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Understanding common dog behaviors

Posted Tue, Apr 22, 2008, 1:56 pm PDT

Understanding the cause for common canine behaviors can help you better relate to your dog.

Barking is an important means of canine communication. In nature, dogs "sound the alarm" to alert other pack members of new arrivals or possible danger.

Panting is how dogs regulate their body temperature. Dogs lack the ability to sweat, except for a small area of their feet pads, so panting is their primary method of expelling heat.

Digging, particularly for terrier breeds, is instinctual. Dogs dig to find or hide food, such as rats or other rodents. During the summer, dogs sometimes dig dens to escape the heat.

Jumping up, though it is sometimes done in playful manner, is actually a way your dog attempts to assert dominance. Many owners misinterpret this behavior as "happiness" or a form of greeting.

Separation anxiety is natural for dogs, because they are a pack-oriented species. They are not used to separating from the group. You can make separation easier for your dog by leaving him in resting or relaxation mode by providing him with proper exercise before you leave him alone.

Remember, problem behaviors develop when your dog's needs are not being met. If you are having trouble with your dog, think about the Fulfillment Formula: Exercise, Discipline, and then Affection. Are you providing this for your dog?

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31 Comments

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1. Loretta H - 5:26PM on 04/22/08

I really enjoy your show and have learned alot, I have a dog (pug) who was tied outside in a goat lot as a puppy, I got her around 6 months old, and I find it very hard to break her, when she goes outside she is in high alert running the fence like she has to protect the yard. She is very hyper this way, any suggestions?
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2. mendoac - 8:49AM on 04/23/08

I have a hard time because my dog ALWAYS wines. Everywere we go. In the truck, when the break lights come on. We have know idea how to control it. He also yeips when we go into the store he sounds like we are hitting him or he is hanging over the side if the truck!! I am not sure what to do? Any suggestions? He is medium sized dog. You can email me at mendoac@yahoo.com. Please email me if you have ANY suggestion!! Thank you
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3. ANDREW H - 8:58AM on 04/23/08

Cesar, a friend had a problem with her boxer and another dog she owned... [q]~ I put the dogs outside, got their food, got the kittens theirs, and proceeded to get the dogs inside so they could eat. That's where it got hairy. My boxer, Julie, all of a sudden lost her mind and attacked my lab Gilbert. And I don't mean just any attack. I mean CUJO on steroids. She jumped on him, started literally mauling him while attacking with her entire body. For no reason! All he was doing was eating his breakfast, and she went at him. He was trying to protect his sweet little furry face from her teeth, he was crying, and she wouldn't let up until I bodily threw her off him.[/q] To read the full storey please goto: http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/ The owners name is Nicki and she is very hurt by the actions of her boxer. my email is rooster3430@yahoo.com
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4. ANDREW H - 9:20AM on 04/23/08

sorry, the link to the above post is: http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/2008/04/today-basically-sucked.html By the way: your show & web site have helped me alot with my 2 one yearold Cairn Terrier's [they are sisters], Thanks
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5. suzanne_onthego - 10:39AM on 04/23/08

I need to break my little dog from bitting people. She was a rescue dog and was kicked plenty as she used to rip garbages apart in order to eat and consequently fears (especially men) anyone who moves quickly or seems nervous as she is expecting a kick. She charges at the individual to bite their shoes/pant leg or feet if they are exposed as her method of defending I suspect. She is a wonderful little companion other than this; she is loyal, sweet and obedient, even needs no lease and waits on the curb until I tell her it's ok. This happens only rarely and seems just fine with people who seem confident and gentle, but it happens enough for me to know I need it to stop! She needs lots of exercise and the off-leash areas are almost perfect except for when this happens. Any suggestions?
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6. eng5241 - 10:46AM on 04/23/08

Boxer's are unpredictable and a little psycho
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7. ANGL I - 12:33PM on 04/23/08

I have two dogs, a Border Collie that suffers from anxiety when I leave her sight and does the barking and whining when I take her for a ride and stop at a store. I have noticed if I play a few games of frisbe before I have to leave that she doesn't seem to want to be where the sun don't shine. I also have a Beagle-Wire Hair Terrier mix that used to dig big trenches in search of moles. (eight in '07, one so far in '08). I praised her for the moles but when caught digging big holes I let her know I was unhappy. She likes the praise and now will sit patiently for hours until a mole bumps the ground then pounce and kill with minimal damage to the yard.
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8. nicki763 - 5:56PM on 04/23/08

i just got a pug thats a year old. some times she has fits of running and barking. She runs and runs like she is playing catch me if you can. what is that all about?
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9. ...... - 8:32PM on 04/23/08

Hi, I'm not sure if this is a behavorial problem, but any advice would help. I have a 4 year old male pitbull. He HAS to lay and sleep under a blanket. At first I thought it was cute, but now it is getting rather annoying. He will wake me up if he gets out from underneath it, which he usually does 2+ times a night. He has his own blanket, a fleece throw. When it's time to wash it, he has a fit if he can't lay down with it over him, well, he won't lay down, he will sit there and whine at me until I find something to cover him with, but it has to be to his liking. He doesn't like sheets or towels, pretty much only fleece or Velux (spelling). I've tried to ignore him when he wants his blanket, but he does not give up. Is he just a spoiled dog?
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10. sharon d - 5:40AM on 04/24/08

i also have a male pit bull and he will let the kids know when it is bed time because he can`t sleep until they r in bed and every night he take s turns one night he will sleep with my daughter the next he will sleep with my son, the only problem is just like yours he is a cover hog, so what i have had to do is buy full size comfortors to go on their twin size beds ,lol, believe me it`s a tight fit, thank goodness my kids are small foe their ages because my romeo is over 100 lbs. but he`s our baby and he knows it !!! i am just so glad to see someone else that loves their pit bull as much as we do, there are to many people out there that hate then and thinnk they all are mean and that is just not the case. everyone should come to texas and get to know my big baby.
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11. donnaj_martin - 8:16AM on 04/24/08

I have two boxer/staffordshire mixes and my male loves being under blankets! I keep one in his crate so he can lay on his rug and cover up with the blanket if he wants. He has figured out how to "dig" his way under them. I know the lady who owns the parents and her mother would wrap the puppies up like babies and sit with them when they cried (talk about spoiling them young). The female seems to run on the warm side anyway and usually won't go under a blanket - unless it's really cold (we live in WI). Duncan has a lot of muscle on his body, but not much fat at all - hi sister has more body fat. I know the dogs like to be warm, and are not cold weather breeds. Maybe that has something to do with it.
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12. Mighty Mouse - 4:25PM on 04/24/08

I also have a red-nosed pit bull. Her name is Peaches, best dog I have ever had. I have had plenty. I couldn't imagine life without her!! She also sleeps under the blankets with me. Which is fine, because my husband is a truck driver and is hardly ever home. She doesn't however whine when she isn't covered, she simply shifts and moves so she can stay warm. I've noticed she gets cold really easily. Perhaps its the breed? Either way I am stoked to find other lovers of this breed. It is so sad how misunderstood they are!! With alot of attention, and discipline, this breed is can be a very fulfilling partner!! I wish others would give it a chance!
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13. p66_6 - 3:32PM on 04/25/08

I have a lab/huskey mix, she is 4, and a house dog she is so well behaved non agressive trained not to bite or jump on people, she is very smart avnd always has been easy to train and teach , But she in the last year or two has developrd a FEW problems I`m at a loss to try and help her, she is terified of thunder stoms ,and loud noises like paper bags aluminum foil ect. she is slso terified of being in car to the point of hurting herself trying to get on my lap or on my feet to hide ,she is that afraid also of thunder she panics and im unable no matter what to calm her diwn, I just don`t know what to do to help her! I got her a anti-anxiety pills from vet. but Ihate seeing what it does to her. The only bad thing that happened to her ,and I wasn`t home,was It was a windy day and part of a tree fell and hit corner of house, since then she is very hestent to go outside if wendy she looks up and if to bad I have to stand by door till she is done. Also, as a puppy at 7 weeks her litter mates all seemed afrad, but she was only one to come to me,but, she hide under couch for almost a week,and watched everything always hiding under something. and I have no kids at home I havr an older dog who she loves they get along great and both are spayed. anyone have any suggestins? I could really use some advice,I watch Ceaser Millan all the time and it has helped me in many ways, and I love his show,so maybe you have some ideas as to what I can do to help her,it` jurt so sad to see her so afraid all the time, anybody?? THANKS AHEAD OF TIME FOR ANY INFO. THAT MAY HELP!
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14. bill p - 7:44AM on 04/28/08

i love your show i have 4 dogs 1 husky 2 of her pups they are mixed and a beagle mini pin mix and im haveing trouble with the dogs well 2 of them pulling like crazy on the leash one being the big husky male mix and lol the little beagle pin she walks on her hind legs and they both choke themselves we would love to take them on longer walks but he is so strong he has pulled my wife to the ground before and they are not being agressive when it happens until they see another animal and we can distract them from that most of the time with little correction but the pulling is out of this world lol please help if you have any ideas thank you for your time
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15. lazarino0012 - 10:54AM on 04/28/08

My dog has gotten into the habit of constantly licking the floor and I don't think its normal, any suggestions?
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16. Carol C - 5:14AM on 05/06/08

Love your show. We have a small 1 year old [profane]zu, Jack Russell mix. He is a very sweet dog but he is constantly picking up any and everything in his mouth. When you walk him he pick up every little leaf, nut, etc. In the house he also picks up everything in his mouth. When we try to take something from him that could be dangerous if he ingested it, he turns into a monster dog, growling and trying to bite you. Even his apperance seems to change. I have tried to give him a chewy or one of his favorite treats to get to drop what he has in his mouth but no luck. Last night he succeeded in biting my husband's hand while he was trying to get a pin out of his mouth. He came at him like a wild animal. Please help, we love this little guy but that behavior is completely unacceptable. I believe we have probably put affection ahead of discipline although we have attended obedience classes when he was younger but now he has seemed to regress. Please help.
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17. Carol C - 5:15AM on 05/06/08

Love your show. We have a small 1 year old [profane]zu, Jack Russell mix. He is a very sweet dog but he is constantly picking up any and everything in his mouth. When you walk him he pick up every little leaf, nut, etc. In the house he also picks up everything in his mouth. When we try to take something from him that could be dangerous if he ingested it, he turns into a monster dog, growling and trying to bite you. Even his apperance seems to change. I have tried to give him a chewy or one of his favorite treats to get to drop what he has in his mouth but no luck. Last night he succeeded in biting my husband's hand while he was trying to get a pin out of his mouth. He came at him like a wild animal. Please help, we love this little guy but that behavior is completely unacceptable. I believe we have probably put affection ahead of discipline although we have attended obedience classes when he was younger but now he has seemed to regress. Please help.
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18. cassieannp - 1:02PM on 05/07/08

I live next door to my sister nd she breeds King Charles Cavaliers. I own a dachsund/jack russel mix (Doc Russel). My dog is very Alfa and especially dislikes other females. We try to get them together but my dog is way too rough for the others. To make things even harder, my 23 yr old niece is dying from PSystic fibrosis and in the hospital for her second bi-lateral lung transplant. We now have promised to keep her teacup Mini Pin and she is extremely hyper. I wanted to take her to my house but she is also very alfa and aggressive. She growls at my dog immediately which causes my Doc Russel to attack. I'm afraid because the min pin is olnly 4 lbs. and My dog is about 23 lbs. My dog is also a rescue dog who has been known to fight with many dogs. Between us we now have 5 adult dogs and 6 new puppies. I only have my one little dog and wish their was a way to take in my neices dog as a dying request how could I say no? Please help us, we would love for Melissa (my neice) to know that her lil min pin (Queenie) will be happy and stay with us.
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19. mudbug18 - 2:50PM on 05/07/08

i got a dog she is very secare aroud people i try to play with her she dose not like to play with any one what can ido to get her to not be so seard aroud so many people
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20. behjat b - 9:02AM on 05/09/08

I have a 10 yrs old Jack Russell terrier,he gets hyper and psycho and bites when someone new comes to our house or wants to leave the house .we usally give piece of triead to them to give him, then he is friend,But as soon as they get up to leave he crazy, he is afraid of thunder, loud noises,and the new habite is licking the capet and floor,He bite our nieber and chase thier kids the other day,he is so strong,and every thing I learn from you show doesn't help,Any suggestion,Thank you for your time
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21. leidamay - 3:04PM on 05/09/08

My jack russell/dashound licks every time anyone's skin is around her, incessantly. When I close her mouth to stop, or push her away then the game is on. "Miss Celaneous" is driving me crazy.
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22. maguirepatti40 - 4:40PM on 05/19/08

I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD BICHON FRISE WHO I ADORE , SOMETIMES HE'S NOTTY AND STEALS MAGAZINES AND RIPS IT UP WHEN HE DOESNT GET ENOUGH ATTENTION.
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23. Justine P - 6:45AM on 05/21/08

I have a 3 yr. old Rat Terrier who is blind in one eye, and has had a shed fall onto him when he was a puppy. My little siblings like to play with him roughly, and sometimes so do I. Lately, though, I've been leaving him alone, but my siblings are all over him. Giving him affection when he doesn't want it. He's a little grumpy and sometimes we call him "old man". But even when I come near him, he'll start growling at me. When I go to bed I like to have him in my room, usually the livingroom, where he lays down, is dark and my mom told me when I go near him to let him hear my voice, but he still growls at me. On occasions, I can't get him to stop unless he's not near me. The only person he doesn't growl at is my mother.
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24. Sandy J - 6:40PM on 05/25/08

I have a four year old male Rott, a wonderful dog in all ways, a great companion. I have heard of dog/cats chasing light beams from laser lights or flashlights and my dog does this and is completely obsessive about it. He will sit and whine at the light source if it is put away, he remembers where it is and does not forget. He also chases shadows, same thing gets obsessive about it. The dog is very social, loves people, and shares his toys willingly. Why do you suppose he enjoys chasing lights/shadows.
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25. Helga - 11:22AM on 05/26/08

I adopted a MIn Pin 2 1/2 years ago. He is now 6 1/2 aprox. He escapes every chance he gets and does not respond to recall. What can I do to stop thios behavior??
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26. duneswalkersandi - 3:12PM on 05/29/08

I have a wonderful 3 yr. old male Aussie. We have no problems with him except his barking. When someone comes to the door he barks loudly even after they get inside for a moment. We have tried every bark collar on the market. He hates to be unpleasant and I hate to have to scold him. Any advice?
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27. Louise - 7:55AM on 06/17/08

for the dog that does not get along with other dogs, try Australian Bush Flower Essences Slender Rice flower comes to mind added to one call Adol essence. For the dog that barks at the door, use Cesar Millan's technique of owning the door, check National Geographic video clips for some ideas on doing this. For the obsessing dog try Australian Bush Flower Essences Boronia or the mixture Calm & Clear Essence There are many solutions using Cesar Millan's methods inconjuction with the Australian Bush Flower Essences :o)))
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28. Jessica - 3:17PM on 06/17/08

My dog is constantly sniffing everything. She's part pit ("pound puppy" so we're not sure what she's mixed with) and I'm wondering if that's a part of the breed or perhaps a clue to the other part of her. Or if she has an issue. We cannot go for a walk quite yet without her lifting her head off the ground/grass or stopping every 10 seconds. What's the deal?
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29. edcin1632 - 7:20AM on 06/19/08

My 6 lb 5 yr old male toy poodle has started to pee in the house any time he wants to , he just lifts his leg and goes. We have 2 other poodles a female and a younger male. He's taken out frequently, when I take him with me to work or anywhere else he holds it for hours, no problem. Ctnthi
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30. tirnavos - 12:34PM on 06/30/08

I have a mix terrier, 4 yrs old, his name is Rocco. It is a rescue dog, and he seems to really adore me since I am the one to rescue him from the shelter.He follows me every where in the house, he does not want to lose sight of me, but when out he will not listen to his name, he will not come, completely ignores me. I don't know what to do, and another thing, if we touch him the wrong time he will turn and bite us, even me. It seems that he does not trust us comletely yet. He was left in the shelter from his previews family and I don't know if he was mistreated ( I think so). I would appreciate any advise as how to handle and win his trust.
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