LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Dogs

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Hi Sharon, and welcome to the site.

Check out our article on Why Do Dogs Bury Bones. I think it explains why your dog is covering her food bowels. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have adopted a 2 year old bloodhound. She covers her food and water with a mound of hay. Why does she do this?

-- Contributed by: Sharon

Hi Debbie,

Have there been any recent changes in your home or routine? Sometimes such a change can trigger a little insecurity. Our son just left for college, and his dog is taking it well, but she has been a bit more clingy.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Recently my 9 yr old female mix breed has all the sudden become so interested in everywhere I go. Its almost like she's afraid if I don't take her out with me she's going to be missing a bunch of fun. She watches my every move and the minute I go to pick up my purse she is right there ready to go. She goes on daily walks, she's not spoiled, nor ignored. Normally she could have cared less if I came or went, now I seem to be the center of her universe. I don't understand how my dog previously paid no mind to what I was doing, to now, its like I'm being watched. What could cause this change? (she's a very happy & healthy girl, very loved)

-- Contributed by: Debbie

Hi Karen,

You hit the nail on the head; Akitas are strong-willed so it's very important to enroll them in obedience class while they are young. Even though your dog is 18 months old, it's not to late to get a handle on his behavior. Imagine being able to call your dog and have him respond without resistance. Obedience training can do that for you. Check out the dog training facilities in your area and try to get set up for classes right away. I'm sure you love your dog now, but you're really going to enjoy him once the two of you are on the same page. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi we have an 18 month old non-neutered male Akika. Sometimes when we go to bring him in from outside(and he doesn't want to come), he will lay down and roll to his back with mouth open and stubbornly refuse to get up while touching our arm with his teeth (not biting). I then have to collar him in order to take him where I need him to go. Although it can be aggravating and sometimes un-nerving I proceed firmly and hide my frustration. How can we stop this behaviour before it exacerbates? He doesn't do it all the time but we want it stopped completely because as we are quite aware Akitas are very strong willed. Thanks, Karen

-- Contributed by: Karen

Hi Bre,

This is a bit unusual, but I'm not sure it's any cause for worry. Does your dog "lick air" the entire time he's sitting with you, or does he eventually settle down. I can't be certain, but this sounds like a mild anxiety/compulsive behavior, and you may be able to train him out of it by offering him a milk bone to chew each time he crawls up with you. This should distract him from licking, and in time he may drop that behavior entirely.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this suggestion helps. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My two year old Chihuahua is constantly getting up on my chest and won't stop licking air? He's not licking me but sticking out his tongue back and forth quickly. But, it seems he only does this when we are sitting or laying down. Any suggestions of what to do?

-- Contributed by: Bre

Hi Terry,

I'm sorry to hear about your problem. Let me ask a few questions in order to better understand your situation. As a young puppy, did your pet receive much socialization beyond the people who live in your home? If not, this could have been the beginning of the current bahvior. It's important to expose young pups to a variety of situations where they learn that meeting new people and visiting new places can be pleasant experiences. Without this early socialization, fearful behaviors can crop up.

Think back to when your dog first began behaving fearfully. What was your family's reaction? If someone picked up the puppy and coddled him, it could have reinforced the idea that something was indeed worth being afraid of, and this could have set the stage for the problem you're having now. Our dogs take their cues from us, so it's important to remain calm and nonchalant when your dog acts fearfully when the situation doesn't really warrant it. Just tell him it's alright in a calm and assuring voice, but don't give him too much intention, or you'll accidentally reinforce the behavior you don't want. It will take some time, but your dog should eventually pick up on your cues that there is nothing to fear.

Thanks for your question, and I hope these thoughts help.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 11 month old beagle at the age of six months stated being afraid of people. He will not let a stranger touch him he will bold. When he was young he crawled all over everyone. Then the next time we took him out he was afraid. We are trying to show him. I have tried everything . We even take on of our other beagles that is very friendly and not afraid of a thing and let him watch her . I just don t know what to do. This weekend we went to Petco with the both of them The friendly one was playing and wagging her tail with three kids that were playing with her, he freaked out went flat to the ground as I call it spread eagle and tried to crawl away. I have never seen a dog so scared. Can you help him.

-- Contributed by: Terry Wheeler

Hi Brendan,

I think the quickest route to a solution would be to enroll your dog in obedience class. The dogs are all worked on leash in the basic class, and this will give your instructor the opportunity to show your a variety of correction techniques that should prove useful. Additionally, the commands your dog will learn will also help you maintain control over him in any situation. Overall, I think you'll be very happy with the results.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 10 month old Doberman pup, he is de-sexed and he acts strangely when he is on a lead with other dogs. When we take him to the dog beach he is quite friendly with other dogs sometimes he is even disinterested in them, but when I take him for walks on a lead, whenever he sees another dog he howls and barks and even froths at the mouth. Just wondering what I could do to get this under control?

-- Contributed by: Brendan

Hi Keith,

This is an odd kind of behavior. I've seen dogs do that when trying to bite fleas, but I havn't seen one do it to a person. My guess at this point is that it's just a behavior tick that you might be able to discourage by telling your dog no and moving him away from you to emphasize the need to stop. If you're consistent, you should see results. Also, don't forget to tell the vet about this behavior at your dog's next check up. The vet will want to check the teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My year-old ...apoo has recently taken to nibbling on whatever of our (clothed) body parts he happens to be near. This nibbling consists of VERY rapidly rubbing his upper and lower incisors on a sleeve or trouser leg. Occasionally we can hear his teeth click. Is this grooming? Does he think we have parasites? He is otherwise the most un-neurotic dog I've ever owned- a real gem. He's 28 lbs. and allergic to some component of most canned dog food and any but lamb and rice dry food.

-- Contributed by: Keith Weinberg

Hi Breanne,

Do you leave fresh water down for your dog constantly? He may empty his bowl due to extreme thirst, so fill it up again right away. Once he fills his tank, he may just go back for normal size drinks when the water is always available.

Also keep in mind that excessive thirst can be a sign of canine diabetes, so you might want to have your vet check out your dog.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello,

My 5 month old Shepherd/Chow mix feels the need to drink his entire bowl of water as soon as I put it on the floor for him. We adopted him two months ago and he has generally persisted with this behavior since we got him. We have to get him attention to get him away from the bowl. What does this mean? I have noticed nothing different about his other behaviors, such as energy level, play, or food intake. How can we teach him to slow down?

Thank you!

-- Contributed by: Breanne

Hi Ed,

What an interesting question. I suspect the dogs would move on with their people/pack, but would likely venture out to explore while the pioneers were camped. These dogs would likely have taken the opportunity to eat whatever was available in addition to whatever scraps they received from their owners.

Something else to consider is how attitudes toward our dogs have changed since those times. An owner might have affection for a dog in pioneer days, but the animal was still generally perceived more as livestock than a family member. Just something else to ponder as your write.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi,

I'm writing a novel about a party of pioneers and need to know how their dogs react to moving each day. I suspect well enought that they'd stay with the party as it moves along the road.

I need to get this confirmed by someone.

Thanks

Ed Wilson

-- Contributed by: Edward Wilson

Courtney,

It sounds like you and your dog need to get some training. Obedience training will teach your dog to come when you call him. A professional trainer will be able to help you teach your dog not to run out the door. Since training takes time, and your dog is also having a destructive chewing issue there are some steps you should take to help make your dog more manageable unitl he learns to listen reliably.

You did not say when your dog was chewing things up. If he does it all the time, it is most likely because he is bored. If he is only destructive when you are gone, you should discuss his behaviors with your vet to determine if he has separation anxiety. Boredom and anxiety issues can be alleviated with rigorous exercise for a couple of hours every day. Running, playdates with other dogs, and hiking for a couple of miles can help him to expend that pent-up nervous energy. You may also consider feeding him out of interactive chew toys such as Kongs. This will offer him an opportunity to address his need to chew during his meals. Be sure to change out the toys he has available every few days to keep them new and interesting. Exercise, training, and environmental enrichment will help you and your dog have a more enjoyable relationship.

-- Contributed by: Deana Case

my male American terrier has been chewing up thousands of things and will not come to you or listen and when he is out side he takes of and does not come back and when you finally ketch him he tucks his tail in and pees all over himself what can i do to make him stop

-- Contributed by: courtney

Hi Judy,

You Yorkie may love all of you, but that's not the same thing as respecting you as his leaders. Right down the little rascal believes he's above your five year old in the pack order. It's up to you to teach your child how to take the leadership position with dog, and you'll need to be there to make sure things don't get out of hand. My best advice is to enroll in a puppy kindergarten class, and bring your child along to walk the puppy on a lead. This is a very positive way to establish each member of your family in a dominant position over your dog, and this should lead to greater harmony.

Thanks for your question, and good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 3 month old male yorkie, who is very affectionate with me and my teenage kids. But he bites and growls at my 5 year old every time he is playing with him. What could be causing him to behave this way? Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Judy

My brother has a bull mastiff I think he is very sick he can hardly stand and when he does he falls to the right ,his tongue is dry and looks prune like. he won't make and noise. hardly eats.I sure hes ears are infected what else can make him fall always to the right? Brain tumor?

Hi Geri,

Any number of things could be wrong here, but a shriveled tongue is certainly a sign of severe dehydration. I believe this dog needs emergency veterinary care or he may not survive. Please don't delay in seeking help.

You have my very best wishes for this dog's recovery.

-- Contributed by: geri

I am 15 years old and I have a 12 year old male, J.D.. He's a poodle/shih tzu mix. My parents and I used to live in a trailor, and J.D. would be just fine in the house. There was the occasional accident, but never often. Then, we moved into a bigger house. We've lived here for 2 years now. At first, we let J.D. be in the main part of the house, and he was fine, but then he started to have accidents in the house. So my parents are now making him stay in the (livable) parts of the house, like the furnished basement, etc, where he has been for about a year and a half. In the last 6 months or so, he's been going in the basement. At first we just thought it was getting used to the basement, and just mopped it up with vinegar/water solution. But now, he keeps doing it. I think it might be because he doesn't like be seperated from us. I mean, after all, he lived in the main house the 8 years we were in the trailor. My parents don't listen to my theory and will not let me convince them to allow him back in the house. We have had him checked for a UTI, but he's very healthy. What should I do? Am I right by trying to convince them to let J.D. live in the main part of the house again?

Sorry this is long, I just want some help. Thank you.

Expert Reply

Hi Victoria,

It's easy for me to have sympathy for everyone involved in this situation. Your parents want to keep their home from being ruined, your dog probably does feel upset about the separation after having lived so closely with you. And of course, you are looking for a solution that will return harmony to the household.

At age 12, it's not unusual for a senior dog to begin developing incontinence. If your vet checked him thoroughly and found no evidence of a kidney problem, it may simply be that his bladder is aging and beginning to wear out.

Here's what I suggest:

First, I want you to do a quick Internet search for a product called belly bands. They are a type of male doggie diaper that goes around the dog's waist to keep him from peeing in the house. If he wets, it's contained in the diaper and will need to be changed.
Second, are you willing to commit to being very diligent about taking J.D. out more frequently? This could definitely help your situation.

Present your parents with this plan of action and ask them to at least give it a try for a couple of weeks. The doggie diaper should ensure that no further damage is done, but you must check to see that is changed as often as needed.

Thank you for your question, and I hope these suggestions will help you work out the situation to everyone's satisfaction.

-- Contributed by: Victoria

Hi Angela,

If you're already your dog's pack leader then this shouldn't be too difficult since your dog will already be used to obeying you.

Ask someone to be your "training guest". Put your dog's collar and leash on, and then have your guest enter your home. When your dog approaches to jump on the guest, give a very strong "NO" command and pull directly downward on the leash as your dog attempts to jump up. Make your dog actually lay down on the floor and put your foot on the leash, giving just enough length for your dog to be comfortable without being able to get up off the ground.

Keep your dog on the floor until he relaxes, and then allow him to get up. If he approaches your guest again, tell him no, and repeat the entire exercise as needed until your dog is obeying your "No" command.

This is often enough to teach most boisterous dogs the lesson. However, some dogs actually need full obedience training to instill house manners. You can start out with my suggestion and move on to full obedience training if you feel your dog needs it.

Thanks for your question and good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

How do I stop my Staffy Bull from jumping up people whan they come into the house?. Thanks

-- Contributed by: Angela
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