Behavior

Every dog who barks has a reason for it. Every dog who barks has a reason for it. Determining the cause of barking though depends on the individual context.

When a dog successfully snags food (or other items) from atop the counter or table, trainers call this “counter surfing.” If it works for them—even once—you can bet they’re going to try it again, especially when the payoff was great—like a sandwich.

Idiopathic aggression in dogs is aggression that is explosive in nature, unprovoked, and appears suddenly, often without warning.

Dogs that are playing often exhibit loose, bouncy movements and relaxed facial expressions. Their ears might be perked up or floppy. However, things can turn aggressive quickly, which is why dog owners need to remain vigilant.

Most pet owners have undoubtedly witnessed the rather unsavory sight of a dog rolling in poop or dead things. But why do they do it? While there is not yet a scientific explanation for this behavior, there are theories.

When you think of whiskers, you probably picture cats, but dogs also possess a set of whiskers on their muzzle, cheeks, and above their eyes that serve important specific purposes.

Does your dog exhibit autism-like behavior? I have had several clients ask me if their dog could have autism and whether this could explain...

It’s dinnertime, and you’ve put your dog’s filled food bowl on the floor in its normal place. A couple of minutes later, you walk into your bedroom and hear a crunch underfoot, only to discover pieces of kibble scattered everywhere, and your pup happily devouring it, piece by piece.

Others say they only do it once. And still others say they don’t do it at all. So, what’s the truth about whether dogs turn in a circle before they lie down?

Puppies begging for food are adorable, but begging at every meal will quickly drive puppy owners a little crazy. Here are some effective ways to stop puppies from begging and reinforce good behaviors instead.

Are dogs digging in search of invasive creatures like gophers and voles? Are they doing it because perhaps once upon a time, a bone was buried there? Are they doing it just because it’s fun, like a child digging in a sandpile? It may be all of the above.

Dogs drool. Some just drool a little once in a while, while others drool a lot. Some dogs are also just plain built to drool. Drooling can happen for structural, behavioral, and medical reasons.