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 […]
Dog Behavior Triggers: Understanding Your Dog
Dogs don’t act out “just because.” Their behavior is shaped by built-in instincts from their wild ancestors, mixed with what they’ve learned living with us. In this post, I’ll break down why dogs sometimes lose their cool, using simple ideas from animal behavior science. We’ll focus on everyday situations at home, in public, and during […]
Can Parasite Preventatives Contribute to Sudden Behavioral Changes in Dogs? Neurologic Insights
Introduction Behavioral changes in dogs, such as sudden reactivity or apparent aggression, can stem from a range of underlying factors, including environmental influences, developmental stages, and physiological conditions. In recent years, regulatory reports have highlighted potential temporal associations between certain parasite preventatives—particularly those in the isoxazoline class—and neurologic adverse events that may secondarily influence behavior. […]
Dogs Kids Adults and Guests
What Modern Dog Behavior Research Teaches Us About Living Together Safely Most families don’t experience trouble with their dogs because the dog is “bad,” “dominant,” or “out of control.” Problems usually arise because dogs are expected to navigate social situations that make sense to humans—but not to them. Dogs experience the household through movement, space, […]
Ethological Perspectives on Social Behaviors Supporting Canine Immune Health
Abstract Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) exhibit a range of social behaviors rooted in their ethological heritage, which may contribute to mutual health benefits, including potential support for immune function through mechanisms like microbiome sharing and allogrooming. Drawing from established principles in ethology and behavioral science, this conceptual narrative explores how cohabitation and social interactions among […]
Living in Harmony: Strategies for Dog Owners to Coexist with Wildlife
Abstract Dog owners in wildlife-adjacent areas face bidirectional challenges: not only their pet’s instincts toward wildlife but also wildlife’s perceptions of dogs as threats, rivals, or prey. Ethological principles illuminate these dynamics, from canine prey drive to predatory behaviors in species like coyotes, bears, and raptors, and defensive aggression in ungulates such as deer, moose, […]
The Benefits and Limits of Exclusive Force-Free (R+) Methodologies in Applied Canine Behavior
An Ethological and Learning-Theory Analysis Across Breeds and Contexts Abstract Force-free, fear-free, and positive-reinforcement-based (R+) approaches have become widely adopted in contemporary dog training and behavior practice, supported by strong evidence for welfare benefits, learning efficiency, and improved human–dog relationships. These methods are particularly effective for teaching voluntary behaviors, reducing fear-based responses, and promoting engagement […]
Separation Anxiety in Dogs And Puppies
Common Mistakes That Make It Worse Separation anxiety is one of the most stressful behavior problems a dog owner can face. Dogs may bark or howl excessively, destroy doors or windows, pace endlessly, drool, injure themselves, or soil the house — all when left alone. What makes separation anxiety especially difficult is that many common responses, […]