Signs Your Dog Is Mad at You

Signs Your Dog Is Mad at You 

No, they won’t slam doors or yell at you, but there are definite indicators that your pooch is angry with you. Read on to find out what they are.

1. Her ears show she is unimpressed

When a dog’s ears are hanging back, along with a lowered head, closed mouth, and tight lips, it can mean she’s mad at you, says April Olshavsky, American Kennel Club dog evaluator, trainer, and behavioral consultant. “Body language is the only way dogs can communicate with us,” she explains. “By studying your dog’s body language, you can learn a lot about her emotions.” The remedy? Some serious belly rubs and ear scratches. “Chances are, your dog will forget whatever it is you did to upset her with just a few minutes of TLC,” she says. Don’t miss these 19 things your dog really wishes she could tell you.

2. He’s got a case of the yawns

Contrary to what you might think, big yawns don’t mean your dog is bored with your corny jokes— it’s actually a sign that he is getting stressed, upset, and agitated, says Sara Taylor CPDT-KA, spcaLA director of animal behavior and training. It’s important to pay attention to this signal and immediately remove your dog from the situation he is not coping well with, she says. By the way, smiling at your pup is one sure way to make him happy, too. 

3. She keeps licking her lips when 

there’s no food nearby

Dogs may show that they’re mad or in distress by licking their nose and lips repeatedly, Taylor says. This is especially true if there’s no drool-worthy food nearby to get their saliva flowing from hunger. One situation she sees this happen a lot is when dogs are being hugged by children or strangers. The solution is simple. “Stop any restraining or hugging,” she says.

4. He won’t look you in the eye

If a person refused to meet their gaze and turned their back on you, you’d get the message that they were angry loud and clear. It’s the same with dogs, says Erin Askeland, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, dog training and behavior expert at Camp Bow Wow. “A dog who is happy and comfortable will likely be willing to make eye contact with his owner and seek out their attention whereas a dog who is angry or upset may avoid this type of interaction and move away from their owner, leave the room, or even sleep in a different area,” she says.  How to fix this? Offer calm, quiet time together to help you and your dog relax, say reading a book or listening to soft music, she says. Don’t miss these superpowers dogs have that prove they’re cooler than humans.

5. She absolutely refuses to sit and stay

Think your dog knows what you want her to do and is refusing in a fit of pique? You may be right. When dogs know cues well, they respond to them, so if your dog suddenly stops responding to a normal cue, that could be an indication that she is upset by something in her environment or by you, Askeland says. Before you get upset too, take a moment and check yourself. Are you feeling stressed, angry, frantic, upset, or sad? Your feelings can influence your dog’s, she says. “Take measures to calm yourself down and this will help your dog feel more comfortable and get back to your loving relationship,” she says.

6. His back goes rigid and his body is stiff

“When a dog is really, really upset he’ll often go rigid, his body stiff, hard and unmoving,” says Melissa McGrath-McCue CPDT-KA, pet behaviorist and author of Considerations for the City Dog. “It’s almost as if he’s saying ‘take one more step, I dare you!’” If you see this combined with flattened ears and wide, alarmed eyes, you need to stay away and step back as your dog is feeling really stressed, mad, and even threatened, she says. Give him his space or he may feel like he has to defend it which can, in some cases, lead to biting, she adds. Smaller dogs may be more susceptible than larger ones to feeling trapped; that’s just one of the many benefits big dogs offer.

7. His tail is tucked and still

If your pup is in a crouching pose with his tail tucked between his legs, he might be taking your criticism more personally than you’d thought. This posture shows he’s guarded on the defensive. “Dogs, like humans, are emotional creatures,” Olshavsky says. “If you’ve scolded them, or spoke sternly, they can pout like a teenager.” If you see him backed up like this, lower your voice and talk softly and soothingly. “This will re-establish your bond together and will reinforce the trust your dog had in you,” she says.

8. The whites of her eyes are showing

Let’s be honest, it’s never a great sign when the whites of any animal’s eyes are showing. Whether she’s showing fear, confusion, disgust, illness, or anger, widening of the eyes indicates a high state of alertness and you’d best pay attention. Why she’s upset may be more of a mystery. “It could be something as simple as you’ve forgotten to feed them,” Olshavsky says. To fix this, try giving her a snack. Hangry is a real thing for dogs too. Be sure to know these signs of cancer in dogs.

9. He is cowering behind the sofa

Most people associate cowering and hiding with fear and while that can definitely be true, fear is also closely linked to anger in dogs, Taylor says. “Cowering indicates a high level of stress,” she explains. “If your dog is also trying to hide and get away this means your dog is overwhelmed.” Your job as a responsible pet owner is to then remove him from the situation before he gets more overwhelmed and acts out. You’ll know it’s working when you see these signs your dog really trusts you.

10. She lets out a primal growl

“Growling is an obvious but frequently misunderstood sign,” Taylor says, adding that it shows your dog is very uncomfortable and upset. “It is often used as a warning for the purposes of making something stop. For example, he may growl if you’re trying to move your dog from his comfortable bed for late night potty time by using her collar or when a stranger approaches your dog and tries to pet her,” she adds. Resist the urge to yell at or otherwise punish your dog for growling as that damages trust, doesn’t teach your dog appropriate behavior, and can often worsen aggressive behavior, she says. Find out the other 13 surprising things you didn’t know about your dog.

11. He goes into beast mode

Just like your roommate who counted out your M&Ms from the communal bag, dogs place a high emphasis on fairness. “Dogs get mad if they have been treated unfairly, and may act instantaneously with bursts of rage,” Olshavsky says. What this looks like may be different for each dog but you’ll know it when you see it. The solution is simple: More exercise. “Dogs need to get that energy out in some way and a daily walk is the perfect way to do it,” she says. Find out the 50 secrets your pet can’t tell you.

12. She tells you — loudly

Think dogs don’t have a voice? Then you’ve never seen a puppy kenneled. They may not be able to use words but they can vocalize their displeasure. Whimpering is the canine version of whining, Olshavsky says, and it’s every bit as grating as the human kind. To cut down on whining, set aside a few minutes each day just to play and work on tricks, she says. Give her your attention when she’s not whining and she’ll learn that whimpering/whining doesn’t work.

13. He groans like an old man with kids on his lawn

Yes, some dogs actually groan in frustration when they don’t get their way, Olshavsky says. “Some dogs are quick to do this, while others reserve it for times when they are especially upset,” she explains. A major cause of groaning? Getting locked in their crate, outside, or somewhere else far away from their beloved humans. It’s fine to banish your dog during certain times or from certain areas but make sure you’re giving him plenty of regular time with you every day. You could enjoy these funny dog videos and have a good laugh together.

14. She pees in your shoes

“Dogs can definitely be spiteful when they are mad,” Olshavsky says. “The dog wants you to know you’ve upset him so he will do something he knows will get a reaction out of you.” This means finding whatever you love—your new shoes, your favorite couch pillows, your hidden treats—and destroying them, leaving the mangled evidence as proof of their anger. Instead of returning with anger yourself, make sure your pup has plenty of stimulating toys she can chew on whenever she feels that destructive urge, she adds. In the meantime, use one of these 17 genius cleaners to get pet urine out of your carpet.

15. He stays just out of arm’s reach

Don’t expect an angry, “Bad human! Go!” but dogs do have plenty of ways of telling you to keep your distance because they are not happy with you right now. This can mean he darts away from you or it can also be a hard stare, flattened ears, paw lift, sharp barks, or a raised tail among other signs, Askeland says. “Dogs are typically good at indicating when they are unhappy and want you to go away, so it’s important to pay attention to these signs,” she says. Instead of chasing him down, let him cool down and come to you when he’s ready. “Don’t force any interaction on your dog if they are upset with you,” she says. Read on for smart strategies for keeping your pup happy while you’re at work.

Source: Written by Charlotte Hilton Andersen 

Dangers in Your Backyard

Dangers in Your Backyard

By now we all know the dangers the heat can pose on our pets, but there are other dangers in your own backyard you need to be aware of. When someone mentions dangers in your yard, your mind may wander to other dogs, snakes and bees or wasps (have you ever seen what a wasp or bee sting can do to your dog's face?), but there are other dangers you should be aware of. When we talk about the dangers lurking in your yard, please be aware that we're talking about human dangers, animal dangers, toxins and other types of dangers. You need to be aware of these and how prevent or fix them since your pet looks at you to keep them safe just as much as they would do anything to protect you. 

Human Dangers

There are more people in and out of your backyard than you probably realize. Utility companies have to have access to different meters and boxes in your yard. Gas, water, electric, cable, and phone are the most common and they can come into your yard for various reasons. Power lines down in your yard? Electric company needs in there. Neighbor get new cable? Cable guy may need to put that cable across your yard which means he's going to have to come back and bury it later. Then you have the people that come in your yard regularly. The kid that mows your grass every Wednesday, the poolboy, or the gardener. These people are dangers simply because they are in your yard and can leave a gate open. These people are also dangers because your pets don't actually know them; they just know they're there every week. Dognappers are another very real danger. Dognappers are usually looking for purebreds they can sell, dogs they use for breeding, or dogs they can use for fighting or as bait dogs. Lastly, there's the "someone else's" that pose a danger. The "someone else's" are the people in the neighborhood, family, and friends. Neighbors are a danger because they can show up in your yard unexpectedly, like the kids hit a ball into your yard and they've now come to get it. 

Animal Dangers

Dogs are always the first thing to pop into people's minds when they think of other animals getting into their yard. And let's not forget snakes. There's been numerous dogs bitten by snakes either out of curiosity or protecting their humans. But let's think on a much larger scale here. Coyotes are all over the country no matter where you live and they've been known to attack smaller dogs and cats. Then you have the coyotes that have actually started to breed with wolves in certain parts of the country, making them more aggressive, bigger, and attacking more than just those smaller dogs and cats. While we're talking about certain areas of the US, you've got bears and large cats like mountain lions or cougars and jaguars. Deer, opossum, and raccoons can even been dangerous if your curious pet decides to go nosing around and mess with them. A panicked deer that starts kicking and headbutting your dog or rabid raccoon or opossum bite can be horrific for your pet. 

Other Dangers

These are those toxins and the dangers your dog creates for himself. Maybe you have a digger or a jumper. Or a chewer or an acrobat! We've all seen the videos on Facebook and YouTube of the dogs using the swingsets and trashcans to take a running jump onto and then almost fly to the fence and use the fence to propel themselves right over it. Then you have those dogs who can jump just like a deer or gazelle and clear a six foot fence without even thinking about it. Lastly, there's those pups who know that no matter what they try, they are not getting over that fence so they just go right under or threw it. They either dig their way under or just eat the fence until there's a hole big enough to go through. Toxins are another big issue for pets. Dogs like to chew on almost any and everything. Keep all chemicals, yard fertilizers, and bug sprays put away in the garage. Plants can also be toxic to pets. There's a long list of toxic plants to dogs and cats and it's best to just not have them in your yard. 

How to Prevent Dangers

Ways to deter these dangers are to keep an eye on your pets any time they're in your yard. Don't leave them alone in the yard. Walk your fence line and fix any broken areas to your fence to keep unwanted guests out and your pet in. Make sure you don't leave your pet's bowls outside. If you have a grill, clean it after using it and make sure all trashcans are sealed tightly. If you have a garden, pick your fruit and veggies as soon as they are ripe and keep a fence around them. Don't put anything sweet smelling or meat in your compost. Barbed wire or an electric wire run across the top of your fence and chicken wire run up to two feet under ground will help keep animals from going over and under your fence. Another great option is coyote rollers on the top of your fence, for those dogs who like to climb and jump out. You can also post "Beware of Dog"signs to keep people from coming into your yard. This will make them think twice about going int your yard without coming to your door first. 

Snake Bites and How to Protect Your Pet

Snakes 

Pets are curious creatures and like to explore.  They will find all of the little creatures that they think are fun to play with and sometimes that can lead to trouble for them.  One risk they find is dangerous creatures to bother that can bite or sting them.   One big risk in our area is snakes, especially copperheads and rattlesnakes. 

What does it do? 

The vaccine works by generating protective antibodies against the rattlesnake venom. It helps your dog by making them experience less pain and have a reduced risk of permanent injury from the bites.  It is important to know that while this helps your pet you need to still get your fur baby to the vet as soon as possible to be checked out.  

Help! My Puppy is Chewing Everything!

New Puppy

Yay! Congratulations on your new puppy!  It's so exciting bringing home a new bundle of joy.  You're so excited, tons of cute puppy selfies and cuddles! Awesome! And now they're chewing your favorite pair of shoes...and the children's toys...and your phone cord...and your hands... What do you do now?!

Stop the Chew

First, keep your stuff picked up.  If you don't want it chewed, remember this is a baby and just like you baby proof for a baby, you need to puppy proof too.  Then give your pup appropriate things to chew.  Give them DOG toys.  Don't get them that old sneaker to chew up, it will only confuse them.  Make sure to spend lots of time with your puppy, they won't learn if they are always alone.  Give them tons of exercise and make sure they have great toys to play with.  You can also get a chewing deterrent to spray on your furniture to make it taste bad for your dog.  Make sure that if your pup grabs something they aren't to have do not chase after them.  Call them and offer a treat when they come instead.  By chasing you're creating a game.  

How to Make Easter Safe for Pets

How to Make Easter Safe for Pets

Watch the grass.  No not the real grass outside, we're talking about that pretty but annoying "grass" that many people stuff in Easter Baskets.  Pets love to play and chew on it and it's not good for them, and it's terrible to clean up! 

Keep the candy up! Chocolate and candies like gum containing xylitol are toxic to your fur babies. 

Easter Lilies are pretty!  But they are also toxic to your cats.

Skip those "treats" for your pets from the table.  Many of the things in our food will cause stomach problems you will seriously regret for your pets.  

Count those eggs!  You don't want your pet getting either fake or real eggs.  Spoiled eggs will cause some really not-fun stomach issues and those plastic eggs can harm your pet's intestines. 

Keep the toys for the kids.  Watch your pets carefully to make sure they don't think your kiddos new doll or toy truck is a new fun toy for them to chew on.  Kids toys aren't made to hold up to dog teeth.

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Your dog's mouth health can lead to other health problems with them just like it can for humans.  Making sure that your pet's mouth is clean and free of plaque will lead to a healthy pet. 

A Step-by-Step Guide

1.  Find a calm time when your dog can be relaxed.

2. Make sure that you go to your local pet store to get a pet toothbrush.

3. Test out how your dog will react to having their gums and teeth touched before sticking the toothbrush in there. Praise for tolerance! 

4. Introduce the toothbrush by touching it into their mouth before you start the scrub. 

5. Let your pup get a small taste of the toothpaste from your finger.

6. Put toothpaste on the brush and start brushing the top teeth first, front to back. Make sure to praise your pup. 

7. Move to the bottom, front to back.

8. Tons of praise!  If your pup tolerated this well give them treats and make sure they are well rewarded.  After your pup is used to their teeth being brushed start removing treats during the process. 

Watch this video for a visual guild! 

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy - Part 2. Potty Training

Potty Training

No one wants to clean up doggy puddles...or worse.  So how do you make sure that your sweet new puppy won't be leaving you unpleasant gifts?  You potty train them!  

Key Points

Control your puppy's diet.  Make sure you have scheduled feedings and keep the schedule consistent.  Make sure you have regular trips outside, exercise, and feeding times.  Giving your new puppy lots of exercise will also help to keep your puppy's super energy under control and keep them from other bad behaviors.  Use positive reinforcements during outside time.  When your puppy goes potty outside make sure to reward them for it, a ton of praise and love is perfectly fine for this reward, it doesn't have to be food related.  

Techniques 

Crate Training

Teaching your new pup to love their crate is a very beneficial lesson that will help you both out throughout their life.  Dogs naturally love being in a den and creating a space for them will actually be a comfort.  Dogs will also not soil the place that they are sleeping as long as their crate is the right size.  If your crate is too small your puppy won't be comfortable, but too large they can use a corner for their waste and still be comfortable in another area.  Make sure your dog can stand up, lay down, and turn around.   When your puppy starts whining and showing signs they need to go potty take them out right away. 

Puppy pads

These can be confusing for your new puppy, but in some cases such as a very small dog being home for long periods of time while you're at work.  They can be used to teach a puppy to only use the bathroom in this one approved spot and then as they mature they can be trained to only go outside when their body is able. 

Scheduling 

A tiny pup cannot go long after eating or drinking before going potty.  Having a schedule where they go outside first thing in the morning, after each meal, after drinking,  after crate time, after a nap, after chewing on their toys or bones, after spending time playing, and right before bedtime. 

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy - Part 1. Behavior

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy

A puppy is such a sweet little additon to your family!  Much like children there is a lot of work that comes with having a puppy in your home.  You may have some chewed up toys, shoes, furniture. You might have a few puddles in your home you wish you didn't.  The key to a happy realationship with your new puppy is training.  

Behavior

The first thing to teach your puppy is to come on command.  Using a rewards system teach your puppy Come _____.  Good boy/girl!  Using rewards and positivity to will enforce this lession and become extremely usful as your puppy grows.  

Stop those jump ups early.  When your puppy jumps at you simply ingore him/her.  Do not praise or pick up your puppy for this behavoir.  When your puppy calms down and stops jumping praise them and go down to their level for a nice rewarding cuddle.  

Move quickly.  Puppies won't remember their behavior in 2 minutes from now, you cannot wait to correct bad behavior.  Such as if your pup is on the couch and this is not allowed, immediately remove them, don't let it go for a bit, immediately take action.  

To stop biting and nipping act like you're in great pain.  This will surprise your puppy and usually stop this behavior.  If it does not work, or you prefer, trade your hands with a chewing toy.  

Start immediate training to help your puppy not become food aggressive.  This is extremely important if you have children.  While a puppy is eating doing small things such as stepping towards their food quickly and rewarding no reaction by dropping in a treat, or rolling a toy close by and again rewarding the pup for continuing their meal calmly, gently touches, nudges, and pets should also be trained.  If your puppy becomes threatening by growly, freezing, or snapping at you make sure to stop and try again later.  If you cannot get through any meals without your puppy becoming aggressive consult with a professional. 

What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird

What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird

Do you love birds?  If you're thinking of adding a bird to your family there are several things to consider before adopting a winged friend into your home. 

1. Many types of birds are very messy, loud, and destructive.  Be prepared for birds to be vocalizing, dropping food and waste that may land outside their cage, and chew through things.  Birds chew and shred wood and they can easily make it through toys, curtains, power cords, paper, curtains, and your furniture. 

2. Parrots are beautiful birds that many people love to have.  However, did you know a parrot could live to be 50 years old?  Having one as a pet is a long-term investment. 

3.  Birds should never be exposed to tobacco smoke, chemical fumes such as hairspray or cleaners, or Teflon coated materials.  This is because birds expel nearly all of their air during their breathing cycle.  Humans empty a portion of our air as we breathe out, bird expel nearly all of it which means with each inhale they are bringing in more pollutants.

4. Birds need to go to a veterinarian that specializes in bird care.  Your beloved vet who take great care of your cat, may not be able to take care of your bird as well. 

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Warm on Winter Walks

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Warm on Winter Walks

When it's cold outside you bundle up!  But what about your pets?  How are you keeping them warm while on a walk this winter? 

Here are some great tips to keep your dog happy on those chilly walks! 

1. Keep their toe hairs clipped so that ice does not form causing them problems. 
2. Invest in some doggy boots for your furry family members.
3. Wipe their paws.  This is very important.  Use a warm washcloth to wipe off the cold snow and also chemicals that may have been used to pre-treat.
4. Moisturize their little paws with a safe option such as coconut oil.  Their paws can become dry and cracked just like our skin can.  
5. Keep is short!  

How to Keep Your Pet Entertained Indoors During Bad Weather

How to Keep Your Pet Entertained Indoors During Bad Weather

If bad weather is keeping your pets indoors they can quickly start to drive you crazy!  We've found some great ways to keep those pets entertained and happy with the more confined day of being indoors.

1.  Hide and Seek for treats!  Hide a few of their favorite treats around the house for them to get a good smell of and let the hunt begin.  You can make this as easy or as challenging as you'd like for your pet.
2. Tug of war! If the kids are stuck inside to a great game of tug of war can keep everyone entertained! 
3. Chase.  Instead of your pet running around like crazy through the house find a favorite toy such as a tennis ball or a jingling ball depending on if you have a cat or dog, and roll it down a hall or across the room.  It will keep them from going all over the place trying to find something to do.
4. Chase Level 2.  If you have stairs, sit at the top and play chase down the stairs.  This is a great (if noisy) way to wear your hyper pet out.
5.  And finally, most important CUDDLES!  Once you've worn your fur baby out it's time for some Netflix and Cuddles!