Virtual Pet Behaviorist

The following articles contain possible solutions to the behavior issues you and your pet may be dealing with.

All Dog Articles

Solutions		Related Keywords
Adopting a Puppy Mill Dog If you’ve adopted a dog who came from a puppy mill, congratulations! Y...		Puppy mill, adopt, commercial breeder...
Adopting a Puppy Mill Dog If you’ve adopted a dog who came from a puppy mill, congratulations! You’ve given her a new lease on life. Read More...		Puppy mill, adopt, commercial breeder, undersocialized, under-socialized, unsocialized, shy, timid, nervous, anxious, terrified, scared, fearful, afraid, hides, afraid of leash, afraid of going outside
Adopting a Shelter Dog Shelters have lovable dogs and cats of all shapes, sizes and ages...		adopting, adopt, shelter...
Adopting a Shelter Dog Shelters have lovable dogs and cats of all shapes, sizes and ages. Your chances of finding a wonderful companion who matches your lifestyle and family are excellent! About 25% of shelter dogs are purebred. Read More...		adopting, adopt, shelter, dog
Aggression in Dogs Aggression is the most common and most serious behavior problem in dog...		Aggressive, aggression...
Aggression in Dogs Aggression is the most common and most serious behavior problem in dogs. It’s also the number-one reason why pet parents seek professional help from behaviorists, trainers and veterinarians. Read More...		Aggressive, aggression, mean, bites, attacks, snarls, growls, lunges, vicious, shows teeth, dangerous, Fights, doesn’t get along, doesn’t like, hates, guards, lunges, upset, Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Barking Barking is one of many forms of vocal communication for dogs...		Barks, yaps, vocalizes...
Barking Barking is one of many forms of vocal communication for dogs. People are often pleased that their dog barks, because it alerts them to the approach of people to their home or it tells them there’s something that the dog wants or needs. Read More...		Barks, yaps, vocalizes, alarm barks, territorial, doorbell, excited, attention, barks in backyard, barks at people, teach to be quiet, hush, bark collar, shock collar, citronella collar, Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Bathing Your Dog Most dogs don’t mind getting and staying dirty...		Bathe, bath, wash, grooming...
Bathing Your Dog Most dogs don’t mind getting and staying dirty. In fact, many seem thrilled to find stinky stuff to roll in—like dead animals. Most pet parents, on the other hand, would rather not share their lives with smelly or dirt-encrusted dogs. Read More...		Bathe, bath, wash, grooming, shampoo, tub, dirty
Begging at the Table What happens when you walk into a house and encounter the delicious ar...		Begging, begs, people food...
Begging at the Table What happens when you walk into a house and encounter the delicious aroma of your favorite home-cooked meal or freshly baked cookies? You probably gravitate toward the kitchen without even thinking about it, especially if you’re hungry. Read More...		Begging, begs, people food, table scraps, barks, whines, drools, attention, handouts
Behavior Problems in Older Dogs The Effects of Aging As they age, our dogs often suffer a decline in ...		Old dog, older dog, elderly...
Behavior Problems in Older Dogs The Effects of Aging As they age, our dogs often suffer a decline in functioning. Their memory, their ability to learn, their awareness and their senses of sight and hearing can all deteriorate. Read More...		Old dog, older dog, elderly, geriatric, senior, seems confused, forgets, clingy, restless, overdependent, aloof, lethargic, slow, stares, snaps, paces, wanders, licks, barks, howls, whines, eats more, eats less, awake at night, anxious, separation anxiety, irritable, house soiling, urinates, defecates, pees, poops, eliminates, incontinent, destructive, fearful, cognitive dysfunction, aggressive, compulsive, Pissing, taking a piss, pisses, Shitting, taking a shit, shits
Behavioral Medications for Dogs Over the last two decades, the role of the domestic dog has undergone ...		Medication, medicine, drugs...
Behavioral Medications for Dogs Over the last two decades, the role of the domestic dog has undergone significant change. Read More...		Medication, medicine, drugs, psychotropic, therapy, drug therapy, treatment, Clomicalm, Prozac, Reconcile, amitriptyline, benzodiazepine, tricyclic antidepressant, TCA, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, SSRI, sedate, sedative, tranquilizer, anxiety, fear
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Why It’s Important Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t just about fresh...		Brush, brushing, teeth...
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Why It’s Important Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t just about fresh breath. It’s an essential part of good oral care, and good oral care is important to your dog’s overall health. Read More...		Brush, brushing, teeth, toothbrush, toothpaste, bad breath
Canine Body Language Dogs are very expressive animals...		Body language, dominant...
Canine Body Language Dogs are very expressive animals. They communicate when they’re feeling happy, sad, nervous, fearful and angry, and they use their faces and bodies to convey much of this information. Read More...		Body language, dominant, submissive, afraid, aggressive, nervous, anxious, fearful, postures, appearance, pictures, diagrams, drawings, interpretation, interpret
Charging Through Doors Dogs try to charge through doors for a variety of reasons...		Runs out the door, door dashing...
Charging Through Doors Dogs try to charge through doors for a variety of reasons. Some do it because they’re afraid to remain inside. Others charge at doors because they want to escape so they can play, roam around their neighborhoods or explore their environments. Read More...		Runs out the door, door dashing, runs away, gets out, charges through the door, bolts
Choosing a Puppy from a Litter Introduction These guidelines are intended to help you evaluate puppi...		New puppy, breeder, shelter...
Choosing a Puppy from a Litter Introduction These guidelines are intended to help you evaluate puppies between 6 and 12 weeks old. They should help you to select a puppy who shows good potential for developing into a suitable pet dog. Read More...		New puppy, breeder, shelter, temperament test, adopt, pick out, choose, litter
Choosing a Shelter Dog Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist...		Choosing a shelter dog, select...
Choosing a Shelter Dog Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist. We do not currently have a solution completed for this behavior question. Please fill out the form below to request help from our behaviorists.. Read More...		Choosing a shelter dog, select, pick, puppy, litter
Choosing Playmates for Your Dog Just like us, dogs are social animals, and many enjoy spending time wi...		Friend, good match, playmate...
Choosing Playmates for Your Dog Just like us, dogs are social animals, and many enjoy spending time with each other. Read More...		Friend, good match, playmate, dog play, dog park, playdates, daycare
Clicker Training Your Pet What Is Clicker Training? Clicker training is a method of animal tra...		Clicker, training, positive reinforcement...
Clicker Training Your Pet What Is Clicker Training? Clicker training is a method of animal training that uses a sound—a click—to tell an animal when he does something right. Read More...		Clicker, training, positive reinforcement, reward-based training, trick training, positive training, Karen Pryor, bridge, clicker classes
Compulsive Behavior in Dogs The word “compulsive” describes the repetitive, irresistible urge to p...		Spins, paces, chases tail...
Compulsive Behavior in Dogs The word “compulsive” describes the repetitive, irresistible urge to perform a behavior. A dog who displays compulsive behavior repeatedly performs one or more behaviors over and over, to the extent that it interferes with his normal life. Read More...		Spins, paces, chases tail, obsessed, licks, licks paws, licks objects, licks the floor, chews, scratches, sucks, chases shadows, chases light, barks, drinks water, fabric sucking, flank sucking, fly snapping, toy fixation, can’t stop, OCD, compulsive, repetitive, stereotypy, stereotypical behavior, compulsive disorder, pica, lick granuloma, acral lick dermatitis
Coprophagia (Eating Feces) The act of dogs consuming their own or other animals’ feces is known a...		Coprophagia, eats poo, eats poop...
Coprophagia (Eating Feces) The act of dogs consuming their own or other animals’ feces is known as coprophagia. Although it’s not known exactly why it occurs, coprophagia is a normal behavior in many species, including dogs. Read More...		Coprophagia, eats poo, eats poop, eats feces, eats own mess, stop eating poop, keep my dog from eating poop
Counter Surfing and Garbage Raiding Dogs are naturally curious and love to get into everything...		Steals food, raids garbage can...
Counter Surfing and Garbage Raiding Dogs are naturally curious and love to get into everything. Dogs also love food, especially the food they see us eat. So it’s not surprising that pet parents often have problems keeping dogs from “counter surfing” and raiding the trash. Read More...		Steals food, raids garbage can, gets into garbage, eats garbage, jumps up on the counter, jumps up on the table, countersurfing, Snappy Trainer, sneaks food, kitchen, trash, garbage, eating trash, rubbish
Daycare for Dogs Dog daycare providers can help you meet your dog’s needs for attention...		Daycare, day care, play with other dogs...
Daycare for Dogs Dog daycare providers can help you meet your dog’s needs for attention, activity and supervision. Read More...		Daycare, day care, play with other dogs, playdates, play dates, dog friends, playtime, socialize, socialization
Desensitization and Counterconditioning Systematic desensitization and counterconditioning are two common trea...		Desensitization, desensitize...
Desensitization and Counterconditioning Systematic desensitization and counterconditioning are two common treatments for fears, anxiety, phobias and aggression—basically any behavior problem that involves arousal or emotional reaction. Read More...		Desensitization, desensitize, countercondition, counterconditioning, counter-condition, counter-conditioning, D & C, SDCC, DSCC, systematic, training, treatment, fear, anxiety, aggression
Destructive Chewing It’s normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore th...		Chews, destroys, destructive...
Destructive Chewing It’s normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore the world. Chewing accomplishes a number of things for a dog. For young dogs, it’s a way to relieve pain that might be caused by incoming teeth. Read More...		Chews, destroys, destructive, tears up, teething, gnaws, ruined, Furniture, shoes, eats
Digging Some wild dog relatives, like foxes and wolves, dig dens to raise thei...		Digs, claws, dirt, scratches...
Digging Some wild dog relatives, like foxes and wolves, dig dens to raise their young. Sleeping in a den protects the young pups from extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) and from predators. Read More...		Digs, claws, dirt, scratches, Buries
Dog Bite Prevention According to a survey conducted in 1994 by the Centers for Disease Con...		Dog bites, prevention, safety...
Dog Bite Prevention According to a survey conducted in 1994 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 2% of the U.S. population—about 4.7 million people—are bitten by a dog each year. Read More...		Dog bites, prevention, safety, aggression, Fights, doesn’t get along, doesn’t like, hates
Dog Parks Dog parks are becoming more popular all across the United States...		Dog park, play with other dogs...
Dog Parks Dog parks are becoming more popular all across the United States. They range in size and design but all share the same purpose: to provide a place where dogs can run freely off-leash and socialize with other dogs. Read More...		Dog park, play with other dogs, dog friends, socialize, socialization, playtime, playdates, play dates
Dogs Chasing Bicycles, Skateboards and Other Moving Things Many dogs like to chase really fast-moving things, including people on...		Chases, lunges, wheels...
Dogs Chasing Bicycles, Skateboards and Other Moving Things Many dogs like to chase really fast-moving things, including people on bicycles, tricycles, recumbents, inline skates, toboggans and skateboards. Read More...		Chases, lunges, wheels, skateboards, rollerblades, in-line skates, bicycles, bikes, scooters, fast
Dogs Chasing Cars Some dogs like to chase fast-moving things, including motor vehicles...		Chases, runs into the road...
Dogs Chasing Cars Some dogs like to chase fast-moving things, including motor vehicles. They see a car moving in the distance, and they simply have to give chase. Read More...		Chases, runs into the road, vehicles, cars, trucks, lunges
Dogs Chasing Cats Dogs chase cats for two reasons. Some want to play with cats...		Chases, tries to catch cats...
Dogs Chasing Cats Dogs chase cats for two reasons. Some want to play with cats. Others perceive cats as prey and will harm a cat if they catch her. A predatory dog obviously poses a more serious problem, but even a playful dog can seriously harm a cat. Read More...		Chases, tries to catch cats, tries to kill cats, attacks cats, hunts cats, scares cat, goes after cat, bothers cat, predatory behavior, predation, lunges
Dogs Chasing Children Dogs who chase children need to be assessed by an experienced Certifie...		Chases, children, kids...
Dogs Chasing Children Dogs who chase children need to be assessed by an experienced Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or certified behaviorist. Please see our article, Finding Professional Help, to locate one of these qualified professionals in your area. Read More...		Chases, children, kids, nips, herds, goes after children, runs after children, lunges, Kids, kid, child, children, son, daughter, grandchildren, grandkids, niece, nephew, baby, toddler
Dogs Chasing Runners Most runners can recount a scary incident involving a dog charging out...		Chases, goes after runners...
Dogs Chasing Runners Most runners can recount a scary incident involving a dog charging out of a yard at them or chasing them down on the street. While most dogs don’t bother with people running, some dogs will chase runners if given the opportunity. Read More...		Chases, goes after runners, lunges, runners, joggers
Dogs Chasing Wildlife Predatory behavior in dogs is normal...		Chases, hunts, kills animals...
Dogs Chasing Wildlife Predatory behavior in dogs is normal. Most dogs will chase animals who move quickly. However, unless we use our dogs to control vermin, move livestock or aid us as hunting companions, predatory behavior is usually undesirable. Read More...		Chases, hunts, kills animals, squirrels, rabbits, bunnies, wildlife, deer, predatory, predation
Dogs Who Are Hand Shy Many dogs love to be petted and actively seek attention from everyone ...		Hand shy, handshy, shies away from hands...
Dogs Who Are Hand Shy Many dogs love to be petted and actively seek attention from everyone they see. When you reach to pet them, they lean into your touch, move their bodies to permit better access to their favorite spots and paw at you to solicit more contact. Read More...		Hand shy, handshy, shies away from hands, ducks away, won’t let people pet, doesn’t like hands, doesn’t like reaching, afraid of hands, abused, cowers, growls, hides, bites, snaps, nips, aggressive, Nervous
Dogs Who Are Reactive on Leash Many dogs lunge and bark at other dogs when on-leash, a behavior that ...		Leash reactivity, aggressive on leash...
Dogs Who Are Reactive on Leash Many dogs lunge and bark at other dogs when on-leash, a behavior that trainers call “leash reactivity.” There are a number of reasons why dogs develop this problem. Read More...		Leash reactivity, aggressive on leash, barking, lunging, restraint, barrier, frustration, Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Dogs Who Are Sensitive to Handling Most dogs enjoy being touched by people...		Afraid of being touched, afraid of handling...
Dogs Who Are Sensitive to Handling Most dogs enjoy being touched by people. They love being patted, stroked, scratched and rubbed. Sadly, some dogs are not so comfortable with touch. They react with fear or aggression. Read More...		Afraid of being touched, afraid of handling, scared of handling/touching, doesn’t like touching, ears, eyes, feet, medicate, medication, can’t handle, can’t touch, nervous, frightened, anxious, hides, runs away, aggressive, snaps, bites, growls, abused
Enriching Your Dog's Life Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for behavior problems...		Bored, enrich, enrichment...
Enriching Your Dog's Life Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for behavior problems in dogs. This makes sense because they’re meant to lead active lives. Wild dogs spend about 80% of their waking hours hunting and scavenging for food. Read More...		Bored, enrich, enrichment, food puzzle toys, food dispensing toys, things to do, fun, games, activities, home alone, KONG, outlets, jobs, occupied, chews, destroys things, hyper, energy, training, dog sports, no free lunch, NFL, nothing in life is free, overweight
Escaping from the Yard Dogs are naturally territorial and like to patrol familiar areas...		Jumps fence, escapes, digs out...
Escaping from the Yard Dogs are naturally territorial and like to patrol familiar areas. For many, a trot around the edges of the yard, a walk or a trip to the park satisfies the urge to check out known places. Read More...		Jumps fence, escapes, digs out, digs under fence, gets out, breaks out, sneaks out, runs away, roams, afraid, fearful, containment, confine, electronic fence, Getting loose, gets loose
Exercise for Dogs Dogs are born to work for a living...		Overweight, bored, exercise...
Exercise for Dogs Dogs are born to work for a living. They’ve worked alongside us for thousands of years, and most are bred for a particular purpose, like hunting, herding livestock or providing protection. Read More...		Overweight, bored, exercise, play, activities, aerobic, running, swimming, jogging, biking, inline skating, rollerblading, off-leash, sports, Hyper, hyperactive, crazy, wild
Fear of Children Some dogs fear children and look frightened or upset whenever they see...		Afraid, frightened, scared...
Fear of Children Some dogs fear children and look frightened or upset whenever they see a child. Signs of fear include a lowered body or hunched back, a tucked or lowered tail, flattened ears, averted eyes, lip licking, whining, panting, trembling and urinating. Read More...		Afraid, frightened, scared, terrified, nervous, anxious, skittish, shy, fearful, children, kids, barks, growls, attacks, lunges, snaps, aggressive, avoids, hides, hates children, runs away, undersocialized, under-socialized, abused, Kids, kid, child, children, son, daughter, grandchildren, grandkids, niece, nephew, baby, toddler , Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Fear of Nail Trimming Trimming nails is an important part of routine care for your dog...		Afraid of nail trimming, afraid of nail clipping...
Fear of Nail Trimming Trimming nails is an important part of routine care for your dog. Although not all dogs need their nails trimmed because they wear them down naturally, almost all dogs need their dewclaws trimmed. Read More...		Afraid of nail trimming, afraid to get nails trimmed, afraid of nail clipping, can’t clip nails, won’t let me clip nails, clippers, trimmers, grooming, guillotine
Fear of Noises Canine noise fear or phobia is diagnosed when a dog shows fearful beha...		Afraid, scared, startles...
Fear of Noises Canine noise fear or phobia is diagnosed when a dog shows fearful behavior—panting, whining, salivating, avoidance or frantic attempts to escape—specifically in reaction to a noise. Read More...		Afraid, scared, startles, hides, runs away, noises, sounds, thunderstorm phobia, firecrackers, fireworks, gunshots, rifle, skittish, sound sensitive, Nervous, Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Fear of Objects Sometimes dogs develop a fear of objects...		Afraid, frightened, scared...
Fear of Objects Sometimes dogs develop a fear of objects. A dog might develop a fear of one specific thing or seem fearful around a number of objects. Some dogs only fear objects of a certain size, shape or color. Read More...		Afraid, frightened, scared, terrified, nervous, anxious, skittish, things, objects, new things, beach balls, umbrellas, hats, skateboards, unfamiliar, novel, runs away, hides, fearful, barks, growls, attacks, aggressive, stubborn, Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Fear of Other Animals Some dogs are afraid of other animals...		Afraid, frightented, scared...
Fear of Other Animals Some dogs are afraid of other animals. All animals may trigger a dog’s fear, or only certain species, or only unknown individuals of a certain species. Dogs respond to fear in different ways. Read More...		Afraid, frightented, scared, terrified, nervous, anxious, skittish, fearful, other animals, cats, dogs, horses, livestock, barks, growls, attacks, lunges, snaps, aggressive, hates other animals, hides, runs away, Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Fear of People Like we do, dogs sometimes react fearfully to certain people...		Afraid, frightened, scared...
Fear of People Like we do, dogs sometimes react fearfully to certain people. A dog is particularly likely to fear a specific person if that person looks different in some way than the people the dog already knows. Read More...		Afraid, frightened, scared, terrified, nervous, anxious, skittish, shy, fearful, people, new people, unfamiliar people, strangers, visitors, barks, growls, bites, lunges, attacks, snaps, avoids, runs away, hides, hates people, undersocialized, under-socialized, abused, Doesn’t like, Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Fear of Riding in Cars Most dogs are thrilled at the prospect of a ride in the car...		Cars, afraid, nervous...
Fear of Riding in Cars Most dogs are thrilled at the prospect of a ride in the car. Read More...		Cars, afraid, nervous, fearful, shakes, trembles, pants, won’t ride in car, hates the car
Fear of Specific Places Sometimes dogs fear specific places...		Afraid, frightened, scared...
Fear of Specific Places Sometimes dogs fear specific places. A dog might develop fearful behavior in a particular location because something upsetting or painful happened to him there in the past. Read More...		Afraid, frightened, scared, terrified, nervous, anxious, skittish, fearful, vet, veterinarian, clinic, places, locations, environments, unfamiliar, new, loud, hates to go, trembles, hides, pants, shakes, cowers , Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Fear of the Veterinary Clinic It’s not surprising that dogs often develop a fear of visits to the ve...		Veterinary clinic, vet’s office...
Fear of the Veterinary Clinic It’s not surprising that dogs often develop a fear of visits to the veterinary clinic. Few people are keen to go for their annual physical either, but at least they can understand the need for it. Read More...		Veterinary clinic, vet’s office, vet clinic, veterinarian, fearful, afraid, trembles, hides, shakes, hates the vet clinic, afraid of the vet, scared of the vet, afraid when examined, growls at the vet, Nervous, Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Food Guarding Introduction Guarding possessions from humans or other animals is nor...		Guards food, protects food...
Food Guarding Introduction Guarding possessions from humans or other animals is normal behavior for dogs. Read More...		Guards food, protects food, protective of food, aggressive around food, guards bowl, guards dish, food bowl, dinner, growls, lunges, bites, snarls, shows teeth, Possessive
Foods That Are Hazardous to Dogs Most dogs love food, and they’re especially attracted to what they see...		Dangerous food, toxic food...
Foods That Are Hazardous to Dogs Most dogs love food, and they’re especially attracted to what they see us eating. While sharing the occasional tidbit with your dog is fine, it’s important to be aware that some foods can be very dangerous to dogs. Read More...		Dangerous food, toxic food, poisonous food, eats, avocado, chocolate, caffeine, bread dough, ethanol, alcohol, beer, grapes, raisins, hops, macadamia nuts, mold, moldy food, onions, garlic, xylitol, chewing gum
Giving Your Dog a Pill Some dogs will eat anything and everything—including their medications...		Give dog a pill, medicate dog...
Giving Your Dog a Pill Some dogs will eat anything and everything—including their medications. However, most dogs are reluctant to gobble down pills and capsules, especially if they’re large or require chewing or smell bad to them. Read More...		Give dog a pill, medicate dog, pilling dog, medicine, pills, drugs, prescription, tablet, capsule, swallow
Grooming Your Dog Good grooming habits are essential to the health and comfort of your d...		Bathing, grooming, brushing...
Grooming Your Dog Good grooming habits are essential to the health and comfort of your dog. Grooming requires time and effort, but setting a consistent schedule can make it easier for you and will make your dog’s life happier. Read More...		Bathing, grooming, brushing, nail trimming, nail clipping, parasites, heartworm preventative, clean, dirty, groomer
House Training Your Adult Dog Some adolescent or adult dogs (over six months of age) urinate or defe...		Pees, poops, defecates...
House Training Your Adult Dog Some adolescent or adult dogs (over six months of age) urinate or defecate inside the house. House soiling can occur in any location of a home, but sometimes pet parents will notice that their dog soils more in certain locations. Read More...		Pees, poops, defecates, eliminates, urinates, goes, housetraining, housebreaking, potty, mess, mistake, accident, house soiling, indoors, inside, on the floor, adult dog, adopted dog, Pissing, taking a piss, pisses, Shitting, taking a shit, shits
House Training Your Puppy Puppies need to be house trained in order to understand that it’s not ...		Housetraining, housebreaking...
House Training Your Puppy Puppies need to be house trained in order to understand that it’s not okay to eliminate in your house. Read More...		Housetraining, housebreaking, house soiling, mess, accident, mistake, puppy training, potty, pees, poops, defecates, urinates, eliminates, inside, indoors, on the floor, new puppy, puppy, Pissing, taking a piss, pisses, Shitting, taking a shit, shits
House Training Your Puppy Mill Dog Congratulations! You’ve taken the wonderful step of providing a home f...		Puppy mill, commercial breeder...
House Training Your Puppy Mill Dog Congratulations! You’ve taken the wonderful step of providing a home for a dog who’s been rescued from a puppy mill. At these large-scale commercial dog-breeding facilities, profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Read More...		Puppy mill, commercial breeder, house training, housetraining, housebreaking, house breaking, pees, poops, defecates, eliminates, urinates, goes, potty, mess, mistake, accident, house soiling, indoors, inside, on the floor, in crate, in cage
How to Create a Digging Pit for Your Dog Digging is a natural and common behavior in dogs...		Digs, digging pit, digging box...
How to Create a Digging Pit for Your Dog Digging is a natural and common behavior in dogs. The dog’s wild ancestor, the wolf, and many of his closest relatives still dig dens to raise their young or to escape heat or cold. Read More...		Digs, digging pit, digging box, sandbox, Buries
How to Stuff a KONG Toy What’s a KONG? The KONG is a nontoxic, dishwasher-safe rubber toy wit...		KONG, recipes, food puzzle toys...
How to Stuff a KONG Toy What’s a KONG? The KONG is a nontoxic, dishwasher-safe rubber toy with a hollow center. When stuffed with food, it provides dogs with a healthy outlet for their natural desire to chew and lick. Read More...		KONG, recipes, food puzzle toys, food dispensing toys, puzzle toys, stuffing, enrichment, work for food
How Will Neutering Change My Dog? You’ll gain medical and behavioral benefits by having your male dog ne...		Spay, neuter, altered...
How Will Neutering Change My Dog? You’ll gain medical and behavioral benefits by having your male dog neutered. Read More...		Spay, neuter, altered, fix, get fixed, calm down, hyper, first heat, health benefits, health risks
How Will Spaying Change My Dog? Spay surgery can be behaviorally and medically beneficial for your dog...		Neuter, fix, get fixed...
How Will Spaying Change My Dog? Spay surgery can be behaviorally and medically beneficial for your dog. In addition, if you spay your pet, you'll avoid unwanted puppies and help control pet overpopulation. Read More...		Neuter, fix, get fixed, altered, castrated, roaming, calm down, hyper, marking, health benefits, health risks, inter-male aggression
Howling Howling is one of many forms of vocal communication used by dogs...		Howls, cries, yowls, sirens...
Howling Howling is one of many forms of vocal communication used by dogs. Dogs howl to attract attention, to make contact with others and to announce their presence. Read More...		Howls, cries, yowls, sirens, vocalizes, lonely
Impulse Control Training and Games for Dogs In human psychology, impulse control refers to people’s ability to del...		Teaching manners, impulse control...
Impulse Control Training and Games for Dogs In human psychology, impulse control refers to people’s ability to delay gratification or resist their immediate desires, impulses or temptations that could harm them or others. In short, impulse control means self-control or self-restraint. Read More...		Teaching manners, impulse control, control, polite, hyper, excited, stay, wait, fetch, off, leave it, watch, settle, settle down, training, games, Crazy, hyperactive, wild
Introducing Your Dog to a Head Halter If your dog pulls on leash, a head halter, like the Gentle Leader®, ca...		Head halter, gentle leader...
Introducing Your Dog to a Head Halter If your dog pulls on leash, a head halter, like the Gentle Leader®, can make outings a walk in the park! Head halters for dogs work a lot like halters for horses. A head halter fits around your dog’s snout, enabling you to control her head. Read More...		Head halter, gentle leader, halti, walking equipment, pulls on leash, lead, tugs on leash
Introducing Your Dog to a New Cat Many dogs and cats get along very well, especially if they’ve grown up...		New cat, adopted cat, introducing...
Introducing Your Dog to a New Cat Many dogs and cats get along very well, especially if they’ve grown up with each other or have prior experience living with the other species. Read More...		New cat, adopted cat, introducing, bringing home, playmate, roommate, brother, sister, meet, friends, dogs and cats
Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog As of 2007–2008, there were nearly 75 million pet dogs in the United S...		New dog, meeting, introducing...
Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog As of 2007–2008, there were nearly 75 million pet dogs in the United States, living in nearly 45 million U.S. homes. Although the majority of dog guardians (63%) own just one dog, 25% own two, and 12% own three or more. Read More...		New dog, meeting, introducing, bringing home, friend, playmate, roommate, adopted dog, brother, sister, Get along, Dog
Introducing Your Dog to Your Horse Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist...		New, introduce, dog, horse...
Introducing Your Dog to Your Horse Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist. We do not currently have a solution completed for this behavior question. Please fill out the form below to request help from our behaviorists.. Read More...		New, introduce, dog, horse, interact, meet
Is Your Dog Dominant? Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist...		Dominant, aggressive, alpha...
Is Your Dog Dominant? Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist. We do not currently have a solution completed for this behavior question. Please fill out the form below to request help from our behaviorists.. Read More...		Dominant, aggressive, alpha, leader, Top dog, boss, dominate, submit, submissive, pushy
Living with Small Dogs To their fans, small dogs are adorable, compact, cuddly, transportable...		toy dog, tiny, safe...
Living with Small Dogs To their fans, small dogs are adorable, compact, cuddly, transportable, economical pets with winsome faces and lots of personality. They’re popular with city residents, apartment dwellers and those who don’t have a lot of living space. Read More...		Tips for small dog parents, toy dog, tiny, safe
Medical Causes of House Soiling in Dogs House soiling, or inappropriate urination or defecation, is a common p...		Housetraining, house soiling...
Medical Causes of House Soiling in Dogs House soiling, or inappropriate urination or defecation, is a common problem in dogs. While in many cases house soiling is due to a behavioral problem, sometimes medical issues are to blame. Read More...		Housetraining, house soiling, housebreaking, urinary tract infection, bladder infection, accidents, mistakes, pees, poops, incontinence, Urinating, urinates, defecates, eliminates, Pissing, taking a piss, pisses, Shitting, taking a shit, shits
Mounting and Masturbation Mounting, thrusting (humping) and masturbation are normal behaviors ex...		Humps, masturbates, licks...
Mounting and Masturbation Mounting, thrusting (humping) and masturbation are normal behaviors exhibited by most dogs. Dogs masturbate in various ways. They mount and thrust against other animals, people and objects, such as wadded-up blankets, dog beds and toys. Read More...		Humps, masturbates, licks, rubs, mounts, sex, sexual behavior, thrusting, blankets, bed, humps people, humps leg, compulsive behavior, play, dominance
Mouthing, Nipping and Play Biting in Adult Dogs Most pet parents don’t enjoy dogs who bite, chew and mouth their hands...		Mouths, mouthy, mouths on...
Mouthing, Nipping and Play Biting in Adult Dogs Most pet parents don’t enjoy dogs who bite, chew and mouth their hands, limbs or clothing during play and interaction. Read More...		Mouths, mouthy, mouths on, bites hands/arms/clothes, plays rough, nips, aggressive when playing, play bites
Neophobia (Fear of New Things) Neophobia is fear or avoidance of new things...		Afraid of new things, new people...
Neophobia (Fear of New Things) Neophobia is fear or avoidance of new things. Neophobic dogs show fearful behavior in new environments or around unfamiliar objects or animals they’ve never seen. Read More...		Afraid of new things, new people, new objects, new places, unfamiliar, nervous, scared, shy, skittish, anxious, shakes, pants, quivers, trembles, runs away, avoids, hides, fearful, Goes crazy, goes nuts, freaks out
Pica (Eating Things That Aren't Food) The consumption of nonfood items is a disorder called pica...		Eats things, eats objects...
Pica (Eating Things That Aren't Food) The consumption of nonfood items is a disorder called pica. Although pica can be a sign that a dog’s diet is lacking in some nutrient, when pica occurs in puppies and young dogs the most common culprit is boredom. Read More...		Eats things, eats objects, eats rocks, soil, dirt, grass, eats things that aren’t food, nonfood items, inedible, eats trash, steals, consumes, compulsive, Swallows
Predatory Behavior in Dogs In their evolutionary past, dogs were predators...		Kills animals, chases animals...
Predatory Behavior in Dogs In their evolutionary past, dogs were predators. This may be a disturbing realization to pet parents, but almost every dog has a natural tendency toward some predatory behavior. Read More...		Kills animals, chases animals, preys on, predatory behavior, hunts, predation, cats, rabbits, bunnies, squirrels, deer, livestock
Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist...		Preparing dog for baby, infant...
Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist. We do not currently have a solution completed for this behavior question. Please fill out the form below to request help from our behaviorists. . Read More...		Preparing dog for baby, infant, child, newborn, kid, pregnant, get ready for a baby
Puppy Mouthing Puppies spend a great deal of time playing, chewing and investigating ...		Teething, bites, nips...
Puppy Mouthing Puppies spend a great deal of time playing, chewing and investigating objects. All of these normal activities involve puppies using their mouths and their needle-sharp teeth. Read More...		Teething, bites, nips, plays rough, play bites, chews, hands, clothes, feet, arms, fingers, mouths, mouthy
Re-homing Your Dog Your dog is a part of your family, and making the decision to give her...		Rehome, relinquish, sign over...
Re-homing Your Dog Your dog is a part of your family, and making the decision to give her up can be heartbreaking. But sometimes, because of financial reasons, lifestyle changes or specific pet behavior problems, it’s the best decision for everyone. Read More...		Rehome, relinquish, sign over, surrender, give up, get rid of
Road Trips with Your Dog Vacations are a lot more fun if you share them with your best friend! ...
Road Trips with Your Dog Vacations are a lot more fun if you share them with your best friend! If you plan to take your dog with you, careful planning and safety precautions will make travel more enjoyable for both of you. Read More...
Safety in the Great Outdoors Many dog parents love outdoor adventures with their canine companions...
Safety in the Great Outdoors Many dog parents love outdoor adventures with their canine companions. Dogs’ eager appreciation of nature’s sights, smells and sounds is contagious! But as any seasoned outdoor adventurer knows, it’s important to stay safe while you’re having fun. Read More...
Separation Anxiety One of the most common complaints of pet parents is that their dogs ar...		Hates to be left alone, lonely...
Separation Anxiety One of the most common complaints of pet parents is that their dogs are disruptive or destructive when left alone. Their dogs might urinate, defecate, bark, howl, chew, dig or try to escape. Read More...		Hates to be left alone, lonely, afraid to be alone, follows, barks, whines, howls, cries, uraintes, defecates, pees inside, poops inside, freaks out, destroys, drools, trembles, hides, nervous, anxious, scratches, chews, digs, tries to escape, paces, door, windows, blinds, bites crate, destroys crate, Goes crazy, goes nuts
Socializing Your Puppy What Is Socialization? Socialization means learning to be part of so...		New puppy, socialization...
Socializing Your Puppy What Is Socialization? Socialization means learning to be part of society. Read More...		New puppy, socialization, socialize, meet people, meet animals, handling, outings, puppy training, introduce
Submissive Urination Submissive urination is normal canine communication...		Urinates, pees, pees on shoes...
Submissive Urination Submissive urination is normal canine communication. Dogs do it to show social appeasement. When a dog submissively urinates, he’s trying to convey that he’s not a threat. Not all dogs submissively urinate. Read More...		Urinates, pees, pees on shoes, squats, submissive, excitement, excited, rolls over, dribbles, tinkles, sprinkles , Pissing, taking a piss, pisses
Teaching Dog Not to Pull on Leash Dogs have to be taught to walk nicely on leash...		Pulls, yanks, drags me...
Teaching Dog Not to Pull on Leash Dogs have to be taught to walk nicely on leash. They’re not born knowing that they shouldn’t pull ahead or lag behind. Teaching leash manners can be challenging because dogs move faster than us and are excited about exploring outdoors. Read More...		Pulls, yanks, drags me, pulls on leash, lags behind, control, out of control, walks, walk politely, leash training, heel
Teaching Your Dog How to Behave Around Children Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist...		Hyper, out of control, aggressive...
Teaching Your Dog How to Behave Around Children Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist. We do not currently have a solution completed for this behavior question. Please fill out the form below to request help from our behaviorists.. Read More...		Hyper, out of control, aggressive, jumps up, biting, scratching, Kids, kid, child, children, son, daughter, grandchildren, grandkids, niece, nephew, baby, toddler, Children, child, kids, nipping, chasing, knocking over
Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump Up on People Puppies and dogs naturally jump up on people when they say hello...		Jumps up, jumps up on people...
Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump Up on People Puppies and dogs naturally jump up on people when they say hello. Why? Because we’re taller than they are! When dogs meet, they sniff each other’s faces. Read More...		Jumps up, jumps up on people, jumps on people, jumps up to greet, knocks people over, rowdy behavior, unruly behavior, puts paws on people, rude
Teaching Your Dog to "Leave It" “Leave it” is a phrase that you can use when you want your dog to leav...		Off, leave it, drop it...
Teaching Your Dog to "Leave It" “Leave it” is a phrase that you can use when you want your dog to leave something alone. Read More...		Off, leave it, drop it, steals, snatches, picks up, takes, trash
Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called Teaching your dog to come to you when you call her (also known as the ...		Come when called, listen...
Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called Teaching your dog to come to you when you call her (also known as the recall) is the most important lesson you can teach her. A dog who responds quickly and consistently when you call her can enjoy freedoms that other dogs cannot. Read More...		Come when called, listen, dog won’t come, recall, runs away, ignores
Teaching Your Dog to Do a U-Turn During on-leash walks with their pet parents, some dogs stay quiet and...		U-turn, turn around, aggression...
Teaching Your Dog to Do a U-Turn During on-leash walks with their pet parents, some dogs stay quiet and calm, seemingly oblivious to the world’s many sights and sounds. However, other dogs get excited or upset when they encounter people, other animals or even moving objects. Read More...		U-turn, turn around, aggression, walk, on leash
Teaching Your Dog to Eliminate in a Specific Place Some people want to teach their dogs to eliminate in a specific spot o...		Housetraining, house soiling...
Teaching Your Dog to Eliminate in a Specific Place Some people want to teach their dogs to eliminate in a specific spot outside rather than eliminating anywhere and everywhere. Read More...		Housetraining, house soiling, housebreaking, grass, flowers, plants, pee, poop, eliminate, urinate, defecates, backyard, specific place, specific area, Pissing, taking a piss, pisses, Shitting, taking a shit, shits
Teaching Your Dog to Hand Target Hand targeting—teaching your dog to touch her nose to your outstretche...		Hand target, touch hand...
Teaching Your Dog to Hand Target Hand targeting—teaching your dog to touch her nose to your outstretched hand—is a fun, easy training project, and it proves useful in a variety of situations. Read More...		Hand target, touch hand, pet, handshy
Teaching Your Dog to Lie Down If you want a well-mannered dog, teaching him to lie down on command, ...		Lie, down, lay down, settle...
Teaching Your Dog to Lie Down If you want a well-mannered dog, teaching him to lie down on command, or cue, is a must. This useful skill can help your dog control his impulses and help you control your dog. Read More...		Lie, down, lay down, settle, lure, train,
Teaching Your Dog to Play Fetch Playing fetch is a great way to have fun with your dog and exercise hi...		Fetch, ball, Frisbee...
Teaching Your Dog to Play Fetch Playing fetch is a great way to have fun with your dog and exercise him at the same time. If you’re lucky, your dog plays fetch naturally, but few dogs intrinsically understand the concept of retrieving. Read More...