may affect exhibited traits. Although, don’t be surprised to see an aggressive Golden Retriever or a very outgoing Shih Tzu. It’s the wonderful world of differences in action.

Genetic studies on dogs

This is not the first genetic study on dogs. A previous study found a potential link between mutated genes and dog friendliness. This study suggests that genetic mutations might partially explain why dogs are more naturally affectionate towards humans than their wolf cousins are.

Domestication may be a factor in the mutations. Interestingly, those mutated genes correspond to genes found in humans that affect friendliness. For instance, people who have Williams-Beuren syndrome, a condition that makes people more sociable and friendly, have variations in these genes, too.

However, keep in mind that the way you train, raise, and care for a dog are often far more important factors for determining their behaviors and personality later in life. Just because you get a dog of a certain “friendly” breed doesn’t mean you can skip training.

Related articles:

Dog Training: The Fundamental Guidelines for Training Any Dog

7 Most Popular Dog Training Methods

The post Study Shows Dog Genes Link to Behavior and Personality appeared first on DogTime.

As any dog parent can attest, the sight of a furry friend enthusiastically digging up the earth can be both endearing and exasperating. From meticulously crafted burrows to seemingly aimless holes, the act of digging is an innate behavior deeply embedded in the canine psyche. There’s much more to a dog’s digging habits than meets the eye (or the eyesore that used to be your yard). We’re going to give you the dirt on dogs who dig and help you better understand — and stop — this behavior.

Why dogs dig

There are many reasons why dogs dig. Let’s delve into a few of them!

Breed

Different breeds dig for different reasons, so before looking for solutions, it’s important to establish why your dog digs. Heavy-coated spitz-type dogs, such as Huskies and Chow Chows, dig during hot weather to create pits to help them stay cool.

Earth dogs — those bred to dig tunnels to get at their prey, such as short-legged Terriers and Dachshunds — are following their instincts to find gophers, moles, or other burrowing rodents.

Scent hounds (such as Beagles, Bassets, and Bloodhounds) and unneutered males of any breed often dig under fences to get at small game (like squirrels), food, or a female dog in heat.

The common trait for all of these breeds is that they dig because they find it gratifying.

Boredom

Boredom is a common culprit behind digging. When there’s nothing to hold your dog’s attention, they may fill their time by digging up the yard. Why? For the same reason people climb mountains: because they can! Digging fills the void when your dog is sitting around outside, waiting for you to return. Boredom often afflicts adolescent dogs, but it can happen at any age. Sometimes lack of socialization can trigger this behavior.

Youthful energy

Juvenile dogs (age 6 to 18 months) may dig because they’re full of youthful high spirits and have nothing else to do. When left alone outside, dogs have the motivation, means, and the chance to dig. Understandably, they take advantage of it!

How to discourage digging

There are two choices available to the frustrated dog parent. One: take away the reasons to dig. Two: redirect the digging to an acceptable place. If your overheated Husky is digging cooling pits, keep them inside with the air conditioning on during hot days, or fill a small kiddie pool with cool water for him. If your Terrier is tearing up your lawn looking for gophers, bring in a professional to get rid of them. And if your unneutered male dog is digging under the fence to hunt for the ladies, neuter surgery is in order. Neutered males lose often their urge to leave home in search of adventure.

Boredom can be overcome by keeping your dog active both mentally and physically. Training your dog how to behave when they’re alone can help, but keep them indoors until they demonstrate they’re OK outside.

When you both are outside, play, go through training commands, and do other activities together. Hiding treats in the yard can be a fun game for your dog. Be sure to go for a walk together when you get home. Socialize your dog by getting together with others in the neighborhood at a dog park or on walks. When your dog is kept busy and mentally stimulated, they’ll be less likely to turn to digging.

You can discourage digging along your fence line using chicken wire. You will need a length of 5-foot-wide wire as long as your fence line. Dig a trench, 1/2 to 1 foot deep and 3 feet wide at the fence line. Attach the wire to the fence about a foot up from the bottom rail. Bury the remaining wire in the trench. When your dog digs down to the wire, they should stop.

When digging doesn’t stop

There are some dogs who will continue to dig no matter what you do to stop it. Earth dogs, for example, have an overwhelming urge to dig that is bred into them. A solution for your yard and your dog is something called a digging pit, a specific area where your dog can satisfy their urges to their heart’s content.

You can build a digging pit yourself in less time than it takes to mow your lawn. Survey your yard and pick a spot where it would be OK for your dog to dig. Place stones or bricks around the area to be used as a sight cue for training. Turn over the soil a bit, and mix in some sand to keep it loose and to improve drainage.

For training, start by burying a toy, chewy, or treat to induce your dog to dig in the pit. Bring your dog outside and persuade them to dig in the pit. Stay with them the next few times you go out to be sure they continue to dig where you want them to. Use praise and rewards when your dog does it right. Correct and direct your pup to the digging pit if they try to dig anywhere else. Keep your pit full, and add a toy or chew to keep your dog interested.

Whether a digging pit, training and re-directing, or fence guards help curtail your pooch’s digging ways, your family and yard will be happier for it.

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