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• Using Reinforcement and Rewards to Train Your Pet

  Pets readily learn to engage in appropriate, desired behaviors through positive reinforcement methods. Reward-based training improves communication and provides enrichment for pets and people alike.

• What Your Dog's Cute Behaviors Really Mean

  Most dog owners would agree that our canine friends are doggone cute. Some of their expressions and actions simply amplify their “cuteness.” But are they born with the innate “cuteness”, or do they learn how to be cute? This article discusses some of the reasons for these cute expressions and behaviors.

• Why Bones Are Not Safe for Dogs

  Dogs were built to chew. That is a fact. Bones can lead to a number of health problems from minor injuries to severe illness. Our job as pet parents, is to provide them with chewing options that do not put them in jeopardy. Happy chewing!

• Why Cats Lick Their Privates

  Cats will always lick, but it is sometimes embarrassing when they lick their private parts. Licking after eliminating is normal; however, if your cat licks more frequently, or you notice other signs such as discharge; swollen or red penis, vulva, or anus; pustules; discoloration of the skin; or if your cat strains to urinate, see your veterinarian for help. Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your cat's discomfort.

• Why Cats Sniff Rear Ends

  A cat's ability to smell is far more advanced than ours. Cats use their keen sense of smell, along with a visual assessment, to provide vital information about a new feline acquaintance. The way cats sniff rear ends can establish which of two cats is dominant and set the foundation of their relationship.

• Why Cats Turn Around Before Lying Down

  Cat ancestors turned around before bedtime for their health or protection. These innate habits remain to this day, but if your cat seems to be doing it excessively, it could be a sign of underlying medical problems, such as arthritis or neurological disorders. Contact your veterinarian if your cat appears to have difficulty settling down.

• Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?

  But whiskers are more than just facial enhancements. They serve an important function. Whiskers are finely tuned sensory equipment that guide a cat through daily functions. These specialized hairs aid vision and help a cat navigate the environment, providing additional sensory input, much like antennae on insects.

• Why Do Dogs Bury Bones?

  Burying of toys or food items by dogs goes back thousands of years as a means of preserving food and storing valuable or scarce food resources. Dogs today do it out of ancestral habit and as a means of resource protection. If you notice that your dog seems to be digging compulsively, contact your veterinarian.

• Why Do Dogs Howl?

  Like many canine behaviors, howling has ancestral roots. Whether it is occasional, constant, mournful, or exuberant, howling is part of normal canine communication. Depending on the situation, a howl can take on different meanings.

• Why Dogs Chase Their Tails

  Dogs chasing their own tail can be amusing but can also be a sign of a bigger problem. Tail-chasing may be a result of boredom, lack of exercise, exploration (in puppies), or cognitive decline (in older dogs). If your dog suddenly starts chasing or biting at his tail, schedule a veterinary visit, as the cause could be medical.