Shock collars (also called bark collars) are a form of punishment and work by remotely delivering an electric shock to the neck. They do cause some pain, which can vary depending upon the intensity of the shock given. While this shock may not cause physical harm, it can cause psychological damage to a dog when used incorrectly, as it relies on very precise timing to deliver the punishment effectively.
Shock collars differ in the strength of shock they deliver and …
Training to reduce excitement barking takes patience and a calm approach. Dogs that bark due to excitement are easily aroused, and the owner may inadvertently stimulate more barking rather than less barking. Here are some simple steps to reduce excitement barking.
Are you looking for an animal behaviorist or animal trainer? Finding one who is certified by a professional organization for animal behaviorists or animal trainers is a step you can take toward locating the right one to meet your needs. These organizations offer opportunities for animal training/behavior professionals to work together and share information, and they set specific qualifications required to receive certification and join.
This article provides an explanation of the training or education required for certification by specific …
Mounting (also known as “humping” or “hunching”) is a normal behavior in both male and female dogs. While it is part of sexual behavior, it does not always occur in a sexual situation. It is common in play between puppies, establishing dominance, as a stress reliever when a dog is excited or over-stimulated, or as an attention-seeking behavior. If this is a new behavior for your dog, you will want to ask your veterinarian to check that no underlying medical …
When dogs bark out of fear, the result can be barking that is loud, incessant and extremely frustrating to humans within earshot. A fearful dog will often run away, turn and bark, and then approach, run away again, and turn and face what he is afraid of. The barking continues and his body language often shows fear as he crouches and tries to appear small.
It is normal for a dog to bark out of fear occasionally and you may …
Almost all dogs bark, but barking that is excessive, becomes chronic, or disrupts the neighborhood can be a problem. Controlling barking takes a serious commitment on the part of a dog owner, and not all situations have a completely positive outcome. However, with some careful training, most dogs can be taught to control their barking well enough for everyone to live in harmony.
Dogs often bark simply because barking is fun. They are social creatures that communicate through barking. …
Dogs often bark out of frustration or boredom when left alone for long periods or when they are kept in a confined area with little stimulation. They may also bark out of frustration when they can’t get to something they want, such as a crafty squirrel or a dog in the next yard or kennel run. Unfortunately, barking is usually just the beginning of a dog expressing its frustration. If the situation isn’t rectified, a frustrated dog can become destructive …
Every puppy should have a collar to wear on its first day home. Collars can save a dog’s life by helping owners keep the dog from wandering into traffic or other dangers, and they can be a ticket home when a dog is lost by providing owner contact information on a tag attached to the collar. There are many collar options available to dog owners and it is helpful to know the benefits and perhaps even the dangers of the …
Crating dogs is a practice that can sometimes raise eyebrows. Individuals who do not understand the natural instincts of dogs might think that owners are subjecting the dog to a cruel or, at least, unnatural situation. However, dogs like to create dens and, when left to their own devices, will often seek out small, dark areas to sleep in. They might even dig out burrows in the owner’s yard. In addition, dogs are a crepuscular animal, which means they are …
There are special considerations when selecting the type of guard animal for goats. The first is how much care you want to provide that animal. Dogs are the most commonly used guard animals but they need special feeding. Donkeys and llamas can consume what the goats eat but will require other care to remain healthy, including foot trimming and shearing of the llamas. Llamas also can suffer from the same parasites as the goats, so they will need treatment for …
