Library
-
When household dogs fight, it can be physically dangerous and emotionally disturbing. An accurate behavioral assessment is critical to learn the motivation for aggressive behavior. Both dogs should be screened for medical and behavioral illnesses that may be causing or contributing to aggressive behavior.
-
Even though dogs are a social species, some dogs exhibit aggression toward dogs outside their immediate social circle. There are many possible reasons for the behavior, and an accurate assessment is essential. A medical exam is important to check for underlying pain or illness. Treatment can be effective once the causes for the behavior have been determined.
-
Treatment for aggression toward unfamiliar dogs is available, and the outcome can be positive. An accurate medical and behavioral assessment is needed as treatment plans are designed based on the context and underlying motivation for the behavior. To start, management is used to prevent aggressive encounters. Behavior modification is always needed and may include desensitization, counterconditioning, and response substitution. Medication is sometimes used to lower anxiety and frustration.
-
Urine marking is normal in both male and female dogs and can even occur in dogs who are spayed or neutered. The underlying cause for urine marking should be determined so that an appropriate treatment plan can be implemented. Management, prevention, and supervision are important for a good outcome.
-
What is normal and what is not? The answer is: when the behavior is harmless or just annoying, it is probably normal. When the behavior is destructive, disruptive, or places people or other pets at risk, it is not normal. Addressing the problems early, before they become ingrained, is the best hope for avoiding future problems. Dogs will be dogs, but people are still ultimately responsible for them.
-
On your marks, get set, go! Dogs running, jumping, catching balls, making razor sharp turns, and racing to a finish line; that's the canine sport of flyball.
-
Dogs love to run. Dogs love to jump. Dogs love to swim. If your dog likes to do all three, why not investigate the relatively-new canine sport of Dock Diving?
-
Field trials focus on team-hunting and allow humans and their pet dogs to rekindle their hunting instincts in a fun, competitive format.
-
Dogs, especially puppies, are extremely playful and investigative. While play with people and other dogs is an important part of socialization and social development, exploration and object play are important ways for dogs to learn about their environment.
-
Digging behavior in dogs can have many motivations. Some breeds, such as the Northern breeds (Huskies, Malamutes) dig cooling holes and lie in them. On a very hot summer day any dog may dig a hole to cool off.