Why Your Dog Might Behave Differently with a Pet Sitter: The Hidden Impact of Temporary Care
Many dog owners rely on professional pet sitters for short-term care during travel or busy periods. While most experiences go smoothly, it’s common to hear reports of unexpected changes: a usually calm dog becomes vocal or restless, a well-house-trained pet has accidents, or familiar cues seem ignored. Owners might worry about “regression” or wonder if […]
Why Dogs Have “Good Days” and “Bad Days”: The Role of Emotions and Mood in Behavior
Dog owners often notice that their pet can seem like a different animal from one moment to the next—or one day to another. A usually friendly dog might withdraw or react strongly to a minor trigger. A playful pup could appear subdued without obvious reason. These shifts aren’t random, nor do they necessarily reflect a […]
Resource Guarding in Dogs: An Evolutionary Perspective on a Common Behavior
Many dog owners encounter moments when their pet growls over a bone, stiffens when approached on the couch, or positions themselves protectively near a favorite person. These actions are often labeled “resource guarding,” but framing them solely as a problem can overlook deeper roots. Resource guarding is a natural, observable behavior in domestic dogs—rooted in […]
Could Your Dog’s “Behavior Problem” Actually Be Pain or Illness? Why Medical Rule-Outs Matter
Dogs communicate discomfort in subtle ways. What owners often see as sudden reactivity, withdrawal, house soiling, or reduced interest in play might stem from an underlying medical issue rather than a training gap or temperament flaw. Veterinary behavior experts emphasize that ruling out physical causes is the essential first step before interpreting changes as purely […]
Puppy Crying When Left Alone or In A Crate: Understanding Behavior
Welcoming a puppy into your home brings immense joy, but it often comes with moments of heartfelt concern—like when your young dog crys out, whines, barks, or paces the instant you step out of the room, close a door, or leave the house. Whether it’s protesting the crate, following you from room to room, or […]
Puppy Biting: Understanding This Common Challenge
Bringing home a new puppy is full of joy—those big eyes, wagging tail, and endless energy. But for many new owners, there’s a sharp reality: those tiny, needle-like teeth sinking into your hands, arms, or pants. If your 3-month-old puppy seems to target you more than anyone else in the household, you’re not alone. This is one […]
Socialization for Dogs: A Practical, Lifelong Guide to Safe Exposure and Confidence Building
Bringing a dog into the world isn’t just about teaching commands. It’s about teaching the dog how to live comfortably in the human world. That process is called socialization and exposure. And despite common myths, it’s not something you finish at 16 weeks and forget about. It’s a lifelong process. Dogs who experience steady, thoughtful exposure to everyday […]
Prey Drive in Dogs: Why Your Pup Chases Squirrels and Loves Fetch
Have you ever watched your dog bolt after a squirrel in the park? Or seen a good pup transform, as a simple game of fetch, as a foundational exercise, is made more and more complex as a path to arrive at a trained adult hunting dog? These behaviors aren’t just random bursts of energy—they’re glimpses […]
What ‘Behavior’ Really Means in Dog Training—and Why the Word Causes So Much Confusion
Have you ever read a book on dog training, scrolled through a forum, or chatted with a veterinarian, only to feel like everyone is using the same words but talking about entirely different things? If so, you’re not alone. The term “behavior” is at the heart of this mix-up. In the worlds of animal science […]
Your Dog’s Natural Ways of Asking for Attention and Care
Dogs are incredibly social animals, much like us humans. They thrive on relationships, and part of building those bonds involves communicating their needs. What we often call “attention-seeking” or “care-asking” behaviors are simply normal ways dogs reach out to us for interaction, comfort, or help. These aren’t signs of a pushy or bossy dog trying […]