Your Pets Daily - Dog behaviour

Pooch psychology: What is going on in your dog's head?

Tom Stone — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

We all love our dog's unique traits and quirks, but why do they do it? To help understand why our pooches sometimes behave this way, dog-friendly holiday lettings specialist Canine Cottages has teamed up with accredited dog trainer Joe Nutkins to take a closer look at the psychology behind dog's behaviour to help uncover what is going on in your furry friend's head.

Why do dogs love humans?

Dogs are naturally giving and trust the humans they are with. When they have a person or family that cares for them and protects them, they very much want to be part of that family for safety and affection. Dogs can sense Oxytocin, which is the 'love' or 'feel good hormone' you release when interacting with a dog that makes you happy. In fact, in our recent study, we found that when we told dogs we love them, their heart increases by 46%! Then, when snuggled up against you on the sofa, their heart rate decreased by 26%, showing just how much your dog trusts you and relies on you for safety.

Why do dogs beg?

Dogs tend to beg when they want something, however, dogs actually learn this behaviour from our own reactions. By responding and giving attention to a dog's actions, such as petting them when they're looking at you when you're eating, you help the dog understand that begging usually means reward and attention of some sort. Giving your dog attention and any food from the table only gives the dog confirmation that its begging works, and that's why they'll continue doing it!

Why does your dog follow you to the bathroom?

Who hasn't experienced their dog being a bit too nosey and following you to the bathroom, or lying down right outside the door? Our dogs love to know what their humans are doing. Fearful of missing out, your dog will follow you into whichever room you go to, as they don't know what you're up to and what you're planning to do. Separation issues are also something that can cause your dog to follow you anywhere since they do not know when you'll come back from the bathroom if the door is shut.

Why does your dog sneeze when excited?

Has your dog ever sneezed when they got excited? In smaller breeds, there's a palate in the back of their throat that can become irritated when it's excited or having fun. When it becomes irritated it narrows, which causes the dog to sneeze and wheeze.

Why does your dog bring you their toy?

Dogs love spending time with their humans. This means they'll even try to bring you a toy, or something else to get your attention to make you interact with them. Simply put, they might bring you their toy to make you play with them or get some extra cuddles!

What are the signs of separation anxiety now that we are returning to normal?

It is normal for dogs to experience separation anxiety at least once in their lives. Some dogs take it well, while others might suffer more. The problems with separation anxiety can occur when the dog experiences changes, such as you returning to working full-time after having spent the last year-and-a-half at home with your pooch. Dogs can display anxiety by barking, howling or chewing on furniture and their toys to calm their stress. This is an inherently worried reaction from the dog's side, and not something done in revenge.

Do dogs understand we are different from them?

Dogs understand you are slightly different from them, and that their fellow canine friends are similar to them, no matter the size and appearance. They will sometimes use dog language to interact with you, but also knows there are mannerisms reserved for other dogs that you will not understand.

Commenting, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, explains, "Dogs are naturally attention-seeking, loving creatures and will do anything to gain their owner's attention, whether this is bringing you their toys or being interested in everything you do – even going to the toilet! It is important to understand a dog's behaviour in order to give them the best care, and love, we can offer them. This is imperative now that more people are being called into the office, and dogs will be left alone for a longer period during the days."

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Canine Expert shares tips to understand your dog's body language

Jessica Curtis — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 20:00:00 +0000

As much as we wish we could, we can't converse with our dogs the same way we do with humans, so the best way to understand them is though their emotions and body language.

Dogs mature emotionally up to the age of two and a half years so it is especially important to make sure they are understood in their key developmental stages. Bella & Duke's Natural Canine Behaviourist, Caroline Spencer has shared her top tips to help understand which emotions your dog is going through from stress and anxiety to being happy and playful.

Happiness & Content

When your pup is happy and relaxed, they will have a level body, their head and tail will be at medium height, their jaw will be open and relaxed, and a long blink is friendly, their eyes will be squinty, and they will have a floppy tongue. Specific signs can vary between breeds but one of the easiest way to tell if your furry friend is happy is in the body tension. When happy they will have a relaxed posture and move in a relaxed manner.

Anxious

An anxious dog tends to look away, they blink more to avoid conflict, leaning back with braced back legs. An easy way to see anxiety in your dog is by how wider their eyes, the wider they are the more stressed the dog feels.

Anxiety can stem from an array of things from meeting a new dog, having guests over or even just having a new addition put in the home. Allow your dog time and space to acclimatise and familiarise themselves in their own time, no pressure from us to accept.

3. Stress

There's a number of tell-tale signs when it comes to a stressed dogs usually in the form of pacing, panting and drooling, to name a few.

If you notice these behaviours in your dog it's best to remove them from the situation and then gradually work on small steps to help them through. Firstly, find what is causing them distress. It may be sensory overloads such as fireworks and storms or being in a car without you. Be there for them in their time of need or they'll soon become flooded with stressors that can create triggers for similar situations in the future.

4. Fearful

When our furry friends feel they are in danger they will have a variety of signs which are telling such as frequent tongue flick, whale eye (showing the whites of their eye), leant back posture, also direct eye contact and suddenly freezing still. It is increasingly important to be cautious if you notice any of these signs because a fearful dog can be one that is ready to protect itself.

5.Protective

When dogs are guarding something, be that their house or a toy they will have a side eye (nose directed towards interloper and over item of value), their ears pinned back, facing forward, lowered head, braced legs, tight shut mouth, head over their prized object, may lift a lip to present their teeth, growl and escalate if intruder gets too close. Let your dog have its space, there's no reason we should get angry or frustrated when a dog steals a biscuit off the table and not expect the same back. This does come in moderation as you should have a relationship with your pet where you can take food away without an aggressive response.

6. Playful

A dog that is ready to play will do what is called the play bow, their tongue will be floppy, lips long and mouth open, tail low, alert ears, eyes and head facing playmate.

7. Appeasement

These would be behaviours used in a situation when a younger dog is told off by an older dog. Their head will turn away and dip down, their ears will pin back slightly and quite literally walk back with their tail tucked between their legs.

Caroline Spencer Dip.AdvCanBhv, Natural Canine Behaviourist at Bella & Duke, added: "It's easy to think that you can tell how your dog communicates, we all are taught to think a wagging tail is a happy dog but that can often be misleading as it can actually be a sign of caution or even an overly confident and potentially threatening dog. We need to understand how our dogs communicate not only to build a stronger relationship with them but to notice signs of distress to take them away from any stressful situations to keep them safe. "

To be able to think clearly, they need both mental stimulation and nutritional nourishment. Dogs do learn our ways and it's important how we speak to them and what emotion we use when doing so. Respect them for who they are, their language, and their personal space. When you do this, they will also learn to respect yours.

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Dog body language

Dog behaviour

Does your dog give you the ick? Veterinarian shares how to beat TikTok’s trending icks

Katie Court — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

TikTok users are now extending the dating term 'the ick', referring to being suddenly put off by someone you were once attracted to, to their dogs.

In candid videos, dog owners can be seen reeling off their dogs' traits that irk them the most, often joined by their oblivious four-legged friend!

However, although many traits are innocent, cheeky mistakes, according to Pooch & Mutt's in-house Veterinary Surgeon, Dr Linda Simon, most have a simple explanation and can be easily fixed with training and time.

Being dramatic about nail trims

Explanation: It's very normal for dogs to resist having their nails trimmed because it's unfamiliar with their daily routine. If your dog isn't introduced to nail clippers at a young age or regularly visiting the groomer, touching their paws and nails will be an unfamiliar experience. Some dogs might also associate nail trimming with a negative experience, which can lead to anxiety and fear.

How to fix it: If you want to cut your dog's nails at home, slowly introducing nail clippers can make the experience more relaxing. First, get your dog comfortable with having their paws and nails touched by you and rewarding this behaviour. You can then introduce the nail clippers and let your pup get used to seeing them or just putting the clippers next to, or on, their paws. Provide positive reinforcement with treats and praise as you do this.

You can even try snipping dry pieces of pasta and following with a reward so your dog gets used to the sound of the nail being cut. It's important to take a lot of care when trimming your dog's nails to avoid cutting the very sensitive living quick that runs through the core of their nails.

If your dog is still hesitant after continuous training, seek the advice of a professional groomer or veterinarian who will be well-trained in trimming nails quickly and efficiently. You can also try training with a scratchboard (essentially a large nail file for dogs) or having more regular walks on concrete or pavement to increase the time between trims.

Licking your face

Explanation: Whilst a little lick on your cheek every once in a while is usually quite sweet and is often your dog's way of showing affection and bonding with you, over-enthusiastic licking of your face and mouth can be gross, knowing where your dog's mouth and tongue have been!

Other reasons your dog might like licking your face include getting your attention, trying to groom you or even as a sign of submission. The most common reason is your dog's highly developed sense of taste - our skin is salty and tastes great to our pooches!

How to fix it: If you want your dog to respect your personal boundaries (and hygiene!), practice redirecting their attention to a toy or treat when they try to lick your face. You can also practice the "off" command. It's important to be patient when teaching your dog any command but positive reinforcement and consistency will reduce the face licking in no time.

Having to bribe them to do anything!

Explanation: Using food, treats and toys as rewards every time you give your dog a command can feel like you constantly have to bribe them, but truthfully, offering rewards is just a great method of training and reinforcing positive or good behaviour. It can also help build your dog's confidence and trust in you as an owner.

How to fix it: Dogs are highly motivated by rewards, but these don't have to be tangible. Some dogs are motivated by verbal and physical praise from their owners, like cuddles and scratches, whereas others will be over the moon just going on a walk with their human best friend. Working dogs may also find the opportunity to engage in activities like herding or retrieving as rewards too.

So, while it may seem like you're constantly bribing, remember that understanding what motivates your dog is one of the most effective ways to train them and build your relationship.

Having so many toys, but still rather chewing cardboard

Explanation: There are a few reasons why your dog would rather chew cardboard than play with their toys. If your pup has regular access to their toys, an object like a cardboard box will be much more interesting to explore than toys they may be more familiar with. The texture may also appeal to their chewing instincts, especially with teething puppies.

Chewing any cardboard they can get their paws on can also signify boredom and indicate that your dog needs more mental stimulation.

How to fix it: If you find it's happening often, try enrichment activities like playing with them, walking, or a quick training session. Some pups may also chew on objects as a way to cope with anxiety and stress.

While chewing on plain cardboard is fine, you must ensure your dog is not ingesting large pieces, as this can cause blockages in their digestive system. To minimise any cardboard chewing habits, I'd recommend not giving your dog constant access to their toys, e.g. a toy basket, and instead bringing different toys out daily for a playing session before storing them away to keep them new and interesting objects for your dog to explore and play with you.

You can also give them other safe and appropriate chews like antlers, buffalo horns and ostrich bones - just be sure to monitor chewing at all times. If your dog consistently chews non-food items like cardboard, it's a good idea to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Begging every time you eat

Explanation: All dogs are interested in human food for the exact same reasons as us - smell and taste! Their olfactory receptors are, after all, a thousand times more sensitive than ours, so it's no wonder they're prone to salivating and staring at you with longing eyes every time you sit down to eat.

However, food fixation is often an issue caused by us as owners by reinforcing the behaviour. If we offer our dog too many "human treats" or allow them to beg in the kitchen or at the dinner table and then reinforce this behaviour by giving them a piece of food, they learn that begging is a behaviour that gets them what they want, which can lead to bad habits. Your dog may also learn that begging for food is a behaviour that gets your attention.

How to fix it: If you can't resist the puppy-dog eyes, try establishing clear boundaries around feeding by creating separation, like sending them to their bed. If your dog is crate trained, this is also a good way to create boundaries around meal times. Training them to go to a designated spot during your meal times and rewarding this will eventually teach your pup that begging is not rewarded, but being in their designated spot is.

Be sure to ignore all begging behaviour and not give in by feeding them scraps or human food while cooking or eating. Be consistent and patient with your training - eventually, your dog will learn to respect your space while you enjoy your meals!

Being lazy

When talking about laziness in relation to dogs, we first have to be sure that any low energy levels are not any underlying health or behavioural issues. If you notice a sudden change in your dog's energy or behaviour, always consult with a veterinarian first to rule out any health problems like obesity, arthritis or other chronic conditions.

Explanation: In healthy dogs, laziness can be down to a few different factors like breed, age, and even temperament. Just like humans, some dogs are naturally more laid-back than others. Breeds like Great Danes, Bulldogs and Basset Hounds are also known for being more laid-back and less active than other breeds, and for some dogs, as they age, you'll find they like to spend more time resting.

How to fix it: However, it's important to ensure your dog isn't becoming lazy due to lifestyle or environment. Dogs need exercise and mental stimulation - if they don't get enough of this, they may become lazy and uninterested. Equally, dogs that are kept in smaller living spaces or don't have access to outdoor spaces and activities may also become bored and, as a result, less active.

If you think your dog is a little on the lazy side, be sure to keep up the exercise with walking, jogging and games of fetch. You can also adjust the environment, so if you walk in the same park throughout the week, try switching up the route on the weekend to allow your pup to explore new environments and keep them mentally stimulated and engaged. Mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, scatter feeding, obedience training and hiding treats will also help challenge their minds and keep them engaged.

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Dogs

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Dog behaviour

Five Tips to Stop Your Dog Misbehaving This Christmas

Jessica Curtis — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Christmas is a magical time for the whole family but it can so often become a somewhat manic time full of novelty, changes of routine, fireworks and endless visits from friends and family.

While we enjoy this as just a part of the festive season, for our dogs this can be a bewildering time full of potential stress and anxiety where their predictable world changes - and their behaviour suffers as a result.

That's why, with the help of Tails.com behaviourist Carolyn Menteith, we have shared five tips to help manage your dog's behaviour over the festive season, so that Christmas remains a fun and enjoyable holiday for you and your four-legged friend.

Keep their routine as normal as possible

"Christmas can completely change not only your own routine but your dog's routine as well, so despite the festivities, it's important to try and keep as many things as predictable as possible, to help your dog feel more secure and settled.

Dogs find comfort in a predictable routine, and so keeping meal times, exercise and other activities on the same schedule as usual, despite all the commotion, is the key to having a happy pup this Christmas.

Although our canine companions are able to adjust their routine over time such as when the clocks go back, sudden changes, coupled with all the unusual sights, sounds and novel experiences Christmas brings, can cause dogs to feel stressed, worried or anxious.

If everything else in their life is as usual and predictable, they are far more likely to be able to deal with the unusual."

Give them a safe space retreat away from house guests

"Christmas often sees visitors to your house that your dog might not know - and might not feel comfortable with. Even dogs that love being around new people can become overwhelmed by too much attention, too much noise or just too much environmental stimulation. Which can lead to unwanted behaviours. Therefore, it is important to provide a safe space away from the busy festivities that will give them a chance to relax.

Make sure that your dog can access this area whenever they please, as well as have the option to join the party again when they are feeling more comfortable. Feeling like they are locked away from you and other people in your household could lead to anxiety, stress or frustration.

Make sure you make this sanctuary comfortable, with a supply of fresh water and home comforts including blankets and safe toys that will help them feel comfortable and fully relaxed."

3. Pay them plenty of attention

"With parties in full swing, it is easy to get caught up in conversations or festive games with friends and family, but that doesn't mean that your furry friend should be forgotten about.

Don't forget that your dog is part of the family too, so take time away from your guests to spend time with your dog - whether taking them out for a walk, playing games, or just relaxing together.

When your dog is in a party mood, keep an eye on them all the time to make sure they are happy with your guests - and that your guests are behaving appropriately towards them. If games are getting too rough or your dog looks overwhelmed, encourage them to go back to their safe space."

4. Make sure they get enough exercise

"Making sure that your dog gets enough exercise on Christmas Day and over the festive period is important in keeping them calm and relaxed - as nothing makes for a crazy Christmas canine as too much energy and frustration.

Not only is taking your dog for a walk a great way to interact with them and have fun but the fresh air and ability to run around will also help keep their bodies and minds stimulated, which means they are more likely to stay calm around guests and take all the novelty of Christmas in their stride.

And don't forget, an extra walk, for all the family on Boxing Day, is a great way to walk off all the excesses of Christmas Day!"

5. Home alone at Christmas time

Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean you are off the hook as a dog owner.

If you are going to be out of the house for longer than usual for parties or family visits, make sure you think about your dog. If they are unused to being left or worry about being 'home alone', try and find a friend or family member who can stay with them - or at least pop in to take them out and give them some company.

If they do suffer from separation-related issues, it might be better to host people at your house, as adding the stress of being left into the Christmas mix can just be all too much for your dog and their behaviour can suffer as a result."

6. All I want for Christmas...

"While it is tempting to buy your dog a whole host of Christmas presents, it is important to remember that what is important to your dog is you. Make sure you make this sanctuary comfortable, with a supply of fresh water and home comforts including blankets and safe toys (ideally ones you can stuff with a food treat) so they feel happy and relaxed."

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Dogs

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Dogs at Christmas

Dog behaviour

Tips to stop your dog misbehaving