Robert Benchley, the humorist, once remarked that “A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.” Why do dogs circle before they lie down? You have surely watched with curiosity and amusement as your dog makes a few tight circles before settling down for a snooze. He may … Read more
A dog sometimes picks up what appears to be a really yucky morsel. He may carry it around in his mouth or even eat it! The thought that it must taste awful leaps to mind. You know that the tidbit just can’t taste good. The dog, however, seems to find it yummy. The sense of … Read more
Humans greet each other by making eye contact and shaking hands. That is what we are taught to do from childhood. Dogs are taught a greeting ritual also, but it is quite different from ours. An ancestral canine mother carried food in her mouth for her young pups that greeted her by licking bits of … Read more
Veterinary behaviorists are not sure why dogs like to roll in smelly stuff, but several theories exist. Many are based on the idea that the practice is an instinctive behavior passed on through generations of canines. The origin of such a behavior is not known, but the speculations are quite intriguing. A suggestion that has … Read more
Have you ever found your dog’s kibble hidden in the couch cushions or his favorite toy in your tennis shoe? Putting things in ‘secret’ places may seem an unusual occupation for your dog, but he is just following age old instincts. Fifty million years ago dog-like critters came on the scene, but it was only … Read more
It is interesting to consider what your dog surveys when he looks out on the world. A toy dogs eyes are about 8 inches above the ground. A Pomeranian walking through tall grass might feel he is in the midst of a jungle. A medium sized dog like a Beagle would probably be able to … Read more
Different dogs react to storms in different ways. A dog may become anxious or agitated long before a storm arrives and send signals that lightning flashes and roaring thunder are on the way. Restlessness, excessive panting, trembling, whining, and drooling are common symptoms of a storm phobic dog. Some pups seek to stay extremely close … Read more
If you among the 37-47% US households that own a dog, you may enjoy being greeted at the door by your tail-wagging friend when you come home. If you are included in the 30-37% of homes that own a cat, you may not be met so enthusiastically, but your feline friend will surely want to … Read more
You smell an apple pie baking in the oven. Much later, you close your eyes and remember the wonderful aroma. Your sense of smell and your memory of fragrances are great, but your dog’s are better. His sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive and his aroma memory bank is amazing. A … Read more
Winter was a wonderful time for you and your dog to spend cuddling together as couch potatoes. The holidays kept you busy, but the inclement weather and short days made laid back snuggle time a must. Spring has officially arrived. Days are getting longer and the weather is warmer. Some of you may still be … Read more