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Castration is the same surgical procedure as neutering or sterilization where both testes are removed. In technical terms it is referred to as an orchidectomy and is a minor operation carried out only by a qualified veterinarian, under general anaesthetic, under strict aseptic conditions. The basic principle of this technique is to remove 99% of […]
The Behavioural Effects and Health Benefits of Castrating Dogs Read More »
The conflict between two rival bitches meets all the definitions that this term, bitchiness, describes which is being “bad-tempered” or “spiteful”. Although this word does not exist in the Oxford dictionary it is used as a household, sometimes derogatory, term in human society and would be anthropomorphic in its true definition if referred to as
Bitchiness (Rivalry between female dogs is very serious business!) Read More »
From the experiences and perspectives of reputable canine obedience instructors, animal behaviourists and veterinary ethologists one of the most difficult messages to communicate to dog owners as a basic rule of human-canine interaction is to do nothing! The inherent inability for people to learn to do nothing is a clear indication that most humans do
Much Ado About Nothing Read More »
In this category one considers rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and hamsters which parents often bestow upon children as a foundation and grooming in the pet-owning responsibilities department. These creatures are mostly regarded in nature as prey and as vermin or laboratory animals in human society. However, these relatively inexpensive lagomorphs and rodents make the
Often a situation arises where a dog owning family or single pet person decides to introduce a friend for companionship. Reasons may include the readiness of the person in charge to acquire a second responsibility; sometimes a child reaches an age when he/she wants a companion animal of their own; when some people are more
Introducing a second dog to a single dog household Read More »
Any dog that jumps up at people is regarded as having bad manners, is a downright irritation and has never been recognized by its owner as a public nuisance. In most cases the individual dog has the inherent propensity to jump which is then reinforced by the human attention, whether it is encouragement or rejection,
Dogs That Jump Up At People Read More »
Bite inhibition is a very modern term, used initially in veterinary behaviour circles, for a learnt or inherent ability in a pup to bite an opponent without inflicting damage. The opponent may be another animal or a human. It is natural, normal and necessary for dogs to bite, even from the time their teeth erupt.
It will always remain a sensitive personal and social issue when dogs are found loitering around, begging or eating at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table. As recent as five decades ago it was almost unheard of to encounter animals in the house unless it was a caged bird, reptile or a fish in a
Dogs Eating and Begging at the Table Read More »
Mutt myths and feline fables abound in society. Are urban legends so mysterious and anthropomorphic that they are accepted as gospel above scientific proof? It seems so easy for people to believe nonsense above common sense, imagination above natural evidence, lay people above professionals. Some of the more common myths need to be shared with
When a subject such as heat-related stress is raised, concerning companion animals, one has to specify and confirm that the heat referred to is by no means the attractiveness of a bitch in season, or oestrus, towards the dog. The heat alluded to in this article is related to the exposure of the pet dog
Heat-related stress with pet dogs Read More »