How Were Dogs Domesticated Dogs are one of the oldest domesticated species in the world, with a rich and fascinating history that spans back tens of thousands of years. The exact process of how dogs were domesticated remains shrouded in mystery, but there is growing evidence to suggest that it was a gradual and complex process that involved a unique collaboration between wolves and humans. The domestication of dogs is believed to have occurred …
Why do dogs attack humans? Or even try to kill? I recently heard a dog walker in the UK was attacked by 7 dogs she was walking. News is stating that the 7 dogs attached her and she might have died. I am not sure of the full story as it keeps changing, and you all know how that goes! Being that I am in the field of animal behavior, we find this type of …
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Desensitizing and Counter-conditioning At one point in time, I had a neurotic sheltie. Some people might say that most shelties are neurotic, but you’ll soon see why this case was a misunderstanding. Candy was afraid of everything; vacuums, carpeting, other dogs, and the entire contents of the outside world. Fortunately, through using the slow and steady technique of counter-conditioning and desensitization, Candy was able to lose nearly all of her neurosis and was adopted …
Social Learning Theory in Dogs Sometimes the most useful behaviors are learned by watching others; how to play catch, buttoning up a jacket, and how to run up and down stairs. All of these examples of learning through observation, a process shared by both humans and dogs. This method of learning is called the social learning theory, and can be a dog owners salvation in teaching new activities and understanding old behaviors. What is social …
What is Clicker Training? Let’s first get some definitions out of the way so we are all on the same page. Very important in dog training to always make sure we are all using the same definitions to any terms, constructs or another word is labels. Marker: A signal that through conditioning indicates a correct behavior that will result in reward. Typically, to be effective, the signal should be within 1.5 seconds …
Finding the Perfect Home For Your Pooch, And How To Keep Them Safe On Moving Day If you’re a dog owner in the middle of house hunting or moving to a new home, you have to take your pet into consideration and make sure you’re buying a suitable home for your pooch. Read on to learn about what to look for in a new home, and how to plan for moving day to keep …
Keep Your Pooch Out of the Doghouse with These Tips to Avoid Doggie Disasters While some dog habits are ingrained and unpopular among their human family members, it’s possible to replace those unwanted behaviors with more appropriate canine conduct. Many negative behaviors stem from a dog’s boredom, which often leads to mindless munching, excessive barking, digging, and other destructive acts. Dogs who receive less activity and mental stimulation then they need often become frustrated …
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Preventing LGD Failure – Meeting Your LGD’s Needs It can be confusing, especially for new owners of livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) to sort out which information to follow as oftentimes the advice they hear is contradictory. For example “never bring them in the house and don’t handle them a lot” versus “bring them inside where they feel safe and let the puppy/dog hang out with you”. So, how about we take a look at how …
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Owning a pet is a privilege. Yet, if you’ve never had one before, you may be overwhelmed by all that you have to consider. Here are five tips to help you find the pet of your dreams. Navigate Choices Research is key before you select your pet. You have to be certain that your home and your lifestyle are compatible with your choice. Come up with a checklist, then go through it systematically. Does …
