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Tongues in the animal kingdom mean a lot more than they do to you or I. Dogs are perpetual lickers, whether it’s using their wet instrument on themselves or on others. The question is, what’s causing this behavior: what does it mean, and how should you respond to it – if at all? Let’s unpack the intention behind those licks and get to the bottom of a commonly asked question: why do dogs lick so often? Reason number one: It’s a natural way of showing affection… Read More

It’s natural as a pet owner to look at your dog behaving strangely and to automatically freak out. Whether he’s obsessively chasing his tail or hoarding your possessions, there seems to be no rational explanation for the behavior, and yet he does it time and time again. Well the good news is that you’re not alone: dogs far and wide have acted like this since time immemorial, and with a firm hand and a few of the following pointers in mind, you should be able to counteract the behavior in no time at all. Read More

Dogs bark. Of course they do. Everyone knows that the yap or howl or cry is one of the main ways a dog talks to its owner and communicates to the world. By that token, the occasional woof is perfectly normal.  But a dog that barks incessantly can cause the neighbors consternation and can prove a deterrent to visitors. The animal is using vocal language to communicate a problem, and is controlling the home, unintentionally or other otherwise.  As the owner, you’re in charge, and here are some ways… Read More

If you own a dog, you’ve no doubt fallen into the same trap as everyone else. You’ve looked at your beloved pet and thought: you’re an extension of me; you think the same way, you see things the same way, you want the same things. It’s human nature to attribute our feelings and wants and needs to a companion that’s so often beside us. But while dogs are quite capable of making us happy, they tend to have a very different way of assessing the world. And as for those thoughts… Read More

A hyperactive dog can be a real headache. Whether he’s digging holes in the yard and burying your valuables, making a noise or jumping up at you and guests, you’ll want to curb this sort of behavior ASAP. The good news is that, with the right approach, it’s entirely possible to put a lid on it. Tip #1: Ignore it Hyperactivity is often a bargaining tactic. Your dog is saying: “I’ll keep making a ruckus until you acknowledge I’m here and give me some attention.” So do the… Read More

Aggression is a common problem dog owners face, and it’s a reality every owner dreads. Certain breeds are more passive than others, but even the most good-natured litter occasionally produces a dog that growls more than it wags its tail.   The good news is that professional help is everywhere you look, and if your dog is displaying repeated antisocial or aggressive behavior you need to enlist the services of a proper trainer immediately.   Taking him into public when he’s improperly conditioned is dangerous to others. Moving objects, like a runner going… Read More

If history is to be believed, thousands of years ago early humans bred gray wolves. Over time, these wolves were domesticated, fed and selectively bred. Slowly but surely they lost their wild tendencies and inherited different physical characteristics too. A slow evolution had occurred, and with it came an animal perfectly suited to people. Welcome to the dog we know and love today. Thanks to its historical connection to us, our pet is more like us than you might think. Dogs can read facial expressions There’s arguably no animal on the planet… Read More

Morbid as it might be, every owner has to front up to the fact that their dog won’t live forever. A single dog year is roughly equal to seven human years, but like humans, life expectancy varies depending on the dog and the breed. With that in mind, let’s take at the longest-living breeds followed by the shortest-living members of the doggy kingdom. Read until the end, because we’ve got some pointers on keeping your dog as fit and healthy as can be. Longest living Jack Russell Terrier… Read More

Looking to exude calm, show assertiveness and teach your dog all the right habits? We’ve got the lowdown on some common problems – and some handy solutions – right here. How to: guard against rowdiness Getting home from work to find the dog has chewed the carpets and is scrabbling over the floorboards to jump up at you? That’s a sure sign he isn’t getting enough exercise. Make sure you ignore him until he has calmed down. Don’t make eye contact and don’t… Read More

Myths – they enter the public’s consciousness and live on, doggedly persisting (excuse the pun) no matter how much our understanding of the animal kingdom improves. Some of these legends come from a good place, and on the surface, you might even think they’re true. But many of them, like the idea that chocolate can be given to dogs in moderation, is just plain dangerous. Here we debunk a few of the misconceptions you’ll have seen doing the rounds. At the same time, we offer a more balanced picture of the facts. Read More