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Behavior & Training + English

  • A dog's ability to smell is far more advanced than ours. Dogs use their keen sense of smell, along with a visual assessment, to provide vital information about a new canine acquaintance. The way dogs sniff rear ends can set the foundation of their relationship. Dogs also have a good scent memory that can identify other dogs they have not seen for years.

  • Dogs tilt their heads so they can see and hear better when looking straight ahead. Different breeds may act differently based on ear and face shape. Sometimes a head tilt may be a sign of a medical problem, especially if it is persistent or not associated with a given audible cue.

  • Dog ancestors turned around before bedtime for their health or protection. These innate habits remain to this day, but if your dog seems to be doing it excessively, it could be a sign of underlying medical problems, such as arthritis or neurological disorders. Contact your veterinarian if your dog appears to have difficulty settling down.

  • Punishment is not recommended as a training or behavior management tool for pets. It can cause fear, frustration, and even aggression. Using punishment can seriously damage a pet’s relationship with people. Training should focus on teaching desirable behaviors rather than on simply stopping undesirable ones. When pets exhibit undesirable behaviors, it is important to determine and address the underlying reason for the behavior.

  • The Wire Fox Terrier could be the canine incarnation of an anti-depressant. This merry little chap lives to play and likes nothing better than to make some mischief. And while he is on the smallish side, he has got the courage and tenacity of dogs twice his size.

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffons demonstrate love and loyalty to family, making the breed a good companion for active owners. Although calm in the house when given plenty of exercise, the breed has a sense of humor and might drag underwear through the house just as the minister comes calling.

  • As a hairless type, these dogs are good for some allergy sufferers – but meet the dog and find out for sure before you commit. They bond so strongly that they can't be rehomed easily, so you need to be in it for the long-haul.

  • The beautiful, feisty Yorkie acts more like a tough terrier than a delicate toy breed. Despite the luxurious, shiny coat, the Yorkie has a working-class attitude, a fondness for chasing small animals, a big-dog bark, and super-sized self-confidence.