The home of Dr Platzhund
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 …
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, …
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. …
Puppy socialization classes has been in the media and on the lips of everyone involved in canine activities for over two decades. While those pet owners who fail to socialize, let alone train, their dogs live their lives expounding excuses for their animals’ unruly, unpredictable and unsociable behaviour – and they will, out of sheer …
Dogs live in a linear hierarchy system similar to army rankings or the human caste system of certain cultures. Dogs are, instinctively, not adapted to the democratic approach meted out by most pet owners. Doting animal lovers feel that all their dogs should be treated equally because “shame” why pat the one and not the …
There is one characteristic that prevails with canine aggression and that is people lack the knowledge and ability to communicate effectively with dogs. The constant miscommunication is unfortunate considering that man has lived alongside their canine companions for more than twelve thousand years. Although humans are regarded having superior intellect, this concept falls completely by …
What Dog Owners Do to Make Their Pets Aggressive Read More »